Crispy, juicy chicken hearts are an underrated delicacy that deserves a revival. With your air fryer you can turn this old-school favorite into a modern hit.
With just a handful of ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time, you can transform plain chicken hearts into finger-licking perfection.
This easy yet crave-worthy recipe will have you dipping tender nuggets of chicken heart goodness in no time. Say hello to your new go-to appetizer!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Unique and Delicious Dish: Many people have never tried chicken hearts before, making this air fryer chicken hearts recipe an excellent opportunity to try something new and exciting.
Chicken hearts have a unique and delicious taste that you won’t find in other parts of the chicken. Plus, chicken hearts in an air fryer are extra tasty!
Easy Recipe: This air fryer chicken hearts recipe is quick and easy to make. This means you can have a delicious and healthy meal ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Air Fryer Makes Them Juicy And Crispy: Air fryer cooking helps to lock in the moisture and flavor of the chicken hearts, making them incredibly juicy and flavorful.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
To make air fried chicken hearts you will need:
- 1 pound (450g) Chicken Hearts
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
- 1/2 Onion (chopped)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow these steps to make perfect juicy air fryer chicken hearts:
Step 1
Place the chicken hearts, chopped onions, salt, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Mix and let it marinate for 25-30 minutes.
Step 2
Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C). Place the chicken hearts in the basket, and cook for 7-8 minutes. Shake the basket every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 3
Let the air fried chicken hearts cool for at least 10 minutes, and then serve with your favorite dipping sauce! Enjoy! This chicken hearts air fryer recipe is easy, but these hearts taste amazing!
💡Tips
1. Marination
To infuse your chicken hearts with maximum flavor, consider extending the marination time. While 25-30 minutes is a good start, letting them marinate for an hour or even overnight can significantly enhance the taste and tenderness.
The acid in lemon juice not only adds zest but also tenderizes the meat, and the longer marination allows the flavors of soy sauce, onion, and garlic to penetrate more deeply.
2. Spice Variations
Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices and herbs. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can introduce a new flavor profile. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the dish.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket
Be sure not to overload the air fryer basket with too many hearts. This can cause them to cook unevenly. Cook the hearts in batches if needed, to allow proper air circulation for crispy, even cooking.
4. Toss in Cornstarch for Extra Crispness
For an ultra crispy crunchy exterior, toss the hearts in a bit of cornstarch or potato starch before air frying. This light coating encourages browning through a process called the Maillard reaction.
5. Letting it Rest
Allowing the chicken hearts to rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking is not just about cooling them down. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavorful.
Cutting into or serving them immediately after cooking might result in drier hearts as the juices haven’t had the chance to settle.
Variations
1. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Hearts- Craving a kick? Swap the paprika for 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder. Infuse the marinade with a dash of honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper for that perfect blend of sweet and spicy. The smoky chipotle flavor will dance on your taste buds, making each bite a fiery delight!
2. Mediterranean-Style Chicken Hearts- Embark on a culinary adventure with a Mediterranean twist! Replace lemon juice with red wine vinegar, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and sprinkle feta cheese after cooking. Imagine the tangy, herb-infused hearts melting in your mouth, transporting you to a Greek island with every bite.
3. Asian Fusion Chicken Hearts- Introduce an Asian flair by substituting soy sauce with teriyaki sauce. Add a teaspoon of grated ginger and a tablespoon of honey to your marinade. The result? A sweet and tangy sensation, blending the rich traditions of the East with your crispy chicken hearts.
4. Garlic Lover’s Delight-Double the garlic, and add 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a more robust flavor. Imagine biting into a heart bursting with the bold aroma of garlic, each piece a testament to the love of this timeless ingredient.
5. BBQ Bliss– Transform your chicken hearts into a barbecue masterpiece. Replace soy sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce, and add a touch of liquid smoke. It’s like having a summer barbecue in your kitchen, with each heart glazed in a smoky, sweet sauce.
Best Dipping Sauces
Chicken hearts pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are 5 great options that will accentuate the hearty texture and savory essence of these air fried delights:
1. Spicy Buffalo Sauce– The tangy, creamy heat of buffalo sauce is a classic match for fried foods. Mixing hot sauce and ranch dressing creates the perfect balance – the cooling dairy calms the burning spices so you can keep enjoying the crispy chicken hearts. The blue cheese crumbles on top add a nice salty contrast. Dip away for a taste thrill ride!
2. Chimichurri– This lively green sauce from Argentina packs a bright herbal punch. Chopped parsley, cilantro, garlic, shallots, oregano, and red wine vinegar mingle in a quick marinade, allowing the flavors to marry while still retaining their vibrant character.
3. Sweet Chili Sauce– For those who like a sweet heat combo, this glistening orange sauce was made for chicken hearts. Mixing sriracha with honey and rice vinegar creates a glossy blend of spices and sweetness. Dunk those hearts and let the candy-like glaze spark sweet fireworks on your tastebuds.
4. Peanut Sauce– Crunchy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime and spices swirl together into a luscious, Asian-inspired dipping sauce. Its nutty flavor and creamy texture adheres nicely to the exterior of the hearts for plenty of sticky, peanutty richness in every bite.
5. Tzatziki– This refreshing Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce provides a nice cooling complement to the crispy hearts. The tangy dairy, grassy cucumber, lemon, garlic and dill blend together for a bright, herbal flavor.
Storage
These air fried chicken hearts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer term storage.
Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, pressing out as much air as possible. They will keep frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen chicken hearts overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat leftover refrigerated or thawed frozen chicken hearts, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Enjoy!
Side Dishes Ideas
Air fryer chicken hearts are full of flavor, so you’ll want sides that complement without overpowering them:
1. Air Fryer Garlic Knots – Warm, soft garlic knots are the perfect accompaniment for chicken hearts. The garlic and herb flavors enhance the chicken’s richness. Air frying keeps them crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. And who can resist pulling apart a perfect garlic knot?
2. Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes – Crispy seasoned potato skins baked to soft, fluffy perfection are filled with all the classics: bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives. It’s a heartier side that provides a tasty contrast to the chicken. The cool sour cream nicely cuts through the warmth of the hearts and spicy potatoes.
3. Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms– Earthy, meaty mushrooms get a crunchy, golden air fried breadcrumb coating. The breaded mushrooms offer a lighter side option with an extra crunch factor. Plus the flavor pairing of chicken and mushrooms is a match made in food heaven.
4. Broccoli Salad – A fresh broccoli salad with crisp raw broccoli florets, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion and a sweet vinegar dressing adds nutrition, color and crunch. It balances the rich chicken hearts beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best dipping sauce for these air fried chicken hearts?
Some delicious dipping sauce options include barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, ranch dressing, or even hot sauce. The cooked hearts also taste great with just a squeeze of fresh lemon if you want to keep it simple.
2. Can I add other spices to the marinade?
Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, coriander, or even a bit of chili powder for a kick. Just remember to balance the flavors to your liking.
3. Can I substitute the soy sauce with something else for a different flavor profile?
Absolutely! Try Worcestershire sauce for a tangier taste, or a blend of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
These crispy, flavor-packed air fried chicken hearts are sure to be a new favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and minutes in the air fryer, you can have a tasty, protein-rich snack or appetizer ready in no time.
I hope you’ll give this easy chicken hearts in air fryer recipe a try soon. Air frying really takes chicken hearts to the next level, ensuring they come out tender on the inside with a deliciously crispy exterior.
Let me know if you have any other questions! And be sure to check back as I’ll be sharing more air fryer recipes and tips soon. I’d love to hear which flavors and cuisines you’d like to see next in the air fryer. Please leave a comment below with any recipe requests or your experiences cooking up these chicken hearts.
Air Fryer Chicken Hearts
- 1 pound Chicken Hearts (450g)
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
- 1/2 Onion (chopped)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- Place the chicken hearts, chopped onions, salt, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Mix and let it marinate for 25-30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C). Place the chicken hearts in the basket, and cook for 7-8 minutes. Shake the basket every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Let the chicken hearts cool for at least 10 minutes, and then serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
