Air-Fryer Chicken Livers: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Chicken livers are a polarising food—most people either love them or hate them. But if you're a fan, then you'll love this recipe for air fryer chicken livers. This method of cooking chicken livers offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist interior.

How to prepare the chicken livers before cooking

Preparing chicken livers before cooking is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare chicken livers before air frying:

Firstly, it is important to select fresh chicken livers. Look for livers that are bright red and of a suitable size. If the livers are too big, you may need to cut them in half to ensure even cooking. Place the livers in a colander and rinse them with cold water. This helps to remove any excess blood or impurities. Allow the livers to drain for a few minutes, and then gently pat them dry with paper towels. It is important to ensure that the livers are thoroughly dried before proceeding to the next step.

Next, you can choose to soak the chicken livers in buttermilk, milk, or a mixture of milk and egg. This step is optional but can help to tenderize the livers and enhance their flavour. If you decide to soak the livers, place them in a bowl or container with your chosen liquid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours. The longer they soak, the more tender they will become. You can also add other ingredients to the soaking liquid, such as lemon juice or salt, for additional flavour.

After soaking, if you choose to do so, it is important to pat the livers dry again with paper towels. This will help the seasoning or coating adhere better to the livers. At this stage, you can also trim off any excess fat, connective tissue, or green parts from the livers, ensuring they are nicely cleaned and prepared.

Now, it's time to season or coat the chicken livers. You can simply season the livers with salt, pepper, and other spices, or create a flour coating for a crispy texture. If you want to keep it simple, sprinkle the livers with salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other spices of your choice. Massage the seasonings into the livers to ensure an even coating. Alternatively, you can create a flour coating by mixing flour, cornstarch, and your desired seasonings in a separate bowl. Dip the livers in the milk or egg mixture, if using, and then dredge them in the flour mixture. Ensure they are evenly coated before placing them on a wire rack to dry for a few minutes.

Once your chicken livers are prepared, you can proceed to cook them in your air fryer following your preferred recipe instructions. Remember to preheat your air fryer and spray the livers with olive oil or cooking spray before placing them inside. Enjoy your delicious air-fried chicken livers!

How to make the breading stick

To make the breading stick when making fried chicken livers in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take before and during the cooking process.

Firstly, make sure the livers are patted dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this can prevent the breading from sticking. You can also soak the livers in buttermilk or milk for 30 minutes to several hours to help tenderise them.

Next, you can coat the livers in a light layer of flour before breading. This helps the egg or other liquid used for breading to stick better. After this, dip the floured livers in a beaten egg wash, and then gently press the breading onto the liver with your fingers.

Once the livers are coated, place them in the fridge to chill for 20-30 minutes. This will help the breading to set and stick better.

When it comes to cooking, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray. This will prevent the livers from cooking evenly and getting crispy. It's better to cook in batches.

Finally, halfway through the cooking process, flip the livers over and spray them with a little more olive oil to ensure even cooking and crispness.

How long to cook the chicken livers for

The cooking time for chicken livers in an air fryer varies depending on the quantity and size of the livers, but generally, they need to be cooked for 10–12 minutes at 380–400°F (193–200°C). It is important to ensure that the livers are cooked through and no longer pink in the centre. If needed, you can cook them for an additional 1–2 minutes.

Chicken livers should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To check this, you can use an instant-read thermometer by inserting it into the thickest part of the liver.

For even cooking and crispiness, arrange the chicken livers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If needed, cook them in batches.

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the livers over and spray them with a little more oil to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

What to serve with chicken livers

Chicken livers have a distinct flavour and are usually served as an appetizer or a main dish. They are rich in iron and protein, making them a healthy meal option. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken livers:

Starch

Chicken livers pair well with starchy foods like rice, pasta, couscous, or potatoes. You can also try potato gratin, a classic side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, cheese, and cream.

Vegetables

Chicken livers go well with most root vegetables, such as oven-roasted parsnips and carrots. Leafy greens like spinach or kale are also a good option. You can also try stir-fried vegetables, especially Asian-inspired dishes like Pad Thai.

Salads

A light and refreshing salad can complement the richness of chicken livers. Try a tomato and basil salad or a cucumber salad with pistachios.

Bread

Bread is a simple yet tasty option to serve with chicken livers. You can also try mushrooms on toast or biscuits and gravy for a Southern twist.

Dipping Sauces

If you want to dip your chicken livers, try mustard, lemon garlic aioli, chipotle sauce, or barbecue ranch sauce.

How to reheat chicken livers

Reheating chicken livers in an air fryer is a simple and convenient process. Here are the steps to follow:

Preheat the air fryer: Before reheating the chicken livers, preheat the air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even heating and crisping up the livers.

Prepare the chicken livers: Take the leftover chicken livers out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will help prevent the livers from drying out during reheating.

Arrange the chicken livers in the air fryer: Place the chicken livers in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can hinder proper airflow and result in uneven cooking.

Reheat the chicken livers: Once the air fryer is preheated, put the chicken livers inside and set the timer for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on the livers during reheating to prevent them from drying out or becoming overcooked. If necessary, flip them halfway through the cooking time for even heating.

Check the internal temperature: To ensure the chicken livers are thoroughly reheated, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is the safe minimum temperature for consuming cooked poultry.

Serve and enjoy: Once the chicken livers are properly reheated, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more flavorful and tender bite. Serve the reheated chicken livers with your favorite sides or sauces.

It is important to note that reheating chicken livers in an air fryer can be convenient and effective, but there is a risk of the livers drying out. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the livers closely and not overcook them. Additionally, always follow food safety guidelines when handling and reheating leftovers.

Frequently asked questions