Air-Fryer Oxtails: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

You can definitely cook oxtails in an air fryer! There are several recipes available online, including one for Air Fryer Cajun Oxtails. The preparation for this recipe includes marinating the oxtails overnight to enhance their tenderness, as well as combining the oxtails with a variety of ingredients in a blender or food processor. The cooking time is approximately 90 minutes, but this may vary depending on the size of the oxtails.

Trimming the oxtails

Firstly, cut the oxtail into two halves to make it easier to handle and work with. You can use any heavy, sharp knife for this step, such as a chef's knife or a cook's knife. A towel can be used to improve your grip if needed.

Next, you will want to remove the excess fat from the oxtail. Position your knife at a slight downward angle, facing away from you, against the fat covering the tail. Slice the fat off in strips, rotating the tail as you go to ensure you get an even trim. Repeat this process for both halves of the tail.

Once you have removed the majority of the fat, go back over the tail halves with your knife to trim away any smaller pieces of fat or connective tissue that you may have missed. Pay close attention to the wide end of the tail, where loose pieces of fat and tissue may be hanging.

Finally, you can cut the tail into segments. Use the spaces between the bones as a guide, as these become more visible once the fat has been trimmed away. The bones are connected by tissue similar to ligaments, which you can sever with your knife.

It is important to note that while trimming, you should leave some fat on the oxtails for added flavour. Additionally, if you are short on time, you can skip the trimming process and cook, cool, then refrigerate the oxtails. The hardened fat can then be peeled off before reheating.

Making the marinade

Once you have all the ingredients, you'll need to combine them in a food processor or blender. Pulse the ingredients until they are well incorporated and you have a smooth marinade. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to taste, but a good rule of thumb is to use equal parts of each herb and spice, and then adjust the quantities of the liquid ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.

The next step is to combine the oxtails and marinade in an airtight container. Make sure the oxtails are completely coated in the marinade, then place the container in the refrigerator overnight. This lengthy marination process is key to ensuring the meat is tender, as air-fried oxtails are not pressure-cooked.

Finally, after the oxtails have marinated, you'll need to transfer them to a baking dish that fits your air fryer. Add a little extra beef broth to the dish to ensure the meat stays moist during cooking. And that's it—your oxtails are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Marinating the oxtails

Firstly, clean the oxtails with a little water and vinegar, and then pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that any surface debris and excess moisture are removed before marinating.

Next, trim off any excess fat from the oxtails, leaving a thin layer for flavour. You should also remove any loose cartilage and bone fragments. This step ensures the oxtails are ready for the marinade and helps prevent the dish from becoming too fatty.

Now, it's time to make the marinade. In a food processor or blender, combine ingredients such as salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, parsley, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, tomato, oregano, tomato paste, red chilli pepper, brown sugar, onion, bell pepper, green onion, beef broth, and Cajun or other seasonings. Pulse the ingredients until they form a well-incorporated mixture.

Place the trimmed oxtails in a separate bowl or a resealable bag. Generously coat the oxtails with the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well covered. Allow the oxtails to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or, preferably, overnight. This extended marination time helps to tenderise the meat, especially if you are not using a pressure cooker.

Once the oxtails have finished marinating, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. However, remember to preheat your air fryer before placing the oxtails inside. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. Place the oxtails into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded or overlapping. You may need to cook the oxtails in batches, depending on their size and the capacity of your air fryer.

Finally, lightly brush the oxtails with vegetable oil or cooking oil to promote browning and crispiness. Now, your marinated oxtails are ready to be air-fried to perfection!

Cooking the oxtails

Preparation

Ideally, preparation for this recipe should begin the night before. Since we are not pressure-cooking the oxtails, they need to marinate overnight to help tenderize the meat.

Cleaning and Trimming

Clean the oxtails and trim any excess fat before cooking, leaving some of the fat on for flavour.

Marinade

In a food processor or blender, combine the following ingredients to make the marinade:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Olive oil
• Tomato
• Oregano
• Tomato paste
• Red chilli pepper
• Brown sugar
• Onion
• Green bell pepper
• Green onion
• Cajun seasoning
• Beef broth

Pulse the ingredients until they are well incorporated.

Marinating the Oxtails

Combine the oxtails and marinade in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.

Cooking

Transfer the oxtails and all of the marinade to an 8-inch ramekin baking dish, which typically fits an air fryer that is at least 7QT. Add an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth to the dish and cook at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the oxtails; larger oxtails may require a longer cooking time.

It is important to open the air fryer every 25-30 minutes to stir and add 1/2 cup of beef broth to prevent the dish from drying out.

Checking Doneness

The oxtails are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature. The only way to know they are fully cooked is by checking that the internal temperature has reached the desired level.

Serving

Garnish the dish with chopped chives and serve.

Garnishing the oxtails

When it comes to garnishing oxtails cooked in an air fryer, there are several options to consider. Here are some detailed suggestions:

Chopped Chives: One popular option is to garnish with chopped chives. Chives offer a mild onion flavour and a bright pop of colour to the dish. They pair well with the other ingredients used in the marinade, such as garlic, thyme, and onion. The chives also add a delicate freshness to the dish. Simply sprinkle the chopped chives over the oxtails just before serving.

Fresh Herbs: In addition to chives, you can also use other fresh herbs as a garnish. For example, if your marinade includes rosemary, thyme, or parsley, consider adding a few sprigs of these herbs on top of the oxtails as a garnish. This reinforces the flavours already present in the dish and adds visual appeal.

Citrus Twist: If your recipe includes a tangy element, such as Worcestershire sauce, you might consider adding a citrus twist as a garnish. A thin slice or twist of lemon, lime, or orange can be placed on top of the oxtails, providing a bright, acidic touch that complements the savoury flavours of the dish.

Crispy Vegetable Topping: If you've included vegetables in your oxtail dish, such as carrots, onions, or celery, you can create a crispy vegetable topping as a garnish. Simply slice or chop the vegetables thinly, toss them in a small amount of oil, and air fry or bake them until crispy. This adds texture and a contrasting flavour to the tender oxtails.

Spicy Kick: If your oxtail recipe has a spicy kick, emphasise this with a garnish that continues the theme. For example, you could sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chillies on top of the oxtails. This garnish adds a visual hint of the spiciness to come and intensifies the overall flavour profile.

Remember, when garnishing oxtails, it's important to choose something that complements the flavours and ingredients already present in your dish. The garnish should enhance the overall presentation and taste, providing a delightful finishing touch to your air-fried oxtails.

Frequently asked questions