Air Frying Unbreaded Chicken Gizzards: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are a part of the chicken's organs, located in the digestive tract, and are full of protein and vitamins. They can be cooked in an air fryer, breaded or unbreaded, and are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken gizzards. So, can you cook unbreaded chicken gizzards in an air fryer?

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 sites like Whole Foods Market and Primal Pastures. If you're looking for an in-person option, you can try your local butcher, but you may need to clean them yourself.

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are a good source of protein, iron, and zinc, contributing to muscle health, energy production, and immune support.

When buying chicken gizzards, it is important to look for options that are pasture-raised, non-vegetarian-fed, worm-eating, bug-scratching, organic-fed, soy-free, corn-free, and non-GMO. This ensures that the chickens were raised in optimal conditions and fed a natural diet, which can impact the quality and nutritional profile of the gizzards.

Some popular online options for purchasing chicken gizzards include:

• Primal Pastures: They offer pasture-raised, organic-fed, and non-GMO chicken gizzards.
• Whole Foods Market: They offer chicken gizzards, but specific product details are not available.
• BP Farms: They offer 1 lb. packs of chicken gizzards for $5.95/lb.

It is always a good idea to compare prices and read reviews before purchasing from any online retailer. Additionally, checking the ingredients and nutritional information is crucial to ensuring the product meets your expectations and requirements.

How to bread chicken gizzards

Chicken gizzards can be cooked in an air fryer, either breaded or unbreaded. If you want to bread your chicken gizzards, here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

Firstly, ensure your chicken gizzards are clean. If you are buying fresh gizzards from a local butcher or farmer, ask them to clean them for you. If you are using frozen gizzards, they will need to be defrosted before cooking.

Boiling:

Before breading and frying, it is recommended to boil the chicken gizzards to ensure they are tender. Place the gizzards in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about an hour, or until tender. Check them occasionally and add more water if needed.

Battering:

Once boiled, drain the water and allow the gizzards to cool slightly. You can now prepare the batter. In a mixing bowl, combine egg, mayonnaise, mustard, flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, cohesive batter.

Breadcrumbs:

In a separate bowl, mix together Panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as parsley, onion powder, or paprika, to enhance the flavour.

Coating:

Take each boiled gizzard and dip it into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, using tongs, transfer the battered gizzard to the bowl of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle more breadcrumbs on top and press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to all sides of the gizzard. Repeat this process until all your gizzards are coated.

Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the breaded gizzards into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook the gizzards in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the gizzards with cooking oil to help them crisp up. Air fry the gizzards for about 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.

Your chicken gizzards are now ready to be served! They should be crispy, tender, and delicious. Enjoy!

Boiling chicken gizzards first

Boiling chicken gizzards before air frying is a great way to ensure they are tender and soft. Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are also full of protein and vitamins, making them a healthy snack or meal option.

To boil chicken gizzards, start by cleaning them and slicing each gizzard lengthwise. Then, empty the contents and rinse the inside of the gizzard, ensuring you dispose of the contents in the trash and not your sink. Next, peel away the skin attached to the insides and rinse again.

Now, you can begin the boiling process. Place the gizzards in a large pot or saucepan and cover them with water or chicken broth for added flavor. You can also add bay leaves or other seasonings to the liquid for extra taste. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook the gizzards for around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your desired level of tenderness. Remember, the longer you simmer them, the more tender they will become.

Once the gizzards are boiled, remove them from the heat and let them cool in the refrigerator. You can now proceed to air-fry your chicken gizzards. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F and place the gizzards in a single row in the air fryer basket. Spray the gizzards with cooking oil or drizzle a bit of oil on them to ensure even cooking and browning. Air fry at 350F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the air fryer every 5 minutes to prevent them from sticking. If you prefer your gizzards extra crispy, you can air fry for an additional 5 minutes.

Your boiled and air-fried chicken gizzards will be tender, tasty, and ready to serve!

Seasoning and coating options

Chicken gizzards can be cooked in an air fryer without breading, but seasoning is essential to enhance their flavour.

Before cooking, chicken gizzards should be cleaned, washed, and patted dry. They can be sliced lengthwise and the contents emptied, or simply rinsed under cold water to remove any excess fat or membranes.

For a more tender texture, gizzards can be soaked in saltwater for a couple of hours or boiled for 30 minutes before air frying. This will also add flavour and help break down the protein cells, making the gizzards softer.

A variety of seasonings and coatings can be used to add flavour and crispiness to the gizzards. Here are some options:

• Spices and herbs: Gizzards can be tossed in a mixture of spices and herbs such as garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, and salt.
• Oil: Avocado or olive oil can be used to coat the gizzards and help the spices stick. Oil can also be drizzled into the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Marinade: Gizzards can be marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and seasonings before cooking. Popular options include garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and soy sauce. Marinating can add flavour and tenderness to the gizzards.
• Flour and cornmeal: For an extra crispy exterior, the gizzards can be coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper after marinating. This will create a crunchy texture while retaining moisture.
• Breadcrumbs: For a breaded texture, the gizzards can be coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Beaten eggs can be used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the gizzards.
• Dipping sauces: Gizzards can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as fry sauce, tartar sauce, or ketchup, or hot sauce and buffalo sauce.

Reheating chicken gizzards

To reheat chicken gizzards in an air fryer, first ensure that your gizzards are cooked and cooled. You can cook chicken gizzards in a variety of ways, including boiling, grilling, roasting or frying. Once cooked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

When you are ready to reheat your gizzards, preheat your air fryer to 400F for 5 minutes. Place your gizzards in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and have space around them. You can reheat your gizzards from frozen, but they will take a little longer. Reheat for 2 minutes at 400F, or until they are warmed through.

You can also reheat chicken gizzards in the microwave. Place your gizzards in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1 minute, or until warmed through.

Chicken gizzards can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, stews and salads. They are a versatile, nutritious and affordable food option.

Frequently asked questions