Can I make Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit ahead?

Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.

What cookware works best?

Use a Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.

How do I know it is done?

Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

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Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit

Name: Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 duck legs, skin-on, trimmed; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise; 1/4 teaspoon ground clove; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large orange, zested and juiced; 3 tablespoons honey; 4 garlic cloves, smashed; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 3, 2026

French-Inspired 55 mins instantpotonepoteasyfamilydinnerflavorfulheartybudget-friendlyglutenfreedairyfreeweeknight

Experience gourmet French-inspired comfort with this Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit. Tender duck legs are effortlessly cooked in your Instant Pot, then finished with a fragrant spiced orange glaze that delivers vibrant citrus notes and rich depth. This easy, hearty one-pot recipe is perfect for flavorful family dinners any weeknight and is budget-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Prep 15 min

Cook 40 min

Total 55 min

Servings 4

Difficulty medium

Cuisine French-Inspired

Ingredients

Servings 4

4 duck legs, skin-on, trimmed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large orange, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons honey
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf

Ingredients for Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit

Instructions

Pat the duck legs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season all over with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, ground star anise, and ground clove. Rub the spices evenly into the skin and meat. Let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and add olive oil. Once hot, place the duck legs skin-side down and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the duck legs from the pot and set aside.
Add the sliced onion and smashed garlic cloves to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze, loosening any browned bits.
Return the duck legs to the Instant Pot skin-side up. Add the orange zest, orange juice, honey, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf on top.
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to 'Pressure Cook' on High for 25 minutes.
When cooking completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Carefully remove the duck legs and keep warm. Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode to reduce the cooking liquid, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the glaze is syrupy and coats the back of a spoon.
Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Spoon the spiced orange glaze over the duck legs and serve immediately.
Serve with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to complete this hearty family dinner.

Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Tips

Pan Or Pot Required

This recipe is crafted for the Instant Pot , ideal for those who appreciate easy, one-pot meals without compromising gourmet flavor.

Cookware Size Guidance

This recipe is optimized for a 6-quart Instant Pot , which comfortably accommodates 4 duck legs along with broth, glaze, and aromatics.

Cookware Swap Guidance

hout an electric pressure cooker, aligning with PanPotPlates values of flavor, ease, and family-friendly cooking: Slow Cooker Method: Begin by searing the duck legs in a cast iron skillet or sturdy pan to get crispy skin.

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit ahead?: Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.
What cookware works best?: Use a Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.
How do I know it is done?: Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

You can customize this Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit to meet different dietary needs or ingredient preferences with these substitutions, all while keeping the robust, comforting flavor:

Duck Legs: Swap with skin-on chicken thighs or turkey legs for a leaner, more budget-friendly protein that still offers hearty richness.
Honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar to make the recipe vegan-friendly and provide alternative natural sweetness.
Chicken Broth: Replace with vegetable or mushroom broth to create a vegetarian or vegan version, especially when paired with plant-based duck alternatives.
Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil to vary flavor profiles and accommodate dietary fat preferences.
Spices: For a milder or kid-friendly option, reduce or omit star anise and clove, which add deeper warmth and complexity.

These adjustments make the recipe versatile for family dinners, special diets, and easy weeknight cooking—all while maintaining its gluten-free, dairy-free, hearty character.

Storage and Reheating

Cool Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze portions for longer storage when the ingredients are freezer-friendly. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid if the dish looks dry.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Instant Pot Spiced Orange-Glazed Duck Leg Confit

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions