Air-Frying Bone Marrow: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Bone marrow is a delicacy that is rich in flavour and healthy fats. It is usually roasted in an oven, but can also be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. This method is healthier, faster, and more energy-efficient than traditional oven roasting, resulting in evenly cooked bone marrow with a delightful crust.

Choosing and preparing the bones

Selecting the Right Bones:

• Choose high-quality, fresh marrow bones: Look for dense, heavy bones that are free of cracks. You can find these at your local butcher or in the meat section of your grocery store.
• Bone Type: Beef bones are the most popular choice, but you can also use bison, lamb, or veal bones.
• Cut of the Bone: Ask your butcher to cut the bones lengthwise or crosswise, making it easier to extract the marrow after cooking. Lengthwise cuts are also better for more even roasting.

Preparing the Bones:

• Cleaning: While it's not necessary, some people recommend soaking the bones in salted water to remove any blood or impurities. This step may be skipped if you're using high-quality bones.
• Seasoning: Generously season the bones with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, or smoked paprika for extra flavour.
• Placement: Place the bones upright in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you're using parchment paper, place it at the bottom of the basket to prevent leakage.

Remember, the key to choosing and preparing the bones is to ensure they are fresh, properly cut, and seasoned well. This will create a delicious and nutritious batch of bone marrow!

Seasoning

A simple way to season bone marrow is to use a pinch of salt and pepper. Salt enhances the flavour of the marrow, while pepper adds a subtle kick. You can use coarse sea salt or kosher salt, depending on your preference.

However, you can also get creative with your seasoning. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or fresh thyme sprigs complement the richness of the marrow, adding a fresh and fragrant note to the dish. If you're looking for a spicy kick, add some chilli pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the bone marrow before cooking.

Garlic is another popular seasoning choice for bone marrow. You can use minced or freshly minced garlic and spread it over the bones before cooking. This will give the bone marrow a rich, garlicky flavour. Alternatively, you can cook whole garlic cloves in the air fryer and infuse that flavour into the bone marrow.

Other spices and seasonings you can use include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and seasoning salt. You can also experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your favourite flavour profile.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to be generous. Don't skimp on the salt and pepper, as these simple seasonings can really enhance the flavour of the dish. You can season the bone marrow before cooking and add additional seasonings after cooking to taste.

Preheating the air fryer

• Set the Temperature: Adjust your air fryer to the optimal temperature for cooking bone marrow. The ideal temperature is around 400°F (200°C). This temperature will give your bone marrow a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Preheat Time: Allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes, usually around 3-5 minutes. This duration ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment for your bone marrow.
• No Oil Needed: Unlike some other cooking methods, you don't need to add any oil to the air fryer when making bone marrow. Bone marrow is naturally fatty, and the hot air in the fryer will circulate to create a crispy texture without the need for additional oil.
• Prepare the Basket: While the air fryer is preheating, you can line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper. This step is optional but recommended to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier.
• Bone Marrow Placement: Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to place the seasoned bone marrow in the basket. Ensure the marrow side is facing upwards. This will allow the hot air to circulate directly around the marrow, cooking it evenly.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step to achieving the best results when cooking bone marrow. By following these steps, you'll create a delicious, crispy, and tender delicacy that you can enjoy as a spread, appetizer, or addition to your favourite recipes.

Cooking the bone marrow

Bone marrow is a rich, buttery, and nutritious ingredient that adds a distinct flavour to any dish. It is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a valuable addition to your diet.

Preparation

Start by selecting high-quality bone marrow from your local butcher or grocery store. Make sure the bones are cut horizontally, as this allows for easier extraction of the marrow.

Seasoning

Season the bone marrow with a pinch of salt and pepper, or get creative by adding herbs and spices like thyme, garlic powder, or paprika to complement the natural flavours.

Preheating

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes to ensure the optimal cooking temperature.

Cooking

Place the seasoned bone marrow in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between each piece. You can place the bones upright in a single layer, or with the marrow facing upwards. It is also recommended to place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent leakage.

Cook for approximately 10-20 minutes or until the marrow is soft and the exterior is crispy. If the bones are small, check at the 15-minute mark so that all of the good marrow and healthy fat does not leak out of the bones.

Serving

Once cooked, remove the bone marrow from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Serve it on toasted bread or crackers for a luxurious appetiser or incorporate it into your favourite recipes to elevate the flavours.

Serving and storing

Serving:

Bone marrow is best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. It is a rich, buttery, and nutritious ingredient that can be spread over crusty bread, added to soups or stews, tossed with pasta, or served with a simple salad.

For a more indulgent meal, serve your air-fried bone marrow with a glass of bold red wine or a refreshing craft beer.

If you are serving bone marrow on toast, you can sprinkle it with parsley and serve it with a side of salad. You can also add a drizzle of premium olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.

For tacos or tostadas, spread the air-fried bone marrow onto warm corn tortillas or crunchy tostadas. Add thinly sliced radishes, pickled onions, crumbled queso fresco, and a splash of lime. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of your favourite hot sauce.

Bone marrow can also be served as an indulgent accompaniment to grilled steak or roasted meat. Simply spoon the marrow over the cooked meat and allow it to melt, forming a rich, flavorful sauce.

For a pasta dish, create a luxurious sauce by combining roasted bone marrow with garlic, white wine, and a bit of heavy cream. Mix this with your preferred pasta, such as tagliatelle or linguine, and finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Storing:

Roasted bone marrow is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, but it can be stored for later. If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator.

Bone marrow stored in the refrigerator can last for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed within this timeframe as it is perishable.

If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze cooked bone marrow. Let the marrow cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat gently without overcooking or drying it out.

You can also store raw marrow bones in the freezer for longer. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or put them in a sealed bag to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

However, note that cooked bone marrow does not freeze well. It tends to lose its texture and flavour upon thawing and reheating, so it is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of refrigeration.

Frequently asked questions