What is the average cooking time for a duck?

A five- to six-pound whole duck should typically cook for about two-and-a-half hours in an oven heated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the duck's internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on its size, a duck breast should roast for about 10 minutes at the same oven temperature.

Most recipes recommend scoring the duck's skin with a sharp knife before cooking to let the fat drain out, and some also suggest browning the duck in a skillet for a few minutes before roasting it in the oven. After cooking, the duck should rest for about 15 minutes before carving and serving.