Air-Fried Chicken Gizzards: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are a great source of protein and vitamins, and can be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier version of the traditional deep-fried dish. This guide will take you through the process of preparing and cooking chicken gizzards in an air fryer, including the necessary ingredients and cooking times.

Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards

Soak, boil, and bread gizzards for a tender texture

To make tender chicken gizzards, you can either soak them in a mixture of water and salt or baking soda for at least an hour, or boil them for at least an hour. You can also try a combination of both methods. After soaking or boiling, you can then bread and fry the gizzards.

Soaking the gizzards

To soak the gizzards, fill a bowl with cool water and add salt. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can use baking soda instead of salt, but be careful not to use too much as it can ruin the gizzards. You can also add buttermilk to the mixture, which can help break down the tough tissues and remove the gamy taste of the gizzards.

Boiling the gizzards

To boil the gizzards, place them in a large saucepan and fill it with water or a mixture of water and chicken broth. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until the gizzards are tender. You can also add spices and vegetables to the broth for extra flavour.

Bread and fry the gizzards

After soaking or boiling the gizzards, you can then bread and fry them. To bread the gizzards, coat them in your chosen bread mix by shaking them together in a sealed plastic bag. Then, fry the breaded gizzards in hot oil until they are golden brown.

Seasonings: garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, and salt

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in many countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are also full of protein and vitamins.

When preparing chicken gizzards in an air fryer, it is important to first boil them to ensure they are tender. You can then dry them and season them with a variety of spices. For garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, and salt, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, prepare your chicken gizzards by cleaning them. Slice each gizzard lengthwise, empty the contents, and then rinse the inside. Dry each gizzard with a paper towel. Next, place the gizzards in a mixing bowl and add your chosen oil. Olive oil or avocado oil are good options, as they will help the spices stick to the gizzards. You can also drizzle a little oil on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Now, it's time to add your chosen seasonings. Combine the garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, and salt with the oil and gizzards in the bowl and mix thoroughly. You can also add black pepper to this mix if you wish. Ensure the gizzards are well coated before placing them in the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the gizzards in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded or stacked. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. For extra crispy gizzards, air fry for an additional 5 minutes.

Your garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, and salt-seasoned chicken gizzards are now ready to serve! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.

Avocado oil or olive oil?

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. Chicken gizzards can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways, with or without oil.

If you are looking to use oil, you can use any type of cooking oil spray, including olive, avocado, sesame, or safflower oil. Olive oil is a common cooking oil with a neutral taste and is often used in air frying chicken gizzards. It can be drizzled over the gizzards or used as a spray to coat the air fryer basket or tray. Avocado oil is also a healthy option and can be used in the same way as olive oil. It has a higher smoke point than olive oil, so it may be better suited for air frying, which requires higher temperatures. Avocado oil is also a good source of monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.

When using olive oil, you can combine all the spices and oil in a large bowl, add the gizzards, and mix thoroughly. Then, drizzle a little oil onto the air fryer basket and use your fingers to lightly coat it. Place the gizzards in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. For extra crispness, air fry for an additional 5 minutes.

When using avocado oil, place the gizzards in a mixing bowl, add the oil and seasonings, and mix well. Cook the gizzards in the air fryer basket at 390 degrees F for 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Both olive and avocado oils are high in calories, so deep-fried foods should be consumed in moderation. However, air frying requires less oil than traditional deep frying, making it a healthier option.

Preheat the air fryer and don't overcrowd the basket

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature, you create a consistent cooking environment, ensuring your chicken gizzards cook evenly. If your air fryer has a dedicated preheat button, use that. If not, simply turn it on to the desired temperature and let it heat up for a few minutes. For chicken gizzards, you should preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once preheated, it's time to place the gizzards into the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket. Leave some space around each piece of gizzard to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, with some pieces not getting crispy or browning as they should.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the gizzards in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the gizzards in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. If your air fryer has multiple racks or levels, you can use them to maximize space, but still, ensure there is adequate airflow around each piece.

Additionally, remember to drizzle a little oil or use a non-stick spray on the basket before adding the gizzards. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. By following these simple tips, you'll ensure your chicken gizzards cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispy texture.

Flip the gizzards halfway through cooking

Flipping the gizzards halfway through the cooking process is an important step in ensuring they cook evenly on both sides. This technique helps to prevent the gizzards from drying out or burning on one side, creating a more consistent texture and colour across the entire batch.

To flip the gizzards, use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them over in the air fryer basket. It is important to be gentle during this process to avoid splattering any hot oil or spices that may have collected in the basket. If you are using an oil spray, it is a good idea to give the gizzards a quick spritz before flipping them, to ensure they remain moist and juicy.

Flipping the gizzards also helps to distribute the spices evenly, allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat from all sides. This is especially important if you are using a variety of spices and want to ensure a well-rounded taste. The spices will have time to cook into both sides of the gizzards, enhancing their flavour and creating a more appetising dish.

Additionally, flipping the gizzards halfway through cooking allows you to check on their progress and ensure they are cooking evenly. This is a good opportunity to give the air fryer basket a quick shake, ensuring the gizzards aren't sticking to the surface and are cooking uniformly. If you notice any hot spots or areas where the gizzards are cooking faster, you can adjust their position accordingly.

By following this simple step of flipping the gizzards, you'll be able to achieve a more consistent and desirable result, leaving you with tender, juicy, and evenly cooked chicken gizzards.

Frequently asked questions