Air fryer chicken hearts are a delicious, savory delight that can be eaten as an appetizer or side dish. Making the chicken hearts this way turns them out delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!
This super easy air fryer chicken hearts recipe is one of my favorite ways to eat chicken hearts. They're so nutritious and soak up the juices you cook them in. It's so hassle-free; anyone can do it! It's also low carb and keto-friendly.
I love how easy this recipe is. You only need minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients. Then throw them in the air fryer, and you'll have a delicious dish on the table in no time at all. Air frying is by far the best way to prepare chicken hearts.
What are chicken hearts?
Chicken hearts are the heart muscles of chickens. They are part of a chicken's innards, like chicken livers and gizzards. These organ meats are also called giblets or offal. However, they have a milder taste than other organs and taste like chicken thighs.
Chicken hearts are a great alternative to regular chicken parts and are packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. They make an easy and nutritious meal. Chicken hearts are often overlooked for their more popular counterparts - the breast and leg. But they are inexpensive, taste great, and are super healthy.
Equipment Used
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I use an air fryer for this recipe. An air fryer is an efficient way to fry chicken hearts without them getting greasy. It's also a great way to fry ingredients without them soaking up excess oil.
If you're in the market for an air fryer, check out this handy list of the top affordable air fryers.
Ingredients Used
- Chicken hearts: I use 12oz of chicken hearts for this recipe. You can use more or less, but you might have to adjust the spices. You can get raw chicken hearts from a local butcher or Asian or Hispanic markets. You can also get them from the chicken area of the meat department in local grocery stores.
- Olive oil spray: I use olive oil spray, but you can use your favorite cooking spray if you prefer. A little oil will prevent the hearts from sticking to your air fryer tray or basket.
- Spices: Salt, bouillon powder, and cayenne pepper. Feel free to use your favorite spices!
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Hearts
- First, wash the chicken hearts and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, preheat the air fryer to 400F. If there's no preset button for it, switch the air fryer to 400F and let it heat for about four minutes.
- Combine all the spices in a large bowl, then add in the chicken hearts and mix with the spices thoroughly.
- Spray your air fryer basket or tray with a light coat of cooking oil. Arrange the chicken hearts in a single row in the air fryer basket or tray.
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. Shake the air fryer every 5 minutes to flip the hearts and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Check with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken hearts are cooked through and golden brown. An internal temperature of 165F shows that they've been cooked properly. Take them out with a slotted spoon and serve!
Storing and Reheating
Store your leftover whole chicken hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also store them in a bowl and cover them tightly with foil.
You can freeze the leftover hearts to preserve them for longer. To do this, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about two hours. Afterward, transfer the chicken hearts to a sealable freezer bag and freeze.
Reheat either in the air fryer or microwave. If they're frozen, leave them in the fridge overnight to thaw.
What can I eat this recipe with?
This tasty chicken hearts recipe is versatile, and you can eat it in various ways. For example, you can pair them with mushrooms for a more filling and nutritious dish. You can also eat it as a snack with your favorite dip.
I enjoy my air fryer hearts with my African pepper sauce or hot sauce. Pair it with a salad or steamed or air-fried veggies for a quick, delicious dinner.
Tips and variations
- Chicken hearts soak up flavors, so you can marinate them before air frying. They turn out more delicious this way.
- You don't have to use the spices I used. Add onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, seasoning salt, or your favorite spice blend instead.
- Add some shredded spring onion, bell peppers, and chopped garlic for a delicious variation.
- Do not overcook the chicken hearts to avoid making them dry and tough.
Frequently asked questions
Like other organs in the chicken, chicken hearts are nutrient-dense. They are packed full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, iron, zinc, and selenium. Additionally, hearts contain riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, and vitamin B6. They also contain protein, which is great for muscle growth and repair and can help with weight loss.
When chicken hearts are fully cooked, they will have a firm texture and be relatively easy to chop. They will also be golden-brown. If you're not sure, use a meat thermometer. You should get a reading of 165F to know it's safe to eat.
Many prefer washing the hearts and trimming off veins or fatty pieces before cooking. Use running water to clean off any blood or dirt, then pat dry with paper towels. You can also use a bit of salt to clean them. This will help break down the blood clots that may be present and keep the cleaning process simple.
Related Recipes
Need more offal meat dishes? Next time, try these!
- Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards is one of the quickest ways to prepare chicken gizzards.
- This Beef Liver Recipe is one of the best ways to cook liver, and they turn out just perfect.
- Chicken Hearts with Mushrooms is a satisfying, nutritious meal, and I like to eat it with some low carb rice.
- Make this Nigerian Pepper Soup with some tripe, kidney, and other offal meat.
- If you love spicy foods, this Peppered Gizzard Recipe is for you!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Hearts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken hearts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon bouillon powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Wash the chicken hearts and pat them dry with paper towels.12 oz chicken hearts
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F. If there's no preset button for it, switch the air fryer to 400F and let it heat for about four minutes.
- Combine all the spices and olive oil in a large bowl.½ teaspoon bouillon powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Add in the chicken hearts and mix with the spices thoroughly.
- Spray your air fryer basket or tray with a light coat of cooking oil.
- Arrange the chicken hearts in a single row in the air fryer basket or tray.
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes.
- Shake the air fryer every 5 minutes to flip the hearts.
- Check with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken hearts are cooked through and golden brown. An internal temperature of 165F shows it's cooked properly.
- Take them out with a slotted spoon and serve!
Notes
- Chicken hearts soak up flavors, so you can marinate them before air frying. They will turn out more delicious this way.
- You don't have to use the spices I used. Add onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, seasoning salt, or your favorite spice blend instead.
- Add some shredded spring onion, bell peppers, and chopped garlic for a delicious variation.
- Do not overcook the chicken hearts to avoid making them dry and tough.
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