Air-Fried Oxtails: A Quick, Crispy, And Delicious Treat

Oxtails are a flavorful and tender cut of beef that is usually slow-cooked. However, cooking oxtails in an air fryer is a quicker, healthier, and more convenient alternative that yields excellent results. This guide will teach you how to make juicy and tender oxtails in an air fryer.

Selecting the best oxtails

Freshness and Source

Start by sourcing your oxtails from a reputable butcher or grocery store. Look for oxtails that are fresh and have a bright red colour. This indicates the meat is of good quality and has been handled properly.

Marbling and Fat Content

Look for oxtails with ample fat marbling throughout the meat. This marbling adds flavour and contributes to the tenderness of the meat during the cooking process. The fat will render and baste the meat as it cooks, keeping it moist and juicy.

Balance of Meat and Cartilage

Choose cuts of oxtails that have a good balance of meat and cartilage. This balance ensures you get a juicy end result with a good distribution of meat and connective tissues, which break down during cooking to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Trimming and Cleaning

Select oxtails that have been properly trimmed and cleaned. Excess fat should be trimmed down, leaving a thin layer to enhance flavour and prevent flare-ups during cooking. Any bone fragments or loose cartilage should also be removed to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Size and Quantity

Consider the size of your air fryer and the number of people you are serving. Oxtails can be quite large, so you may need to cook them in batches to ensure proper air circulation. Choose a quantity that allows for even cooking and fits comfortably in your air fryer basket or tray.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to selecting the best oxtails for your air fryer recipe. Remember, taking the time to choose quality ingredients will make a significant difference in the final dish, so it's worth putting in the effort to find the best oxtails available.

Cleaning and preparing the oxtails

Preparing oxtails for cooking in an air fryer requires several steps to ensure the meat is clean, tender, and flavourful.

First, rinse the oxtails under cool, running water to remove any surface debris. Pay particular attention to removing any excess fat and bone fragments or loose cartilage. You may need to use a knife to cut out larger areas of fat or gristle. You should also trim the excess fat, leaving a thin layer to enhance the flavour. Once cleaned, pat the oxtails dry with paper towels.

Next, you can season or marinate the oxtails. If you're short on time, a simple seasoning of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika will enhance the flavour of the meat. Allow the oxtails to sit for around 15 to 20 minutes so the flavours can penetrate the meat.

However, if you have more time, marinating the oxtails will further enhance their flavour and tenderness. A marinade typically consists of a combination of sauces, herbs, and spices. Common ingredients include garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, ginger, thyme, parsley, oregano, tomato paste, red chilli pepper, brown sugar, onion, green bell pepper, green onion, Cajun seasoning, and beef broth.

Place the oxtails in a non-reactive container, such as glass or stainless steel, and cover them with the marinade. Turn the oxtails occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly coated. Leave the oxtails to marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours. For maximum flavour, it is recommended to marinate them overnight or for up to four hours.

Once the oxtails have been cleaned, trimmed, and marinated or seasoned, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer.

Marinating the oxtails

When creating a marinade, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and sauces to find your perfect combination. A simple marinade can be made with garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and your preferred herbs and spices. You can also add apple cider vinegar, honey, ginger, and other spices to create a more complex flavour profile.

It is important to use a non-reactive container, such as glass or stainless steel, when marinating the oxtails. Avoid using aluminium or copper containers, as these can react with the acidity of the marinade and cause an unpleasant flavour. During the marination process, remember to turn the oxtails occasionally to ensure that all sides are evenly coated in the marinade.

Once the oxtails have finished marinating, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! But first, make sure you preheat your air fryer for optimal cooking results. Place the oxtails in the preheated air fryer, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook according to your desired level of doneness.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process, as it ensures your oxtails cook evenly and thoroughly. The ideal temperature for cooking oxtails is around 350°F (175°C) to 375°F, so set your air fryer to this temperature and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crispy exterior and even cooking of your oxtails.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the oxtails by coating them with a thin layer of cooking oil. This will help to create a crispy exterior and prevent the oxtails from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can also season the oxtails with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to enhance their flavour. Allow the oxtails to sit for about 15 to 20 minutes after seasoning, so the flavours can truly penetrate the meat.

Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, it's time to place the oxtails inside. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, as proper air circulation is essential for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the oxtails in batches.

Now, you can set the timer and let the oxtails cook. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the oxtails, but it typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes. Don't forget to flip the oxtails halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.

Remember, the key to successful air frying is maintaining the right temperature and airflow. By preheating your air fryer, you create the optimal environment for your oxtails to cook evenly and develop that desirable crispy texture. So, don't skip this important step and enjoy your perfectly cooked oxtails!

Cooking the oxtails

Once you've selected the freshest oxtails with ample fat marbling, cleaned them, and prepared them for cooking, it's time to cook the oxtails in your air fryer.

Start by preheating your air fryer to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature will depend on the size of your oxtails and your desired cooking time. For a more gentle approach that won't overcook the meat, you can set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for 60-90 minutes. If you're pressed for time, a higher temperature of 400°F for about 45 minutes will also work.

When the air fryer is preheated, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent the oxtails from sticking. Place the oxtails in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the oxtails in batches.

Brush the oxtails with vegetable oil to promote browning and crispiness. Then, air fry the oxtails for 30 minutes before flipping them and cooking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. This ensures even browning and cooking.

While the oxtails are cooking, you can add extra flavour and moisture. Combine Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, and brush this mixture onto the oxtails after the initial 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a tasty side dish.

The oxtails are cooked to perfection when they are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure they've reached an internal temperature of 185°F (85°C).

Once the oxtails are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the oxtails hot with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the fall-off-the-bone goodness!

Frequently asked questions