How to Cook Chicken Gizzards in Air Fryer for Crispy, Tender Goodness
If you’ve never tried air-fried chicken gizzards, you’re in for a treat. These little morsels get perfectly crispy outside while staying tender inside — and the air fryer makes it easier than frying in a pan of oil.
I suggest soaking the gizzards in buttermilk to mellow out their flavor and tenderize them.
Season well with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for just the right kick. Boiling them briefly before air frying is a must to avoid that rubbery chewiness.
Prep Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 18–22 minutes | 30–35 minutes | Snack / Appetizer | American / Southern | 2–4 |
Ingredients for Different Servings
| Ingredient | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | 6 Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Gizzards | 250g | 500g | 750g |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup | 1 cup | 1½ cups |
| All-Purpose Flour | ½ cup | 1 cup | 1½ cups |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic Powder | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp |
| Cayenne Pepper (optional) | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | ¾ tsp |
| Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | To taste | To taste |
| Cooking Spray / Oil | As needed | As needed | As needed |
Ingredient Alternatives:
- Buttermilk: plain milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
- All-Purpose Flour: cornstarch or rice flour (for extra crispiness)
- Paprika: smoked paprika or chili powder
- Garlic Powder: onion powder or garlic salt (reduce added salt if used)
- Cayenne Pepper: chili flakes or omit if you prefer mild
- Cooking Spray: brush with olive oil or any neutral oil
Cooking Instruments Needed and Alternatives
- Air Fryer: The primary tool for cooking; provides crispiness with less oil
- Mixing Bowls: For soaking and coating gizzards; Ziploc bags can work as well
- Tongs: For handling hot gizzards safely; alternatively, use a fork or slotted spoon
- Pot: To boil the gizzards before air frying; an Instant Pot with a sauté or boil function can substitute
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To measure ingredients accurately; kitchen scale can also help
How Long to Cook Chicken Gizzards in Air Fryer?
Cooking times for chicken gizzards vary depending on the air fryer type. Basket-style air fryers typically need a temperature of 400°F (200°C) and cook the gizzards for about 18 to 20 minutes.
Remember to shake the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Oven-style air fryers might require slightly lower heat around 390°F (199°C) and a longer cook time of 20 to 22 minutes.
If your air fryer has dual heating elements, you can cook at 385°F (196°C) for 16 to 18 minutes but keep an eye on the gizzards to avoid burning.
Always check for a golden brown color and tender inside before serving.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Make Crispy Chicken Gizzards in Air Fryer
Before starting, clean the gizzards thoroughly, removing any excess fat or membranes.
Step 1: Tenderize by Boiling
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, then add the gizzards. Let them simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the tough texture.
This step ensures they’re tender when you bite into them. Drain the water and allow the gizzards to cool down before the next step.
Step 2: Soak for Flavor and Moisture
Place the cooled gizzards in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, making sure they’re fully submerged.
Let them soak for at least 30 minutes; if you have time, soak overnight in the fridge. This soaking tenderizes and adds moisture, resulting in juicy bites.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
This spice blend will give the crispy coating its bold flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Gizzards
Remove the gizzards from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Toss them into the flour mixture and press gently to coat evenly.
Make sure each piece is well covered with the seasoned flour.
Step 5: Prepare for Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray or brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the coated gizzards in a single layer inside the basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray the top of the gizzards with oil to encourage crispiness.
Step 6: Air Fry and Flip
Cook the gizzards for 9 to 10 minutes, then carefully shake or flip them using tongs to ensure even cooking and browning.
Continue air frying for another 9 to 12 minutes until the coating turns golden brown and the gizzards are crisp outside but tender inside.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the gizzards from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the coating to set and helps retain the juiciness.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or side.
Serving and Decoration Tips to Impress Your Guests
- Serve your air fryer chicken gizzards with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo to balance the crispy texture.
- Fresh lemon wedges add a zesty brightness when squeezed on top. For a Southern touch, pair them with homemade coleslaw or warm cornbread.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh color contrast that also adds a mild oniony flavor.
Variations to Try for Every Mood
Here are some variations.
Cajun Kick
Use Cajun seasoning instead of the basic spice mix. Add some smoked paprika, dried oregano, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne.
Serve with hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Garlic Butter Toss
After air frying, toss the gizzards in melted garlic butter mixed with parsley. This adds a rich and savory coating that melts in your mouth.
Parmesan Ranch
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and ranch seasoning over the hot gizzards right after air frying.
The cheese melts slightly, making a crispy cheesy crust.
Asian Inspired
Marinate gizzards in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before coating. Add sesame seeds in the flour mix and serve with a side of sweet chili sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftover chicken gizzards in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 6 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunchy texture. For longer storage, freeze cooked gizzards on a tray first, then transfer to freezer bags; use within 2 months for best flavor.
Extra Tips You’ll Appreciate
- Never skip the boiling step—it’s essential for tender gizzards.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Use cooking spray generously on both basket and gizzards for a golden crunch.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
Common Mistakes with Fixes and Prevention
| Mistake | How to Fix | How to Prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Gizzards too tough or chewy | Boil longer or check tenderness before frying | Always simmer for 10–15 minutes before air frying |
| Breading falls off during cooking | Press coating firmly and spray oil before cooking | Let coated gizzards rest for 5 minutes before cooking |
| Undercooked inside | Add more cook time in 2-minute increments | Check for golden color and fork tenderness |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the buttermilk soak?
You can, but soaking helps tenderize the gizzards and improves flavor.
Is it okay to use frozen gizzards?
Thaw completely before boiling and cooking for even results.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can deep-fry or oven-bake, but the air fryer gives the best crisp texture with less oil.
How spicy are the gizzards?
Adjust cayenne pepper to your taste or leave it out for mild flavor.
Can I reheat fried gizzards in the microwave?
It’s possible but they’ll lose crispiness. Air fryer reheating is best.
air fryer chicken gizzards
This air fryer chicken gizzards recipe delivers a crispy outside with tender, juicy inside. Soaking the gizzards in buttermilk and boiling before air frying ensures perfect texture and rich flavor. A flavorful spice mix adds a mild kick, making this snack perfect anytime.
Ingredients
- Chicken gizzards – 500g
- Buttermilk (or milk with vinegar) – 1 cup
- All-purpose flour (or cornstarch) – 1 cup
- Paprika (or smoked paprika) – 2 tsp
- Garlic powder (or onion powder) – 1 tsp
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – ½ tsp
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
- Cooking spray or neutral oil – as needed
Instructions
- Rinse gizzards and boil in salted water for 10–15 minutes until tender.
- Let them cool, then soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine flour and spices in a bowl.
- Remove gizzards from buttermilk, coat thoroughly in the flour mix.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray basket with oil.
- Arrange gizzards in a single layer, spray lightly with oil.
- Cook for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway for even crisping.
- Rest briefly, then serve hot with dipping sauces.
Notes
- Boiling tenderizes the gizzards—don’t skip!
- Use cooking spray generously for a golden crust.
- Adjust spices to your preference for heat and flavor.
- Cook in batches if basket gets crowded.
Let’s Make This Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards Recipe and Share Your Crunchy Success!
Try this easy method of how to cook chicken gizzards in air fryer for a delicious, crispy snack or appetizer. Once you nail the technique, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and less messy than traditional frying.
Don’t forget to share your experience and any cool variations in the comments below. Let’s get frying!
