Crispy Breaded Chicken Gizzards In A Nuwave Fryer

Chicken gizzards are a cheap, tasty, and addictive delicacy. They are the chicken's stomach, used to grind up food, and are high in protein, vitamins, and iron. When cooked right, they can be tender and flavourful. To make breaded chicken gizzards in a Nuwave fryer, first, clean the gizzards and remove any excess fat. Then, marinate them in buttermilk and hot sauce in the refrigerator for about an hour. Next, coat the gizzards in a flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Finally, heat oil to 350°F in your Nuwave fryer and fry the gizzards in batches until golden brown.

Clean and prepare the chicken gizzards

To clean and prepare chicken gizzards, start by trimming off any excess fat, connective tissue, sinew, or silverskin. Rinse the gizzards under cold running water to remove any debris, then pat them dry with a towel or paper towel. If you are using whole gizzards that haven't been cleaned, slice them open and remove any debris inside, as well as any thicker, yellow-tinted lining that may be attached to the exterior.

Next, you'll want to tenderize the gizzards. This can be done by simmering them in water or chicken broth for around 1-2 hours, or until they are tender. You can also add aromatics like onion, celery, bay leaves, and garlic to the pot for extra flavour. Alternatively, you can brine the gizzards in buttermilk for 8-24 hours before cooking.

Once the gizzards are tender, let them cool and dry thoroughly before slicing them into strips or chunks. If you're not using them immediately, you can refrigerate the cooked gizzards for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Make the coating/breading

The coating/breading is a crucial step in achieving the perfect fried chicken gizzards. Here is a detailed guide on how to make it:

Firstly, prepare a large bowl and combine all-purpose flour with your desired seasonings. The specific measurements and types of seasonings can vary based on your taste preferences. Some common seasonings used in fried chicken gizzard recipes include seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried herbs. Mix these ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed. You can also add this mixture to a plastic bag, which will come in handy later for coating the gizzards.

In a separate bowl, prepare an egg wash by mixing together beaten eggs and milk. You can adjust the proportions based on your preference, but typically, one egg and two tablespoons of milk are enough. Whisk them together until they form a homogeneous mixture.

Now, it's time to coat the gizzards! Start by tossing the gizzards in milk or, even better, soaking them in milk beforehand. This step will help the flour coating adhere better and result in a thicker, crispier breading. After soaking, drain the excess milk from the gizzards.

Next, it's time for the first dredge. Add the gizzards to the flour mixture and coat them evenly. Work in batches if necessary to ensure each gizzard is thoroughly coated. Once they are fully coated in flour, it's time for the second step.

Dip the floured gizzards into the egg wash. Ensure they are well-coated, then let any excess egg wash drain off. This step will help create an even thicker and crispier coating.

Finally, it's time for the third and final dredge. Add the gizzards back into the flour mixture for one last coating. Giving them this second coat of flour is the secret to achieving an exceptionally crispy texture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before proceeding to the next step.

Once all your gizzards are coated, place them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the coating to set. This step will help ensure the breading stays intact during frying.

Now you have perfectly coated chicken gizzards ready for frying! Remember to heat your oil to the ideal temperature (around 350°F or 180°C) before carefully adding the gizzards and frying them to golden perfection. Enjoy!

Fry the chicken gizzards

Now that your chicken gizzards are coated and ready to go, it's time to start frying!

First, you'll want to heat your oil. If you're using a deep fryer, heat the oil to around 350°F (180ºC). If you're using a skillet or saucepan, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). You can check the temperature using a deep-frying thermometer or candy thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, you can dip a wooden spoon into the oil—if no bubbles form around it, the oil is hot enough.

Once your oil is hot, carefully add your chicken gizzards. It's important not to overcrowd the pan, as this will decrease the temperature of the oil and affect the cooking of the gizzards. Fry the gizzards in batches if needed, for a few minutes on each side, until they are a deep golden brown. This should take around 5 minutes.

Once they're done, remove the gizzards from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Drain the excess oil

When it comes to draining the excess oil from your chicken gizzards, there are several effective methods you can use. Here are some detailed instructions:

Blotting with Paper Towels:

Place the fried chicken gizzards on paper towels after frying. This method helps to absorb excess oil and reduces the greasiness of the food, resulting in a lighter texture. It is a quick and easy way to remove some of the excess oil.

Using a Wire Rack:

For foods that can easily become soggy, a wire rack is a useful tool. Place the fried gizzards on the rack, which allows the excess oil to drip away while maintaining the crispness of the food. This method is ideal for fried foods that you want to keep crispy without absorbing additional oil.

Patting with a Cloth:

Use a lint-free cloth to gently press on the fried gizzards. This method absorbs oil without altering the texture of the food. Remember to pat gently to avoid damaging the crispy coating of the gizzards.

Shake in a Paper Bag:

Place the fried gizzards in a clean paper bag and gently shake it. This technique helps to absorb excess oil and results in a lighter, less greasy dish. The bag absorbs the oil, preventing it from settling back onto the food.

Using Newspaper:

Layer newspaper sheets between the fried gizzards to effectively absorb excess oil while preventing sogginess. Newspaper is highly absorbent and helps to remove oil, resulting in delicious, less oily food.

Using a Slotted Spoon:

When removing the gizzards from the oil, use a slotted spoon. This simple technique allows the excess oil to drain back into the fryer, reducing the overall oiliness of the dish.

By using these methods, you can effectively drain the excess oil from your chicken gizzards, ensuring they are crispy, tasty, and less greasy.

Serve with your favourite sauce

Now that your chicken gizzards are cooked to perfection, it's time to serve them with your favourite sauce! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Dipping Sauces

The beauty of fried chicken gizzards is that they go well with a variety of sauces. You can opt for a classic dipping sauce like hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. These sauces are easily accessible and pair well with the crispy, crunchy texture of the gizzards.

Spicy Sauces

If you're feeling adventurous, why not try something with a kick? Frank's RedHot sauce, sriracha, or chilli garlic sauce will add a nice spicy punch to your gizzards. The spiciness will also help cut through the richness of the fried dish.

Sweet and Sour

For a tangy twist, sweet and sour sauce is an excellent choice. The sweet and tangy flavours complement the savoury gizzards, creating a delightful contrast. This combination is especially good if you're serving the gizzards as an appetiser or snack.

Creamy Options

If you're a fan of creamy sauces, consider a blue cheese dip or a creamy garlic sauce. These sauces add a nice sharpness and depth of flavour to the dish. Alternatively, a simple honey mustard sauce is a great option for those who want a touch of sweetness with their gizzards.

Southern-Style Sauces

As chicken gizzards are a classic Southern dish, why not lean into the theme and opt for some traditional Southern sauces? Try pairing your gizzards with grits, collard greens, or fried pickles. These sides will enhance the flavour of the gizzards and provide a true taste of the South.

Remember, the best sauce is the one you enjoy the most! Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of flavours that suits your taste buds. Happy sauce hunting!

Frequently asked questions