Can You Cook Chicken Gizzards in an Air Fryer Try This Crispy Recipe

Yes, you can cook chicken gizzards in an air fryer for a quick, crispy, and healthier alternative to deep frying. With the right seasoning and cook time (around 12–15 minutes at 375°F), air-fried gizzards deliver a tender interior and perfectly crunchy exterior every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry gizzards: Achieve crispy, tender results with minimal oil.
• Pre-cook for tenderness: Boil or pressure cook gizzards before air frying.
• Season generously: Use bold spices for flavorful, restaurant-quality gizzards.
• Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding for even, crispy texture every time.
• Check internal temp: Ensure gizzards reach 165°F for safe consumption.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy hot for maximum crunch and juiciness.

Why Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards Are a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest—chicken gizzards aren’t usually the star of the dinner table. Most people either love them for their rich, meaty flavor or avoid them entirely because of their texture. But here’s the thing: when cooked right, gizzards are incredible. They’re packed with protein, iron, and B12, and when treated with care, they turn into tender, juicy bites with a satisfying chew. And guess what? You can now cook chicken gizzards in an air fryer—yes, that magical little countertop appliance that makes everything from fries to chicken wings crispy without the oil.

I first tried air frying gizzards on a whim. My local butcher had a special on them, and I thought, “Why not?” I’d already fallen in love with air fryer recipes for chicken thighs and cauliflower, so I figured I’d give this underrated cut a shot. The result? Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and ready in under 30 minutes. No mess, no deep frying, and no lingering kitchen grease smell. It felt like I’d cracked a secret code. Now, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned—because yes, you can cook chicken gizzards in an air fryer, and it’s easier than you think.

What Are Chicken Gizzards and Why Air Fry Them?

Understanding Chicken Gizzards: The Underrated Superfood

Chicken gizzards are part of the bird’s digestive system. They’re the muscular stomach that grinds food—think of them as nature’s food processor. Because they’re so tough, they need proper cooking to become tender. But don’t let that scare you. When prepared correctly, gizzards are rich, savory, and full of nutrients.

Here’s why gizzards deserve more attention:

• High in protein: About 19–20g per 3-ounce serving.
• Iron-rich: Great for maintaining energy and preventing anemia.
• Low in fat: Naturally lean, especially when trimmed.
• Budget-friendly: Often cheaper than chicken breasts or thighs.

And unlike other tough cuts that require long braising or stewing, gizzards respond beautifully to quick-cook methods—especially air frying.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Gizzards

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speed, creating a Maillard reaction (that’s the science behind the golden-brown crispiness). For gizzards, this means:

• Less oil: You only need 1–2 teaspoons of oil instead of cups for deep frying.
• Faster cooking: No need to boil or braise first (though we’ll cover pre-cooking options).
• Even browning: The rotating airflow crisps all sides evenly.
• Easy cleanup: Just wipe the basket—no greasy pans or splatter.

Plus, air frying preserves more of the gizzards’ natural flavor and nutrients compared to deep frying, where excessive oil can mask taste and add unnecessary calories.

Pro tip: If you’ve tried boiling or slow-cooking gizzards before and found them rubbery, the air fryer can fix that. The key is proper prep and timing—more on that soon.

Preparing Chicken Gizzards for the Air Fryer

Cleaning and Trimming: The First Step to Tender Gizzards

Before you even think about seasoning, your gizzards need a good cleaning. Most grocery store gizzards come partially cleaned, but you’ll still want to inspect them. Here’s how:

1. Place gizzards in a colander and rinse under cold water.
2. Use a small, sharp knife to remove any tough outer membrane or yellow fat. These parts are bitter and can ruin the flavor.
3. Look for any grit or sand—especially if they’re not pre-cleaned. Soak in cold water for 10–15 minutes if needed.
4. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

I once skipped this step and ended up with a batch that was gritty and chewy. Lesson learned: a few minutes of prep make all the difference.

To Boil or Not to Boil? The Great Gizzard Debate

There’s a big question in gizzard circles: Should you pre-cook them before air frying? The answer depends on your time and texture preference.

Option 1: Skip boiling (for tender, slightly chewy results)
If your gizzards are fresh and well-trimmed, you can go straight to the air fryer. This method is faster and preserves more natural flavor. Just cut them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.

Option 2: Boil first (for ultra-tender, fall-apart texture)
If you’re using frozen or tough gizzards, or you want them extra tender, boil them first:

• Place gizzards in a pot, cover with water or broth.
• Add bay leaf, peppercorns, and a halved onion (optional for flavor).
• Simmer for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender.
• Drain, cool, and pat dry. Then air fry.

I use this method when feeding kids or guests who are texture-sensitive. The boiled gizzards come out so tender, they practically melt in your mouth—then the air fryer gives them that irresistible crisp.

Cutting Tips for Even Cooking

Gizzards cook best when they’re uniform in size. Aim for 1–1.5 inch pieces. This ensures:

• Even browning in the air fryer.
• No undercooked centers or burnt edges.
• Better surface area for seasoning and crispiness.

Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) for maximum tenderness.

The Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 3–4)

• 1 lb (450g) cleaned chicken gizzards
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano (optional)

Optional extras: A splash of soy sauce, a dash of Worcestershire, or a teaspoon of honey for umami depth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the gizzards: Clean, trim, and cut into uniform pieces. Pat dry.
2. Season: In a bowl, toss gizzards with oil until lightly coated. Add all spices and mix well. Let sit 10–15 minutes for flavors to absorb.
3. Preheat air fryer: Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Load the basket: Arrange gizzards in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—cook in 2 batches if needed.
5. Cook: Air fry for 12 minutes. Open the basket and shake gently. Cook 8–10 more minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Check for doneness: Cut one open—it should be white inside with no pink. If still rubbery, add 2–3 more minutes.
7. Rest: Let sit 2 minutes before serving. They crisp up more as they cool slightly.

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, spray lightly with oil halfway through cooking. But don’t overdo it—too much oil can make them soggy.

Air Fryer Settings by Model

Different air fryers vary in power. Here’s a quick guide:

Model Type	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Small (3.5–4 qt)	390°F (200°C)	20–22 mins	Cook in 2 batches. Shake every 8 mins.
Large (5–6 qt)	390°F (200°C)	18–20 mins	Single batch works. Shake at 12 mins.
Oven-style (8–10 qt)	375°F (190°C)	20–25 mins	Use middle rack. Flip halfway.
Budget models (low wattage)	400°F (205°C)	22–25 mins	May need extra oil spray.

Note: Always start checking at the minimum time. Gizzards go from perfect to overcooked quickly.

Flavor Variations and Pairings

Global-Inspired Seasoning Ideas

One of the best things about air fryer chicken gizzards? They’re a blank canvas for flavor. Here are a few of my favorite twists:

1. Cajun-Style:
Replace paprika with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Add a pinch of cayenne. Serve with remoulade sauce.

2. Asian-Inspired:
Use 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ginger, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

3. Mediterranean:
Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, and a drizzle of lemon juice after cooking. Serve with tzatziki.

4. Spicy Buffalo:
Toss cooked gizzards in 2 tbsp Buffalo sauce. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dip.

I once made the Asian version for a potluck, and people couldn’t believe they were eating gizzards. “Wait, this is what?!” was a common reaction. That’s the magic of great seasoning.

Side Dishes That Complement Crispy Gizzards

You’ve got the main event—now what to serve with it?

• Coleslaw: The cool, creamy crunch balances the heat and crisp.
• Roasted potatoes: Air fry some baby potatoes alongside for a complete meal.
• Cornbread: A Southern classic that soaks up the juices perfectly.
• Pickled vegetables: Quick-pickled onions or jalapeños cut through the richness.
• Simple salad: Arugula with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.

For a quick weeknight dinner, I often pair gizzards with air-fried sweet potato wedges and a dollop of garlic aioli. It’s hearty, healthy, and ready in 30 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Gizzard Problems

Why Are My Gizzards Rubbery or Chewy?

Rubbery gizzards are usually a sign of:

• Undercooking: They need enough time to break down connective tissue.
• Overcrowding the basket: This steams instead of crisps. Always leave space.
• Not boiling first (if using tough gizzards): Older or frozen gizzards benefit from pre-boiling.

Solution: If they’re still chewy after air frying, transfer to a pan and simmer in broth or sauce for 5–10 minutes. This tenderizes them without losing crispiness.

Soggy or Not Crispy Enough?

Soggy gizzards mean moisture won the battle. Here’s how to fix it:

• Pat them dry thoroughly after cleaning or boiling.
• Don’t skip the oil—a light coat helps crisp.
• Shake the basket halfway through for even exposure.
• Don’t open the basket too often—this drops the temperature.

I once forgot to dry my gizzards after boiling, and they came out steamed, not crispy. A quick 5-minute return to the air fryer saved them.

Uneven Cooking or Burnt Edges?

This happens when pieces are different sizes or the basket is packed too tight.

• Cut all pieces to the same size.
• Leave at least 1/2 inch between each gizzard.
• Use a lower temperature (375°F) for larger batches.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Air Fryer Chicken Gizzards?

Absolutely. Cooking chicken gizzards in an air fryer isn’t just possible—it’s one of the best ways to enjoy them. You get all the rich, meaty flavor without the guilt of deep frying, and the cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re a gizzard lover or a curious beginner, this method delivers tender, crispy results every time.

I’ll be honest: gizzards aren’t for everyone. But if you’ve ever hesitated to try them, the air fryer removes the biggest barriers—grease, mess, and guesswork. It’s a low-risk, high-reward experiment. And once you nail the technique, you’ve got a protein-packed, budget-friendly dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

So go ahead—grab a pack of gizzards, fire up your air fryer, and give this crispy recipe a try. Serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a bold addition to a charcuterie board. Just don’t be surprised when your friends ask for the recipe. After all, the best meals often start with the ingredients no one else wants.

Happy air frying—and don’t forget to shake that basket!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook chicken gizzards in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook chicken gizzards in an air fryer! The air fryer delivers crispy, golden results with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying while preserving the gizzards’ rich texture.

How long do chicken gizzards take in the air fryer?

Chicken gizzards typically take 18–22 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in an air fryer, depending on size. Shake the basket halfway through for even browning and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Do you need to boil chicken gizzards before air frying?

Boiling isn’t required but can help tenderize gizzards if you prefer a softer bite. For a crispier texture, pat them dry, marinate (optional), and air fry directly—just extend the cooking time slightly if they’re dense.

What’s the best way to season air fryer chicken gizzards?

For flavorful air fryer chicken gizzards, toss them in oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a splash of soy sauce or hot sauce. Marinate for 30+ minutes for deeper taste, or use a dry rub for convenience.

How do you prevent chicken gizzards from drying out in the air fryer?

To keep gizzards juicy, avoid overcrowding the basket and cook in batches if needed. Lightly oil them and check for doneness at the 15-minute mark—overcooking is the main cause of dryness.

Can you reheat leftover chicken gizzards in an air fryer?

Yes! Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. This method beats microwaving, which can make them rubbery or soggy.