Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards

Ever wondered what to do with chicken gizzards when cooking a whole chicken? Well, wonder no more! This air fryer recipe will tell you the best way to make delicious and tender chicken gizzards your entire family will love!

Chicken gizzards are a popular delicacy in Africa and many other countries worldwide, thanks to their nutritional value and taste. You can eat them as a snack, in stir-fries, or as a full-blown meal with vegetables.

So, whether you're a gizzard lover or just have an adventurous palate and this is your first time trying it, this fried gizzard recipe is for you.

Why you'll love this recipe

I love that air fried chicken gizzards are delicious and healthy. There are several ways to eat them, so they never get boring. They're also chock full of nutrients, so my kids can benefit from all the vitamins and minerals while snacking.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it is ready in about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients. Before I got my air fryer, I would fry my gizzards in a deep fryer, but that used a lot of oil. This is by far my favorite method of preparing this chicken dish.

If you need another gizzard recipe, try this mouthwatering peppered gizzard.

What are chicken gizzards?

A chicken gizzard is a part of the organs in a chicken. They're located in the digestive tract of a chicken. Since chickens do not have teeth but beaks, they swallow their food whole. The gizzard is a tough muscle that helps the muscular stomach break down its food.

These organs are called offal meat or giblets like chicken livers and the heart. So the next time you see them in a plastic bag when you buy a whole chicken, don't throw them out. They're edible and good for you!

Equipment Used

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I use my Ninja air fryer for this recipe. Cooking chicken gizzards this way is quick and hassle-free.

The air fryer is one way to fry dishes without using a deep frier, which soaks up a lot of oil. It's one of my best investments, and I use it several times daily. If you're in the market for one, check out this list of the best affordable air fryers.

Ingredients Used

You need just a handful of staple ingredients for this recipe.

• Chicken gizzard: You can get clean chicken gizzards from the meat section of your local grocery store. 
• Olive oil: Use your favorite cooking spray or olive oil spray. The oil will make the spices stick to the gizzards. You can also drizzle a bit of oil on the air fryer basket or tray before putting in the gizzards, so they don't stick to it.
• Spices: Garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt for taste.

How to prepare and clean gizzards

If you buy gizzards from a butcher, you might need to clean them yourself. To do this:

1. Slice each gizzard lengthwise.
2. Empty the contents, then rinse the inside of the gizzard.
3. Make sure you empty the contents in the trash and not your sink.
4. Peel away the skin attached to the insides and rinse again. 
5. Finally, dry each with a paper towel, and your gizzards are ready to cook.

How to make this recipe

Making gizzards in the air fryer is super easy!

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. If your air fryer does not have a dedicated preheat button, switch it on to 350F and let it heat for three to four minutes. 
2. Combine all the spices and olive oil in a large bowl.
3. Pour the chicken gizzards into the bowl and thoroughly mix them with the spices.
4. Drizzle a little olive oil, then use your fingers to lightly coat your air fryer basket or tray with it. 
5. Place the gizzards in a single row in the air fryer. You dont want to overcrowd it or stack them.
6. Air fry the gizzards for 15 minutes. Shake the air fryer every 5 minutes to make sure they are golden brown.
7. If you like them super crispy, air fry the chicken gizzards for 5 more minutes.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover chicken gizzards in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for a few days to retain freshness.

To store them for longer, you can put them in an air-tight plastic bag or flat plastic container in the freezer for up to three months.

You can reheat it either in the microwave or air fryer for a few minutes until hot. If frozen, put them overnight in the fridge to defrost first.

What can I eat this recipe with?

You can enjoy this deliciously healthy dish or snack in different ways. Eat them as a snack with hot sauce, buffalo sauce, African pepper sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for movie nights.

Tips and variations

• You can boil the gizzards first before air frying if you want them extra tender and soft.
• Use your favorite seasoning salt or spice mix for the gizzards to get the extra deliciousness you love.
• Cut the gizzard into bite-sized pieces before air frying so you can pop them in your mouth.

Frequently asked questions

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