Air-Frying Gizzards: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Option

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are located in the digestive tract of a chicken and help to break down food. Chicken gizzards can be cooked in an air fryer in just 15 to 20 minutes and are a healthier alternative to deep-fried gizzards. They can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, basil, thyme, and rosemary. The air fryer's ability to fry without using a lot of oil makes it a quick and hassle-free way to prepare this delicacy.

Chicken gizzards: where to buy them

Chicken gizzards are available at your local grocery store in the meat section. You can also buy them online from retailers like Whole Foods Market and Primal Pastures. Primal Pastures offers pasture-raised, non-vegetarian-fed, worm-eating, bug-scratching, organic-fed, soy-free, corn-free, and non-GMO chicken gizzards. They offer nationwide shipping from Monday to Wednesday.

If you are unable to find chicken gizzards at your local grocery store, you can try asking a butcher. If you buy gizzards from a butcher, you may need to clean them yourself before cooking. To do this, slice each gizzard lengthwise, empty the contents, and then rinse the inside. Remember to empty the contents into a trash can rather than your sink.

Some people also choose to buy chicken gizzards directly from a whole chicken. The gizzard is a part of the organs in a chicken, located in the digestive tract. It is a tough muscle that helps the muscular stomach break down its food. These organs are called offal meat or giblets, which include chicken livers and hearts.

How to prepare gizzards for air frying

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are located in the digestive tract of a chicken and help the muscular stomach break down its food.

Clean the gizzards

If you buy gizzards from a butcher, you may need to clean them yourself. To do this, slice each gizzard lengthwise, empty the contents, and then rinse the inside of the gizzard. Make sure you dispose of the contents in the trash and not in your sink.

Boil the gizzards

Place the gizzards in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Let the gizzards simmer for around 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the gizzards, which can be tough and chewy. For extra flavour, you can soak the gizzards in saltwater before boiling, which will also help to soften them.

Prepare the breading

While the gizzards are boiling, prepare the breading. In one bowl, whisk an egg until light and frothy. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and your choice of seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, or a pre-mixed spice blend like taco seasoning.

Coat the gizzards

After boiling, drain the gizzards and set them aside to cool. Once cool, dip each gizzard in the beaten egg, and then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Place them in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to allow the coating to set.

Preheat the air fryer

Set your air fryer to 350-[400] degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer does not have a dedicated preheat setting, turn it on to the desired temperature and let it heat up for 3-5 minutes. You can also lightly coat the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Air fry the gizzards

Place the coated gizzards in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded or stacked. Air fry the gizzards for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. For extra crispiness, you can air fry for an additional 5 minutes.

Your air-fried chicken gizzards are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them as a snack, in stir-fries, or as part of a full meal with vegetables.

Air fryer temperature and timing

When cooking chicken gizzards in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature for preheating the air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F, and it should be preheated for about 3 to 5 minutes.

After preheating, the temperature can be adjusted to 380°F to 390°F for cooking the gizzards. The cooking time will depend on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the gizzards. For a golden-brown crust and properly cooked interior, cook the gizzards for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you prefer extra crispy gizzards, you can cook them for up to 20 minutes, flipping at the halfway mark.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your air fryer and the size of the gizzards. To ensure the gizzards are cooked properly, it is recommended to check for doneness by cutting one gizzard open; it should be opaque and no longer pink inside. Additionally, gizzards are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

For reheating leftover gizzards, set the air fryer to 350°F and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Seasoning and coating options

Chicken gizzards can be seasoned and flavoured in a variety of ways before being cooked in an air fryer. One option is to use a combination of spices such as garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. These spices can be mixed with olive oil and combined with the gizzards in a large bowl, ensuring that the gizzards are thoroughly coated. This method adds flavour and helps to create a crispy texture when cooked.

Another option is to create a breading or coating for the gizzards. This can be done by first boiling the gizzards to tenderize them, then coating them with a layer of seasoned flour, dipping them in beaten egg, and finally coating them with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and additional seasonings. This process, known as breading or breadcrumbing, creates a crispy and flavourful exterior when cooked in the air fryer.

Various seasonings and coatings can be used to create different flavour profiles. For a spicy kick, consider using a combination of black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, dry taco seasoning can be used to add a ton of flavour with minimal prep work. If you're looking for a more classic fried chicken flavour, consider using a combination of seasoned salt and black pepper.

For those who enjoy a crunchy texture, a longer air frying time can be used to create super crispy gizzards. In this case, a simpler seasoning blend of salt and olive oil may be preferred, allowing the natural flavour of the gizzards to shine through. It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on the specific seasonings and coatings used.

Serving suggestions

Chicken gizzards are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side dish, or incorporated into a main course. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and stir-fries.

For a snack or side dish, the crispy, tender gizzards can be served on their own with your favourite dips or sauces. Popular dips and sauces include fry sauce, tartar sauce, ketchup, honey, or BBQ sauce. They can also be tossed in your favourite wing sauce.

If you're looking to make a meal out of them, chicken gizzards can be served as a full-blown meal with vegetables. They can also be served on top of salads, tacos, or burrito bowls. For a classic Southern meal, serve them with Southern fried corn, collard greens, cornbread, and fried pickles.

Chicken gizzards can also be used to make a chicken gizzard salad or chicken gizzard stew.

Frequently asked questions