Beef Liver, Air-Fried: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Beef liver can be cooked in an air fryer, and it is a quick and mess-free way to cook this nutritious meat. It is also a great way to get that deep-fried texture without the excess oil. The cooking time will depend on the size of your liver pieces, but generally, it is recommended to cook beef liver at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. However, it is important not to overcook the liver, as it can become tough, chewy, and dry. To prevent this, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Seasoning and spices

Salt and Pepper

A classic combination of salt and pepper is a versatile and straightforward seasoning option. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste preferences, but be generous, as beef liver can benefit from ample seasoning.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular ingredient that can be used in various forms. You can use fresh garlic cloves, minced or crushed, and add them to your marinade or spice blend. Alternatively, garlic powder is a convenient option that blends well with other spices.

Onion

Onion is another versatile ingredient that pairs well with beef liver. Fresh onions, sliced into rings or thin strips, can be placed in the air fryer basket along with the liver. Onion powder is also a great option for seasoning the liver, adding a subtle onion flavour.

Spices and Herbs

Feel free to experiment with various spices and herbs to find your favourite combinations. Smoked paprika, thyme, dry mustard, and cilantro are just a few examples of spices and herbs that can elevate your dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be used as a garnish to add a bright touch to the dish.

Olive Oil

While not a spice, olive oil is an excellent base for your seasoning blend. Coating the liver slices lightly in olive oil helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes even browning. Avocado oil is another healthy option with a high smoke point.

Light Breading (Optional)

For a crispier texture, you can lightly coat the liver slices in flour, cornmeal, or breadcrumbs before air frying. Dipping the liver in olive oil or avocado oil first will help the coating stick. This step is entirely optional but can add a pleasing texture to your dish.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to be generous and experiment with different combinations to find your preferred flavour profile. Enjoy crafting your perfect air-fried beef liver dish!

Internal temperature

Achieving the correct internal temperature is crucial when cooking beef liver in an air fryer. The USDA recommends cooking beef liver to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. This can be measured by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the liver. For a medium-rare finish, the internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).

It is important to note that beef liver should not be consumed rare. A minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is required for safe consumption, with some sources recommending a temperature of 165°F. The liver should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the centre.

To ensure the liver cooks evenly, it should be arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with adequate space for air to flow around each piece. The liver should also be flipped halfway through the cooking process to achieve even browning on both sides.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your beef liver is cooked to the correct internal temperature and is safe to consume.

Soaking liver in milk

Beef liver can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. It is a quick, mess-free, and nutritious meal. Before cooking, you can soak the liver in milk to help reduce its strong flavour and tenderise the meat.

To soak liver in milk, put the liver in a dish and cover it completely with milk or buttermilk. Leave it to soak for 30 to 60 minutes, then pat the liver dry and proceed with your recipe. Do not soak the liver for longer than 2 hours, as it may start to affect the texture.

If you want to avoid the milk, you can simply rinse the liver with cold water before slicing it into 2-inch pieces.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for beef liver in an air fryer will depend on the size of your liver pieces and the air fryer model. Each air fryer cooks at different rates, so it's important to keep a close eye on your liver to prevent overcooking, which can make the meat tough, chewy, and dry.

For large slices of liver (around 10 mm thick), it is recommended to cook them for 5 minutes at 180°C (356°F). Smaller pieces of liver will take even less time to cook, with some recipes suggesting 3 minutes at the same temperature.

However, most recipes online suggest cooking beef liver at 400°F for 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and mix the ingredients well. You can then serve the liver when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Depending on the size of your liver pieces and the air fryer model, you may need to cook the liver in 1-minute increments until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

If you are cooking liver and onions, the cooking time and temperature will differ slightly. First, set the temperature to 370°F and cook the liver for 7 minutes. Then, remove the liver from the air fryer and set it aside. Toss the onions in the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 minutes.

Reducing strong flavours

Beef liver can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a quick and mess-free way to cook this nutritious meat. The air fryer will give the meat a deep-fried texture without the excess oil.

Beef liver has a very strong flavour that some people dislike. There are several ways to reduce its strong flavour:

Soaking in Milk

Soaking the liver in milk before cooking can help to reduce its strong flavour. This is a cooking strategy recommended by the well-known cookbook, Nourishing Traditions. The milk can be raw or regular, and it should be whole milk. The liver should be soaked for 30 minutes to 2 hours. A longer soak time may be needed to remove all of the foul flavours. However, leaving the liver in the milk for too long can negatively affect its texture.

Soaking in Acidic Liquid

Soaking the liver in an acidic liquid such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can help to reduce its metallic or iron taste. The acid begins to denature the proteins, which improves the texture and taste. For this method, you will need 1/8 to 1/4 cup of acid and the liver should be soaked for 30 to 90 minutes.

Marinating

Marinating the liver can also help to reduce its strong flavour. However, beware that if the marinade is too acidic, it will denature the liver.

Adding Sauteed Onions

The sweetness of sauteed onions can help to cut through the metallic taste of the liver.

Mixing with Other Meats

Another way to reduce the strong flavour of liver is to mix it with other ground meats when cooking. This helps to boost the nutritional content of the dish without the liver flavour overwhelming the recipe.

Frequently asked questions