Air-Fried Gizzards: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. They are a great snack, especially when cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, which uses a lot of oil. In this article, we will be discussing how to make chicken gizzards in an air fryer.

Cleaning gizzards

Step 1: Prepare your workspace and tools

Sanitise your workspace by wiping it down with a clean, wet towel. It is also recommended to locate your workspace near a sink to make it easier to wash your hands and rinse off items as needed. Select the tools you will use, including knives and a cutting board. Many people believe that using the sharpest knives is best, while others argue that the grit within the gizzard can damage sharp knives, so dull knives are preferable. It is your choice, but be aware that removing the thin membrane may be more difficult with a dull knife. If using a chopping board, choose one that is heavy and won't move while you are cutting. Plastic cutting boards are usually more sanitary than wooden ones but tend to be lighter and more movable. Clean your utensils and hands with soap and water, and dry your hands with a fresh towel.

Step 2: Obtain the gizzards

You can either raise your own chickens for slaughter or purchase chicken gizzards from a grocery store, local butcher, farmer's market, or online. If you buy a whole chicken, you will need to locate the gizzards inside the bird. The gizzard will almost look like a second stomach and is found at the end of the intestines. Reach your hand into the interior cavity and gently lift the gizzards out, taking some of the intestine with you if necessary, being careful to keep the intestines intact.

Step 3: Clean the gizzards

Place the gizzards on the cutting board, being careful as they can be slippery. If they are covered in blood or debris, rinse them with water. Cut the gizzard in half lengthwise, making one smooth cut per gizzard. Rinse out the inside of the gizzard under water, using your fingers to rub against the flesh to loosen any stubborn debris. The inside of a gizzard can appear brown or black due to sediment, which is natural and not a cause for concern if the gizzard is properly rinsed. The debris can include pieces of rock and grass. When the interior of the gizzard is clean, you will see a yellow-tinted lining. Remove this lining by peeling it away, making a slight cut at the side if necessary.

Step 4: Dry and store the gizzards

Once the gizzards are clean, dry them with paper towels, ensuring there is very little moisture left on the skin. Place the cleaned gizzards in a sealed container until you are ready to cook them, making sure the container is clean to avoid cross-contamination. Wash all utensils, the workspace, and your hands again.

Boiling gizzards

After boiling, the gizzards should be drained and set aside to cool. This is a good time to prepare the egg and breadcrumb mixture that will be used to coat the gizzards before placing them in the air fryer. The egg and breadcrumbs can be mixed in separate bowls, with the gizzards placed in the egg mixture first and then coated in the breadcrumbs.

It is also possible to soak the gizzards in saltwater before boiling. This helps to add flavour and tenderize the gizzards by breaking down the protein cells. The gizzards can be left to soak for around two hours before being boiled.

Once the gizzards have been boiled and coated, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. The air fryer should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the gizzards should be placed in a single layer in the basket. They will then need to cook for around six to eight minutes, or until they are crispy.

Overall, boiling gizzards is an important step in preparing them for the air fryer. It helps to tenderize the meat and improve the texture, ensuring that the final product is delicious and fork-tender.

Battering gizzards

Firstly, coat the gizzards with salt and then soak them in water for around two hours. This will help to break down the muscle fibres, making the gizzards softer. After this, give them a good rinse and put them in a pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and then let it simmer for around 30 minutes. This lengthy process will ensure the gizzards are tender and not tough.

Once boiled, you can then coat the gizzards in a batter of your choice. A simple batter can be made with beaten egg and breadcrumbs, with some parmesan cheese for extra flavour. You can also add in some spices like taco seasoning or Old Bay for a kick of flavour. For a crispier texture, coat the gizzards in a wet and dry batter. First, dip them in a dry batter of flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne. Then, dip them in a beaten egg, and finally, coat them again in the dry batter.

Finally, place the battered gizzards in the air fryer and cook until crispy!

Cooking gizzards in the air fryer

Chicken gizzards are a popular food worldwide. They are a muscle found in the digestive tract of a chicken. Gizzards are muscular, small in size, dark in colour, and have a chewier and tougher texture.

How to cook chicken gizzards in an air fryer

Firstly, you'll need to clean the gizzards. You can buy pre-cleaned gizzards from the store, but if you need to clean them yourself, use a sharp knife to slice the gizzard open, empty the contents, cut it in half lengthwise, and rinse the inside under cold running water. Peel away any yellow-tinted lining and rinse again.

Next, you'll need to tenderise the gizzards. Boiling them will help to break down the muscle and make them tender, but it's important not to boil them at a very high heat, as this will make the gizzards chewy. Instead, place the gizzards in already-boiling water and reduce the heat to between 185F/85C-200F/90C. Let them cook over low heat for around 30 minutes, which will help the connective tissues to relax and melt away.

Now it's time to bread the gizzards. Beat an egg in a bowl and place some seasoned flour and breadcrumbs in another bowl. Dip the gizzards in the egg, then coat them in the flour and breadcrumbs.

Finally, place the gizzards in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 350F and 400F and cook the gizzards for around 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure they cook evenly.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—arrange the gizzards in a single layer.
• Use tongs to flip the gizzards halfway through cooking, as shaking the basket may cause the breading to fall off.
• You can cut the gizzards into bite-sized pieces before cooking if you prefer.
• Gizzards can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

Storing and reheating gizzards

When it comes to reheating, you can use either the microwave or the air fryer. If you have frozen your gizzards, it is best to defrost them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat for a few minutes until hot.

It is important to note that gizzards should not be reheated multiple times, as this can affect their quality and texture.

Frequently asked questions