Cooking Chicken Gizzards to Perfection with an Air Fryer

Cooking Chicken Gizzards in an Air Fryer

Chicken gizzards are a nutritious and flavorful meat that can be prepared in many ways. Cooking them in an air fryer is a great option that results in crispy, browned gizzards with very little oil or fat. Air frying chicken gizzards also cooks them quickly and evenly. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you can enjoy delicious air fried chicken gizzards in your own home.

Benefits of Cooking Chicken Gizzards in an Air Fryer

There are several benefits to cooking chicken gizzards in an air fryer:

• Air frying uses little to no oil, resulting in a healthier cooking method compared to deep frying.
• The circulating hot air cooks food quickly and evenly on all sides.
• Chicken gizzards develop a crispy, browned exterior with an air fryer.
• An air fryer requires only a small amount of prep and cleanup.
• Cooking gizzards in an air fryer is fast and simple compared to oven baking.

By harnessing the power of hot circulating air, an air fryer can produce crispy, fully cooked chicken gizzards using minimal added fat or oil. This makes it one of the healthiest ways to enjoy the texture and flavor of fried gizzards at home.

Selecting and Preparing Chicken Gizzards for Air Frying

When selecting chicken gizzards to cook in an air fryer, look for fresh gizzards that are bright pink with no slimy texture or discoloration. Rinse them well and pat dry. It can also help to soak gizzards in milk or buttermilk for 30 minutes which helps tenderize the meat.

For the best results, cut larger gizzards in half or quarters so they are in smaller, uniform pieces. This allows them to cook more quickly and evenly. Try to cut the gizzards to a similar size for even cooking.

Before air frying, season the chicken gizzards with salt, pepper, spices, or marinades. Some delicious seasonings to try include Cajun seasoning, barbecue rub, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning.

How to Cook Chicken Gizzards to Perfection in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps for crispy, fully cooked chicken gizzards using an air fryer:

1. Preheat air fryer to 370F.
2. Toss prepared gizzards with 1-2 Tbsp of oil. This helps promote browning and crisping of the exterior.
3. Arrange gizzards in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
4. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
5. Increase temperature to 400F and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until gizzards are browned and crispy.
6. Flip and repeat step 5 to ensure even cooking if needed.
7. Check that gizzards are fully cooked through - internal temperature should reach 165F.

Cooking times may vary based on the size and amount of chicken gizzards. For crispier gizzards, extend cooking by a few minutes. If gizzards start to get too dark, reduce air fryer temperature.

Tips for the Best Air Fried Chicken Gizzards

Follow these helpful tips for the ultimate crispy, flavorful air fried chicken gizzards:

• Don't overcrowd - Cook gizzards in batches for even crisping.
• Use a light coating of oil - A small amount of oil helps promote browning.
• Preheat properly - Ensure air fryer is fully preheated before adding gizzards.
• Toss or shake - Redistribute gizzards during cooking for even browning.
• Track cook times - Note cooking durations to perfect the crispy texture.
• Check internal temp - Air fry until chicken gizzards reach 165F.
• Allow resting - Let gizzards sit 5 minutes after cooking for moisture to redistribute.

Taking these simple steps will help you achieve the ideal crunch and flavor when making air fried chicken gizzards.

Flavor Ideas for Air Fried Chicken Gizzards

One of the great things about air frying chicken gizzards is that they take on flavors very well. Feel free to get creative with different seasonings and marinades. Here are some delicious flavor ideas to try:

• Buffalo chicken: Toss with hot sauce, butter, garlic powder before air frying.
• Jamaican jerk: Marinate in Jamaican jerk seasoning overnight before cooking.
• Teriyaki: Toss with teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
• Taco seasoned: Add taco seasoning and top with avocado salsa.
• Cajun: Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning before and after air frying.
• Barbecue: Toss with your favorite barbecue sauce or dry rib seasoning.
• Honey sriracha: Mix sriracha, honey, and soy sauce for a spicy marinade.

Take your air fried chicken gizzards to the next level by pairing with dipping sauces like ranch, bleu cheese, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for even more flavor.

Serving Ideas for Air Fried Chicken Gizzards

Crispy, seasoned chicken gizzards straight from the air fryer make a delicious appetizer, snack, or main dish any day of the week. Get creative with how you serve them up!

Main Dishes

For a hearty and satisfying meal, air fried chicken gizzards pair excellently with sides like:

• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw, potato salad, or macaroni salad
• Corn on the cob
• Garlic bread
• Potatoes (baked, mashed, roasted, etc)
• Rice or roasted vegetables

For a delicious sandwich or wrap, place air fried gizzards on a bun or tortilla with toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and condiments.

Appetizers

Use crispy air fried chicken gizzards in these fun appetizer ideas:

• Chicken gizzard bites - toss in wing sauce and serve with celery and ranch or blue cheese
• Loaded gizzard nachos - top with cheese, beans, salsa and other favorite nacho toppings
• Chicken gizzard skewers - alternate with veggies on a skewer
• Gizzard Caesar salad - top a Caesar salad with seasoned, sliced air fried gizzards

Snacks and Side Dishes

Some more ways to eat your delicious air fried chicken gizzards:

• Snack on plain, seasoned gizzards straight from the air fryer
• Add to sandwiches and wraps
• Make gizzard tacos with avocado salsa
• Toss with pasta or make gizzard pasta salad
• Add to nachos, pizzas, omelets, etc
• Use in place of chicken or bacon in recipes

However you choose to serve them, air fried chicken gizzards make for a quick, healthy, and tasty meal component. Their crispy, fried texture pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes and ingredients.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fried Chicken Gizzards

Like any meat, leftovers from air fried chicken gizzards should be stored properly and reheated safely. Here are some tips for storing and reheating them:

Storage

• Allow gizzards to cool completely before storing.
• Place cooled gizzards in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Can also be frozen for 2-3 months - this works great for meal prepping.
• Keep air fried gizzards separate from raw meats to avoid cross-contamination.

Reheating

• Refrigerated gizzards can go straight into a 400F oven or air fryer to reheat.
• Microwave leftovers in 30 second intervals until warmed through.
• Frozen gizzards will need to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Bring gizzards up to an internal temperature of 165F.
• Avoid reheating more than once.

With proper storage and reheating, leftovers from air fried chicken gizzards will keep for several days and taste freshly cooked. Adjust cook times as needed to recrisp the exterior.

Common Questions About Air Frying Chicken Gizzards

Are chicken gizzards healthy?

Chicken gizzards are nutritious as they are low in fat and calories while providing a good amount of protein, iron, and vitamins. They are an especially healthful meat choice when prepared in the air fryer using little to no added oil.

How can you tell when chicken gizzards are done?

Chicken gizzards are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165F. They will look browned and crisped on the outside when fully cooked through in the air fryer. A sharp knife inserted into the thickest part should show no traces of pink.

Do you have to soak chicken gizzards before cooking?

It's not strictly necessary but soaking gizzards in milk or buttermilk for 30 minutes before cooking can help tenderize the meat and lead to better results. Pat gizzards dry thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.

Can you air fry frozen chicken gizzards?

It's best to thaw frozen chicken gizzards fully in the refrigerator before air frying. Air frying frozen gizzards may lead to uneven cooking. For food safety, gizzards must reach an internal temperature of 165F.

How long do chicken gizzards last in the fridge?

Raw chicken gizzards will keep 3-4 days in the fridge. Cooked gizzards last 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze chicken gizzards for 2-3 months. Reheat fully to 165F before eating.

Get Crispy, Tender Chicken Gizzards from Your Air Fryer

Chicken gizzards develop a deliciously crispy, browned exterior and tender, meaty interior when cooked in an air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this nutritious and flavorful meat as an appetizer, snack, or main dish any night of the week. Let your air fryer unlock the full potential of chicken gizzards for a fast and healthy meal option the whole family will love.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.