Crispy on the outside while still tender and juicy on the inside – that’s what you get with these air fried chicken gizzards! If you’ve never had chicken gizzards before or are looking for a new, healthier way to cook them, then this easy air fryer recipe is for you.
Chicken gizzards are an underrated and often discarded part of the bird, but they are delicious when prepared right. The air fryer is the perfect way to cook up these little nuggets of flavor without needing to deep fry them.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make crispy, mouthwatering chicken gizzards in your air fryer using just a handful of simple ingredients.
Trust me when I say these will be your new favorite appetizer or snack! So let’s get started – here’s everything you need to know for making the best air fried chicken gizzards ever.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So Tasty: Chicken gizzards are an underrated and often overlooked cut of meat that become absolutely delicious when cooked properly.
Air frying brings out their rich, meaty flavor and gives them a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Surprisingly Simple Preparation: If you think gourmet means complicated, think again! This recipe redefines simplicity. With just a handful of spices and an air fryer, you can transform a humble ingredient into a culinary masterpiece.
It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a great gateway recipe for cooking novices.
Texture That Satisfies: One of the most delightful aspects of chicken gizzards is their unique texture. When cooked in an air fryer, they achieve a crispy exterior that yields to a tender, almost creamy interior.
It’s this contrast that makes each bite deeply satisfying and keeps you coming back for more.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this gizzards in air fryer recipe you will need:
- 1 pound (450g) Chicken Gizzards
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Oregano (dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
👨🍳 How To Make
Easily make the perfect air fried chicken gizzards! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Start by rinsing the chicken gizzards and then patting them dry. Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C).
Step 2
Combine the spices from the list and olive oil in a big bowl. Place the chicken gizzard in with the spices and mix together.
Step 3
Once the air fryer is hot, line the gizzards inside.
Step 4
Air fry them for 17-18 minutes. Shake the basket a few times throughout the cooking process. That’s it! Enjoy this amazing air fryer chicken gizzard recipe!
💡Tips
1. Properly Air Frying
Preheating the air fryer is essential for cooking the gizzards evenly. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this ensures that hot air circulates around each piece. You may need to air fry them in 2 batches.
2. Shaking The Basket
Shaking the basket a few times during cooking is important to cook them evenly. Also, keep an eye on the gizzards in the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook, as this can make them tough.
3. Let the Gizzards Rest Before Serving
As soon as the fully cooked gizzards come out of the air fryer basket, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before digging in. This short resting period allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat a bit for better texture and flavor in each bite.
4. Pat the Gizzards Dry Before Seasoning
It’s important that the chicken gizzards are patted dry with paper towels before you add the oil and seasoning. Any excess moisture on the surface will make it harder for the spices to stick. Take the extra minute to thoroughly pat dry.
5. Baking Soda
If you want to make these airfryer gizzards extra tender, you can use baking soda as a tenderizer.
Simply sprinkle a bit of baking soda over the gizzards before you season them, and let them sit for about 1 hour.
This will help to soften the gizzards and give them a delicious, juicy texture.
Variations
1. Korean BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards– Mix gochujang (Korean chili paste), minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ginger into the spice rub.
The sweet heat glaze on the crispy gizzards is out of this world good. Top with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and even kimchi for the full Korean treatment.
2. Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards- If you like buffalo wings, you’ll go nuts for these Buffalo chicken gizzards fresh from the air fryer! Toss the gizzards in a mixture of hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper before air frying.
When they finish cooking, drizzle with more buffalo sauce and garnish with chopped scallions and celery for cooling crunch.
3. Mexican Street Style Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards– In a molcajete or mortar and pestle, grind together 1 dried guajillo chile pepper, 1 dried ancho chile pepper, 1 garlic clove, a pinch of Mexican oregano, and salt and pepper.
Mix the ground chile paste with the gizzards before air frying. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the crispy gizzards when they’re done and sprinkle with chopped white onion and cilantro.
Serve these south of the border gizzards stuffed into warm corn tortillas for street taco perfection! Ole!
Storage
The air fried chicken gizzards can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let them completely cool before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
To reheat, place desired number of gizzards on a plate and reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stopping to stir or flip halfway through, until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp them back up.
Dipping Sauces
Here are 4 delicious dipping sauces that would pair perfectly with these zesty air fried chicken gizzards:
1. Ranch Dressing– What better way to cool down the heat of those cayenne-spiced gizzards than with a creamy, herby ranch dressing? Dunking each bite in ranch makes for a fun, down-home appetizer everyone will love.
2. Honey Mustard- The sweetness of honey mustard perfectly complements the savory crispiness of the fried gizzards. As the smooth, tangy mustard cuts through the richness of the chicken, the honey mellows out the bolder seasonings like paprika and cayenne.
3. Buffalo Sauce- For those who like even more heat with their gizzards, buffalo sauce is sure to satisfy. The iconic blend of hot sauce and butter will turn up the flavor dial on these already zesty gizzards to mind-blowing levels.
4. Honey Mustard Sauce: The tangy and slightly sweet notes of honey mustard make it a top choice. Its creamy texture and the balance between the sweetness of honey and the sharpness of mustard offer a delightful contrast to the savory, slightly spicy chicken gizzards.
This sauce is a crowd-pleaser, often favored for its ability to add a refreshing zest to any fried dish.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
If you liked this chicken gizzards in air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these amazing air fryer dishes as well:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute another oil for olive oil in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other oils. However, olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits. The key is to use an oil with a high smoke point suitable for air frying.
2. How do I know when the gizzards are fully cooked in the air fryer?
Chicken gizzards are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. They should be tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
3. Is it necessary to shake the basket during cooking?
Yes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking ensures even cooking and browning. It prevents the gizzards from sticking to the basket and allows hot air to circulate around them more effectively.
4. What are some serving suggestions for air fryer chicken gizzards?
Serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces like ranch or hot sauce. They also pair well with sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
5. Are chicken gizzards healthy, and what are their nutritional benefits?
Chicken gizzards are a lean protein source, rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. They are low in fat, making them a healthier choice, especially when cooked in an air fryer without excessive oil.
Chicken vs. Turkey Gizzards
I made this dish using chicken gizzards but you can easily substitute turkey gizzards. They both taste great and require the same cooking time when cooked in an air fryer.
The turkey gizzards have a more “meaty” texture which some people prefer, while the chicken gizzards are a bit more tender.
I hope you liked my air fryer gizzards recipe! Make sure to check out other great air fryer recipes on my website! New recipes are added every week.
Air Fryer Gizzards
- 1 pound Chicken Gizzards (450g)
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Oregano (dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- Start by rinsing the chicken gizzards and then patting them dry. Preheat your air fryer to 350F (175C).
- Combine the spices from the list and olive oil in a bowl. Place the chicken gizzard in with the spices and mix together.
- Once the air fryer is hot, line the gizzards inside.
- Air fry them for 17-18 minutes. Shake the basket a few times throughout the cooking process.
