Duck Confit
AI-generated image
Gluten-free French

Duck Confit

Duck legs slowly roasted in aromatic duck fat until the meat is supple and richly flavored, then finished skin-side up for shatteringly crisp skin. Serve with a sharp green salad or roasted potatoes to balance the richness.

205 min 4 servings Medium
All recipes

How to prepare

1
Pat the duck legs very dry. Rub them all over with the salt and black pepper, then arrange them in a covered dish with the garlic and thyme. Refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.
2
Wipe the seasoning, garlic, and thyme from the duck legs without rinsing them. Heat the oven to 135°C.
3
Arrange the duck legs skin-side down in a snug roasting dish. Pour in the melted duck fat so the legs are mostly submerged, cover tightly with foil, and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until a fork slips easily into the thickest part and the meat is pulling away from the bone.
Duck legs slowly roasting while mostly submerged in duck fat AI-generated image
4
Lift the duck legs from the fat and place them skin-side up on a rack over a baking sheet. Let them drain and cool for 10 minutes while the oven heats to 230°C.
5
Roast the duck legs uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and crisp and the meat reaches at least 74°C for safe serving.
Duck confit legs with deeply golden crisp skin AI-generated image
6
Rest the duck legs for 5 minutes, then serve hot with a bitter green salad or potatoes roasted in reserved duck fat.

Why this recipe works

Salting seasons the duck deeply while drawing moisture from the skin, and gentle roasting in fat renders the meat tender without drying it. A final blast of heat restores the signature crisp texture.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool the duck in its fat, cover, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep the duck fully submerged in fat in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

How to reheat it

Place the duck skin-side up on a rack over a baking sheet and reheat at 220°C until hot throughout and the skin is crisp, about 20 minutes. The meat should reach at least 74°C for reheating safety.

Nutrition / serving

821kcal
45.38 gprotein
2.01 gcarbs
70.07 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 15 Aug 2026 · updated 15 Aug 2026