Using animal fats instead of seed oils when cooking food is a growing trend among consumers due to their rich flavor and health benefits. With duck fat, you can have the best of both worlds as it’s lower in saturated fats than other animal fats but has a fatty acid profile similar to olive oil. What’s more duck fat has a high smoke point, making it a great option for cooking with an air fryer.
And while air fryers are known for their ability to cook food to a delicious crisp without the use of cooking oil or fat, using a very small amount can actually yield improved browning and crispiness as well as enhanced the flavor.
While some meats or pre-breaded items you prepare in the air fryer may not need additional oil, certain foods like tender vegetables and potatoes turn out well when prepared an air fryer with 1-2 tablespoons of duck fat. Here are a few of our favorite duck fat side dish recipes perfect for the air fryer:
- Air Fryer Duck Fat Truffle Fries
If you plan on using duck fat to fix your favorite side in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Then, lightly coat the food with a small amount of duck fat and place it in the air fryer basket and set the timer according to your recipe or desired level of crispiness. Remember to shake or flip the food halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
The popularity of air fryers and the rich flavor of duck fat is a winning combination for fixing an assortment of delicious side dishes. For more inspiration, check out our recipe catalog.