Learning how to cook gizzards in air fryer can be a handy skill. It’s easy and will be done in a few minutes! This is great for those who want to eat something different from the usual.
If you buy a whole chicken, you don’t need to discard the gizzard. Instead, you can turn it into a delicious dish. Luckily, it does not have to be difficult! Even if you have not tried it before, the process is straightforward. Read on and I’ll let you know how it’s done.
What is Gizzard?
A gizzard is an organ from poultry, the most popular of which is the chicken gizzard. It is a digestive tract, which is similar to the stomach. It is what grinds the foods that birds consume. You will find it around the world, often sold as street food. They are available in different forms, such as grilled, boiled, or fried. You can even mix them in salads or use them in pates.
One thing to note is that they are very small. Despite such, it packs a lot of flavor. It tastes like dark chicken meat, but the main difference is that it is tougher. Hence, gizzard can be hard to chew, but such will largely depend on how you cook it. If you’re cooking gizzard in an air fryer, pay attention to proper cooking time.
It is also crucial to remember that chicken gizzard is high in cholesterol. Hence, you should consume it occasionally and in moderation. In addition, gizzards can be a good source of protein, which is essential for energy production.
Why Cook Gizzard in an Air Fryer?
One of the most common ways to cook gizzard is through braising. It is a slow process that relies on moist heat. It relaxes the connective tissues, which makes the gizzard easier to chew. However, not a lot of people will have the luxury of time to braise gizzard. Hence, if you’re looking for a quicker alternative, consider air frying.
By cooking gizzard in an air fryer, you will save time. You can cook it within minutes. However, some people might opt to boil them first, which is what makes gizzard tender. If you don’t have time, a good alternative is to cut them into small pieces, which will make them quicker to cook and easier to chew.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Gizzards in Air Fryer
Make gizzards more flavorful by blending them with delicious spices. Here’s a quick guide on how you can make gizzards more mouthwatering in an air fryer.
1. Ingredients
- 1-pound chicken gizzard
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne powder
2. Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step as it ensures the basket is hot enough before you start. Not to mention, it can speed up cooking.
- While waiting for the air fryer to heat up, mix chicken gizzard in a bowl with all the spices. Use your hand and make sure they are thoroughly covered.
- Arrange the gizzard in an air fryer. If you have read my other recipes, then you’ll know that you should not overcrowd the air fryer. You can also put aluminum foil or parchment paper to make the clean-up easier.
- Air-fry for 20 minutes. every five minutes, shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
Preparing and Cleaning Gizzard
Before you air fry gizzards, make sure they are clean. If they are from a whole chicken, spend time preparing the organ before cooking. On the other hand, if you bought only gizzards, then they might already be clean and ready for cooking.
Slice the gizzard lengthwise and take out everything inside. Throw the insides in the trash bin and not in your sink. Clean the gizzard with running water. Peel the skin inside and rinse one more time. Lastly, dry them with paper towels.
What to Eat with Air-Fried Gizzards
While you can eat gizzards on their own, you can also enjoy them with other food, especially those that can perfectly complement the flavor of the organ. You can serve it in a bowl of vegetable soup or stew. Speaking of stews, check out my guide on how to make beef stew in an air fryer. You can also top it with condiments or different sauces to make them more flavorful. More so, you can enjoy gizzards with white rice or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.
Conclusion
Now that you are done reading, I hope you already know how to cook gizzards in air fryer. The cooking time can take 20 minutes, which is still quicker than braising. Before cooking, however, make sure to clean them. Otherwise, they are not only unsafe to eat, but they can also taste horrible.
