Confit legs are already cooked tender in fat, so your only job is crackling the skin without drying the meat: crisp it skin-side down in a dry pan or a hot oven until it shatters. Save the fat that clings to them and fry parboiled potatoes in it with garlic and thyme, the classic pommes sarladaises. Leave the potatoes undisturbed for several minutes so they build a real crust before you toss them.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook35 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineFrench
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for2servings
Duck confit legs
Legs slow-cooked in fat until tender; you only need to crisp them.
Parboil the potatoesCut the potatoes into chunks and boil 6 to 8 minutes until just tender at the edge, then drain and dry them well. Dry surfaces crisp; wet ones steam.
Crisp the legsSet the confit legs skin-side down in a dry pan over medium heat, or in a 400F oven, until the skin turns deep and shatters, about 15 minutes.
Fry the potatoesIn the duck fat, lay the potatoes in one layer and leave them undisturbed 5 minutes to crust before tossing with garlic and thyme.
Plate togetherPile the potatoes and set the crisp legs on top. Spoon over any garlic from the pan and serve while the skin is still crackling.
Can you make Duck Confit with Potatoes in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Duck Confit with Potatoes? — Not ideal
You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.
Can you make Duck Confit with Potatoes ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Duck Confit with Potatoes gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Duck Confit with Potatoes vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
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