Oh my goodness, have I got a game-changing recipe for you! My air fryer goose with orange glaze is the kind of dish that’ll make you feel like a gourmet chef without any of the fuss. I remember the first time I tried it – that perfect crackle of crispy skin giving way to juicy meat, all wrapped in that sweet-tangy orange glaze that just sings on your tongue. And the best part? No messy oven splatters or hours of basting! Your air fryer does nearly all the work while you sit back and enjoy the amazing aromas filling your kitchen. This is hands-down my favorite way to prepare goose now – it’s faster than roasting, easier to clean up, and gives you that perfect golden crunch every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Goose with Orange Glaze
Let me tell you why this recipe stole my heart (and probably will steal yours too):
- That perfect crispy skin – The air fryer works magic, giving you that golden crunch without the grease splatters of traditional roasting
- The glaze is everything – Sweet honey meets tangy orange with just a hint of savory soy sauce – it’s like sunshine on a plate
- So much easier than you’d think – No fancy techniques, just simple steps that come together beautifully
- Hello, easy cleanup! – No wrestling with roasting pans – just pop out the air fryer basket when you’re done
- Bonus kitchen gold – All that delicious rendered goose fat is perfect for roasting potatoes later (trust me, you’ll thank me)
Seriously, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy-skinned goose again!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Goose with Orange Glaze
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this showstopper – and trust me, every single ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of flavors:
- 1 whole goose (about 4-5 lbs) – Look for one with nice, smooth skin (I always pat mine super dry with paper towels first – this is the secret to crispy skin!)
- 1 tsp salt – Just regular kosher salt works great here
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked if you’ve got it
- 1 tsp garlic powder – The easy way to get that savory depth
- 1 tsp dried thyme – My favorite herb pairing with goose
- 1 large orange – You’ll need both the juice and zest (pick one that feels heavy for its size – more juice!)
- 2 tbsp honey – For that gorgeous caramelized glaze
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – Don’t skip this – it balances the sweetness perfectly
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard – My little secret ingredient that makes the glaze cling beautifully
See? Nothing too fancy – just simple ingredients that work magic together!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this air fryer goose shine:
- Air fryer – A standard 5-6 quart one works perfectly
- Basting brush – For that beautiful orange glaze application
- Meat thermometer – To check for that perfect 165°F internal temp
That’s it! Simple tools for a seriously impressive dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Goose with Orange Glaze
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have the most incredible air fryer goose with that gorgeous orange glaze in no time. I’ve made this dozens of times and these are the foolproof methods that work every single time.
Preparing the Goose
First things first – grab your goose and pat it completely dry with paper towels. I mean really get in there – moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Then mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme in a little bowl. Rub this all over the goose, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy – this seasoning blend is what gives the meat such incredible flavor!
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – this only takes about 3-5 minutes. While it’s heating, place the goose in the basket breast-side up (this helps render the fat evenly). Cook for 30 minutes at this temperature – you’ll start to smell those amazing aromas and see the skin beginning to crisp up beautifully.
Making and Applying the Orange Glaze
While the goose cooks, whisk together the orange juice and zest, honey, soy sauce, and mustard in a small bowl. After the initial 30 minutes, carefully pull out the basket and brush this glorious glaze all over the goose. Make sure to get every bit coated – the acidity from the orange cuts through the richness perfectly!
Final Cooking and Resting
Pop the glazed goose back in for another 20-25 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Here’s my secret – let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This keeps all those delicious juices locked in while the skin stays perfectly crisp!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Goose with Orange Glaze
Want to take your air fryer goose from great to absolutely perfect? Here are all my hard-earned kitchen secrets:
- Check early, check often – Goose sizes vary, so peek at the 20-minute mark and adjust time as needed. Nothing worse than overcooked goose!
- Save that liquid gold – The rendered goose fat in your air fryer basket is chef’s gold – strain it through a fine mesh sieve and store for roasting potatoes later.
- Glazing trick – Apply the orange glaze in two thin layers instead of one thick one for better adhesion and caramelization.
- Resting is mandatory – I know it’s tempting, but those 10 minutes of resting make ALL the difference for juicy meat.
- Size matters – Got a bigger bird? Add 5 minutes per extra pound and always verify with your thermometer.
Follow these little tips and you’ll be serving goose that would make any chef proud!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this gorgeous air fryer goose! Those crispy slices shine alongside:
- Roasted potatoes cooked in the reserved goose fat (absolute perfection!)
- Simple buttered green beans with slivered almonds
- Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon
And don’t forget – that leftover orange glaze makes the most amazing drizzle for your sides!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Now, I know goose this good rarely has leftovers – but if you’re lucky enough to have some, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh! Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, pop it in the air fryer at 350°F for just 3-4 minutes to bring back that incredible crispiness. No soggy microwave reheats here!
Air Fryer Goose with Orange Glaze FAQs
I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use a different glaze?
Absolutely! While the orange-honey combo is my favorite, you could try maple syrup with a splash of balsamic vinegar or even a ginger-soy mixture. Just keep the liquid amounts about the same so it doesn’t make the skin soggy.
How do I prevent dryness?
Two words: thermometer and rest. Cook to exactly 165°F in the thickest part (no more!) and let it rest before carving. That patience pays off in juicy perfection every time.
What if my goose is bigger than 5 pounds?
No worries! Add about 5 minutes per extra pound of cooking time after glazing. But really, your thermometer is your best friend here – go by temperature, not just time.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the glaze and season the goose a few hours early, but cook it fresh for that unbeatable crispy skin. Leftovers reheat beautifully though!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, with all that crispy skin and juicy meat, who’s counting?
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite way to make showstopping goose without any of the fuss! I’d love to hear how yours turns out – did you get that perfect crispy skin? Does your family go crazy for that orange glaze like mine does? Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Goose with Orange Glaze in 50 Minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious and crispy air fryer goose with a sweet and tangy orange glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 whole goose (about 4–5 lbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 orange (juiced and zested)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Pat the goose dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the goose in the air fryer basket, breast side up, and cook for 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, and mustard to make the glaze.
- Brush the glaze over the goose and cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Check the goose halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of your goose.
- Save the rendered fat for roasting potatoes or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of goose
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: air fryer goose, orange glaze goose, crispy goose recipe