Slow-Cooked Gizzards: Air Fryer Magic In Minutes

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and iron. Gizzards have a unique texture that can be tough if not cooked properly. Therefore, it is essential to find the right cooking method to achieve a tender and flavorful result. Air fryers have become an increasingly popular cooking method in recent years due to their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil. But can you slow cook gizzards before air frying them?

Soaking and boiling gizzards before air frying

So, you want to cook chicken gizzards in an air fryer? It's important to prepare them correctly so they don't turn out too chewy or tough. The key steps are to soak the gizzards, boil them, and then cook them in the air fryer.

First, you'll need to clean the gizzards. To do this, slice each gizzard lengthwise, empty the contents, and then rinse the inside of the gizzard. Peel away the skin attached to the insides and rinse again.

Next, it's time for the soaking. Place the gizzards in a bowl and cover them with water, adding two tablespoons of salt. Leave them to soak for around two hours. This will help to tenderise the meat and add flavour. After soaking, rinse the gizzards thoroughly.

Now it's time to boil the gizzards. Place them in a saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for around 30 minutes. You can also add some diced onions, butter, and garlic to the saucepan for extra flavour.

Once the gizzards are boiled, it's time to prepare them for the air fryer. You can coat them in a breading mixture of flour, egg, and milk, or simply toss them in a mixture of parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

Finally, arrange the gizzards in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil. Air fry at 350F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. If you like your gizzards extra crispy, you can air fry for an additional 5 minutes.

And that's it! You now have delicious, tender, and crispy air-fried chicken gizzards to enjoy as a snack or part of a meal.

The importance of preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is important for a number of reasons and can be beneficial for certain types of food. Firstly, it ensures that the food is heated more thoroughly and evenly, which is especially important for foods that need a good sear, such as steaks or burgers, as it creates that grill-like browning and sear. Preheating can also help achieve a crispy and crunchy texture, which is ideal for fried or breaded foods like chicken tenders, french fries, or chicken gizzards.

The process of preheating an air fryer is simple and similar to preheating an oven. You set the air fryer to your desired cooking temperature, usually around 350°F to 400°F, and let it heat up for about 3 to 5 minutes. This time can vary depending on the size of your air fryer, with smaller ones taking less time to preheat than larger ones.

Preheating is particularly useful for foods that are delicate and require slower cooking, such as shrimp, garlic, or tomatoes. It helps prevent burning or drying out the food, ensuring it cooks evenly. Additionally, preheating is essential for baked goods that require rising, like bread, biscuits, muffins, or cakes. The initial heat from preheating helps with the rising process and ensures even browning.

However, it's important to note that preheating may not be necessary for all types of food or recipes. For instance, if you're cooking something that requires a long cooking time, like a whole chicken or a baked potato, preheating the air fryer is not necessary. Similarly, if you're making a dish that you wouldn't typically preheat the oven for, it's best to avoid preheating the air fryer as well. Ultimately, the decision to preheat depends on the specific food and your desired outcome.

Seasoning and marinating the gizzards

Preparing chicken gizzards for air frying involves cleaning, seasoning, and marinating them to enhance their flavour and texture.

To start, rinse the gizzards under cold water to remove any debris, and pat them dry with paper towels. You can then trim any excess fat or membrane from the gizzards to improve their texture when cooked.

Next, it's time to season and marinate the gizzards. You can soak the gizzards in buttermilk or a seasoned brine for a few hours to help tenderise them and add flavour. For the brine, you can place the gizzards in a bowl and coat them with salt, then fill the bowl with water and soak for two hours. Alternatively, you can create a marinade using your choice of herbs, spices, and seasonings. Popular options include garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and soy sauce. Mix your chosen ingredients with the gizzards in a bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least one hour or preferably overnight.

After marinating, you can remove the gizzards from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. At this stage, you can also dust them lightly with more seasoning if desired.

Cooking time and temperature

Cooking chicken gizzards in an air fryer requires a bit of finesse to achieve the perfect texture and flavour. It is important to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the gizzards. Preheating allows for even cooking and ensures a crispy exterior. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken gizzards is between 350°F and 400°F (200°C).

Before cooking, the gizzards should be cleaned thoroughly under running water, and any excess fat or connective tissues should be removed. Some recipes recommend peeling off the outer lining, but it is not necessary. Once clean, the gizzards should be cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. The gizzards should then be soaked in saltwater for at least two hours to add flavour and help tenderize the meat. After soaking, the gizzards should be boiled for 30 minutes to further tenderize them.

After boiling, the gizzards should be dried and seasoned. A variety of seasonings can be used, such as garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and paprika. Olive oil or avocado oil can also be added to help the seasonings stick to the gizzards and give them a crispy texture.

Once the gizzards are seasoned, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. It is important to ensure that the gizzards are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model, but on average, the gizzards should be cooked for 15-20 minutes. It is important to flip the gizzards halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

To check for doneness, a meat thermometer can be used to measure the internal temperature of the gizzards, which should be 165°F when fully cooked.

Reheating gizzards in the air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. If your air fryer does not have a dedicated preheat button, switch it on to 350°F and let it heat for three to four minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the gizzards by washing them and patting them dry.

Next, place the gizzards in a mixing bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use any spices you like, such as garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, or fresh herbs like dill or rosemary. Get creative and use what you have on hand. Mix the gizzards and seasonings together until they are well combined.

Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the gizzards in a single row in the basket and spray them with cooking oil. Air fry the gizzards at 350°F for 15 minutes, shaking the air fryer every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. If you prefer your gizzards extra crispy, you can air fry them for an additional 5 minutes.

Finally, remove the gizzards from the air fryer basket and serve them. You can serve them as a snack, in stir-fries, or as part of a full meal with vegetables. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions