Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Gizzards: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

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, delicious, and adventurous way to reduce food waste. This recipe will show you how to make breaded chicken gizzards in an air fryer.

How to Make Breaded Chicken Gizzards in the Air Fryer

How to tenderise chicken gizzards

Chicken gizzards are known for being chewy, but there are several ways to tenderise them before cooking.

One popular method is to boil or parboil the gizzards before frying. To do this, place the gizzards in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a rolling boil or a simmer. Leave to cook for around 30 minutes, or until tender. You can then bread and fry the gizzards.

Other methods to tenderise chicken gizzards include:

• Braising and simmering
• Using a pressure cooker
• Marinading
• Steaming

You can also tenderise the gizzards by soaking them in buttermilk, vinegar, or salt water before cooking.

How to bread chicken gizzards

Breaded chicken gizzards are a delicious and healthy snack. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to bread chicken gizzards and cook them in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Gizzards

First, you will need to clean and prepare the chicken gizzards. If you buy gizzards from a butcher, you may need to clean them yourself. To do this, slice each gizzard lengthwise, empty the contents, and then rinse the inside. Make sure to empty the contents into the trash and not your sink. Peel away the skin attached to the insides and rinse again. Finally, dry each gizzard with a paper towel.

Step 2: Boil the Chicken Gizzards

Before breading and air-frying the gizzards, it is important to tenderize them first. Place the gizzards in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the gizzards simmer for around 30 minutes. This will help to soften the gizzards and ensure they are not tough and chewy.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station

While the gizzards are boiling, set up your breading station. You will need three medium-sized mixing bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together some all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk an egg until it is thoroughly beaten. In the third bowl, add some seasoned breadcrumbs. You can also add some parmesan cheese and your choice of seasoning to this bowl.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken Gizzards

Now it's time to bread the gizzards! First, add the boiled and dried gizzards to the flour mixture and toss to coat. Next, dip the gizzards into the beaten egg, and then dredge them in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Cook the Breaded Gizzards in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Place the breaded gizzards in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Spray the tops of the gizzards with cooking spray or olive oil.

Air fry the gizzards for around 15-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Shake the basket or use tongs to flip the gizzards halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

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

Tips and Variations:

• Cut the gizzards into bite-sized pieces before breading and air-frying for easier eating and more even cooking.
• You can use different seasonings for the breadcrumbs, such as taco seasoning, Old Bay, or a spicy dry mix.
• For extra crispiness, spray the tops of the gizzards with olive oil before air-frying.
• Store leftover gizzards in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days or freeze for later.

How to cook chicken gizzards in the air fryer

Chicken gizzards are a cheap, tasty, and nutritious delicacy in many cultures. They are also a great way to fight food waste. This guide will take you through the process of cooking chicken gizzards in an air fryer, step by step.

Preparation

First, you will need to prepare the gizzards. If you buy them from a butcher, you may need to clean them yourself. To do this, slice each gizzard lengthwise, empty the contents, then rinse the inside. Make sure you empty the contents into the trash and not your sink. Peel away the skin attached to the insides, then rinse again. Finally, dry each gizzard with a paper towel.

Boiling

Before cooking the gizzards in your air fryer, it is recommended that you boil them first. This will help to tenderize the meat. Place the gizzards in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. You can also boil them in an electric pressure cooker at high pressure for 15 minutes.

Marinade

You can marinate the gizzards to add extra flavour. To make a marinade, mix chopped green onions, ginger, cooking wine, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Massage the marinade onto the gizzards and leave for 10 minutes or more.

Battering

Now it's time to batter the gizzards. Set up three medium-sized mixing bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk an egg until it is thoroughly beaten. In the third bowl, add seasoned breadcrumbs. First, toss the gizzards in the dry flour mixture, then dip them into the egg, and finally, dredge them in the seasoned breadcrumbs.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Place the battered gizzards in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If you want your gizzards extra crispy, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serving

Chicken gizzards are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer. You can serve them as an appetizer or snack, with a dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

How to store and reheat chicken gizzards

Once you've cooked your chicken gizzards, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, put them in an airtight plastic bag or container and pop them in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat your chicken gizzards, you can use either the microwave or the air fryer. If they're frozen, make sure you defrost them overnight in the fridge first. Then, pop them in the microwave for a minute on high power, or until they're warm. Check the gizzards and then heat in additional 30-second bursts if needed. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for two minutes.

What to serve with chicken gizzards

Chicken gizzards are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with breaded chicken gizzards cooked in an air fryer:

Sauces

A variety of sauces can be paired with chicken gizzards to enhance their flavour. Some popular options include hot sauce, buffalo sauce, African pepper sauce, ranch dip, remoulade sauce, gravy, or chipotle BBQ sauce. These sauces can be used for dipping or as a condiment on the side.

Salads

Chicken gizzards can be served over salads, adding a unique texture and flavour to your greens. In Europe, it is common to serve chicken gizzards on top of salads. You can also serve them with a house salad and a sharp lemon dressing to balance out the saltiness of the gizzards.

Starch Sides

Polenta, rice, and mashed potatoes are great starch options to serve alongside chicken gizzards. These sides can help balance out the richness of the gizzards and provide a filling component to your meal.

Vegetables

Chicken gizzards can be served with a variety of vegetables, such as blanched green beans with bacon bits, mustard greens, collard greens, southern green beans, or creamed spinach. These vegetables provide a healthy and tasty accompaniment to the breaded gizzards.

Southern Fried Sides

Chicken gizzards pair well with other fried foods, especially those with a Southern influence. Consider serving them with fried okra, fried pickles, fried onion rings, or fried green tomatoes for a delicious and indulgent meal.

Appetizers and Snacks

Chicken gizzards can be served as an appetizer or snack on their own. They are often enjoyed as a tasty snack with various dipping sauces. You can also serve them as part of a larger spread, such as a charcuterie board or appetizer platter.

Soups and Stews

Chicken gizzards are commonly used in soups and stews, so serving them with a bowl of soup or stew can be a delicious and comforting option. You can find recipes for chicken gizzard soups and stews from various cuisines, such as Mexican, Japanese, Korean, and Nigerian.

Main Course

Breaded chicken gizzards can be the star of your meal and served as the main course. Pair them with some of the sides mentioned above, or get creative and experiment with your own combinations.

Remember, chicken gizzards are quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavours and dishes to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions