Air-Fryer Chicken Gizzards: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

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 stomach or digestive tract and are known for their deep and rich taste. If you're looking to cook chicken gizzards in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, gizzards are dense and chewy, so it's important to tenderize them before cooking. This can be done by soaking them in saltwater or boiling them before air frying. Secondly, the air fryer temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so it's important to experiment. Finally, you can marinate the gizzards in a variety of spices and ingredients to enhance their flavor. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, air fryer chicken gizzards can be a delicious and healthy snack or meal.

How to prepare chicken 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 also a cheap, keto-friendly, and healthy option for a snack, meal, or appetizer.

If you buy gizzards from a butcher, you will likely 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 empty the contents into the trash and not your sink. Peel away the skin attached to the insides and rinse again. Finally, dry each with a paper towel, and your gizzards are ready to cook.

If you want to ensure your gizzards are tender, you can follow these additional steps:

• Coat the gizzards with salt.
• Soak the salted gizzards in water for about 2 hours. This helps break down the muscles to make them softer.
• Rinse and drain the water.
• Bring water to a boil and simmer the gizzards for 30 minutes. You can also boil them with an electric pressure cooker at high pressure for about 15 minutes.
• Drain the water and prepare the gizzards for cooking by marinating and air frying.

You can marinate the gizzards in a mixture of chopped green onions, ginger, cooking wine, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce. You can also tenderize the gizzards by boiling them in salted water before air frying.

Air Frying the Gizzards

Once you have prepared and seasoned the gizzards, you can place them in the air fryer. It is best to preheat the air fryer first. Place the gizzards in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil.

Air fry the gizzards for 15-20 minutes at 350-400°F. Shake the air fryer every 5 minutes to ensure the gizzards are evenly browned. If you want your gizzards super crispy, air fry for an additional 5 minutes.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover chicken gizzards in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days to retain freshness. You can reheat them in the microwave or air fryer for a few minutes until hot.

Air fryer temperature and duration

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in many parts of the world, and air frying is a great way to cook them. Gizzards are a tough muscle, so they need to be cooked correctly to ensure they are tender and not rubbery. The air fryer temperature and duration will depend on a few factors, including the make and model of your air fryer, and whether you choose to parboil the gizzards first.

Air fryer settings

If you are cooking the gizzards without parboiling them first, a temperature of around 350-400°F (177-200°C) is recommended. At this temperature, the gizzards will take around 15-20 minutes to cook. It's important to shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If you like your gizzards extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 5 minutes.

Parboiling

Parboiling the gizzards first can help to tenderize them and ensure a softer texture. To parboil, fill a pot with water and your choice of spices, and add the gizzards. Cook on low-medium heat for around 2 hours, then cut the gizzards into pieces before air frying. After parboiling, the gizzards will only need 5-8 minutes in the air fryer to finish cooking.

Other tips

• Marinating the gizzards before cooking can add extra flavour. A simple marinade of olive oil and spices, or a mixture of green onions, ginger, cooking wine, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce can be used.
• Gizzards can be coated in a dry batter, such as flour, salt, and spices, or a wet batter of egg and breadcrumbs, before air frying for a crispy texture.
• Gizzards should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Marinade ingredients

Chicken gizzards are a cheap, nutritious, and delicious food that can be cooked in an air fryer in 20 minutes or less.

When it comes to the marinade, there are a few key ingredients that will ensure your gizzards are tender and packed with flavour.

Acidic Components

An acidic component is essential to breaking down the toughness of the gizzard's muscle. You can use lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk. The acid in the buttermilk will help to tenderise the meat without taking away its signature taste.

Oil

Oil is important for two reasons. Firstly, it helps to distribute the flavours and ensure the gizzards are well-coated in the marinade. Secondly, it helps to tenderise the meat. Olive oil or vegetable oil are good choices.

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are all popular choices for seasoning chicken gizzards. You can also add paprika for a kick of heat, or dried oregano for a more subtle, earthy flavour.

Other Ingredients

Some recipes suggest adding green onions, ginger, cooking wine, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce to the marinade. These ingredients add a depth of flavour and a slight warmth to the dish.

Marinating Process

Once you've gathered your ingredients and prepared your marinade, it's time to clean the gizzards. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the gizzards in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and ensure they are fully coated. Refrigerate for at least two hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to really penetrate the meat.

Once marinated, you can cook the gizzards in the air fryer for 20 minutes, or until tender.

Dipping sauces

Chicken gizzards are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or side. They are often enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces, ranging from spicy and tangy to sweet and mild. Here are some mouth-watering options:

Spicy Garlic Sauce with Chili Oil

This sauce is a perfect combination of spicy and tangy flavours. It is made by mixing together mayonnaise, chilli oil, and grated garlic. You can adjust the amount of chilli oil used according to your spice preference. This dipping sauce is especially recommended if you are enjoying your chicken gizzards with a cold beer or soda.

Sweet and Tangy Dipping Sauce

This sauce, made with mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, and honey, is the perfect complement to the richness of the fried chicken gizzards. It adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the dish. Fresh coriander leaves and lime wedges can be used as garnishes to enhance the flavour even further.

Creole Mustard Sauce

A Creole mustard sauce is a great choice if you're looking for something with a kick. Mix together mayonnaise, sweet relish, honey, Creole mustard, and seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. This sauce will add bold flavours to your chicken gizzards.

Hot Sauce, Buffalo Sauce, or African Pepper Sauce

If you're a fan of spicy food, any of these sauces will be a perfect pairing for your chicken gizzards. The bold flavours will enhance the taste of the gizzards, making them even more irresistible.

Barbecue Seasoning

Sprinkling barbecue seasoning on your chicken gizzards adds a sweet and spicy coating that takes your dish to the next level. You can either use store-bought barbecue seasoning or make your own by mixing salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a spicier version.

Health benefits of chicken gizzards

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are also one of the cheapest parts of the chicken. Gizzards are usually cooked in an air fryer for around 20 minutes, but the time can be adjusted depending on how crispy you want them. Now, let's take a look at the health benefits of consuming chicken gizzards:

High Protein Content

Gizzards are an excellent source of protein, with a single serving providing up to 61% of the daily recommended protein intake. This makes them a great option for athletes and those looking to build muscle. The high protein content also helps curb hunger, making gizzards ideal for dieters.

Rich in Vitamins

Chicken gizzards contain several essential vitamins, including Vitamin B12, which is crucial for brain function and the production of red blood cells. They also contain niacin, which is good for circulation and hormone production, and riboflavin, which helps maintain healthy skin and hair.

Good Source of Minerals

Gizzards are high in zinc, iron, and phosphorus. These minerals have a wide range of benefits, including improved immune system function, better heart and muscle function, and the formation of red blood cells.

Low in Fat and Cholesterol

Gizzards are a healthy option as they are low in fat, with less than one gram of fat per serving, and cholesterol. This makes them a nutritious choice for those conscious of their diet and health.

Easy to Cook

Chicken gizzards can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, frying, boiling, steaming, sautéing, grilling, and baking. They can be a versatile addition to your meals, whether you add them to soups, stews, or snacks.

Frequently asked questions