Crispy Chicken Gizzards In Airfryer: A Southern Classic Made Easy

There’s something comforting about foods that remind you of home. For me, chicken gizzards in the airfryer bring back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen on a slow Sunday afternoon. She’d have a batch simmering on the stove before giving them a quick crisp in the pan. We’d snack on them like popcorn, dipping them in hot sauce or ranch, surrounded by family and laughter.

Now, I’ve found a simpler way to get that same nostalgic crunch without the mess of deep frying and it’s all thanks to the airfryer. These chicken gizzards come out beautifully crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of bold, seasoned flavor. If you're new to cooking gizzards, don’t worry they’re easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through every step.

Ingredients You'll Need For This Chicken Gizzards In Airfryer Recipe

Here's what you'll need to make this chicken gizzard in airfryer recipe, along with a few notes on why each one plays a role:

• 1 lb chicken gizzards
  These little gems are inexpensive, high in protein, and incredibly flavorful when cooked right. Look for cleaned gizzards at your local butcher or grocery store. If they're not pre-cleaned, be sure to trim off any tough silver skin.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
  Just a touch of oil helps the spices cling and promotes browning in the airfryer without making the gizzards greasy.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  Adds that deep savory flavor and a little earthiness. Garlic is a perfect match for the natural richness of gizzards.
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  Oregano brings a hint of herbal brightness that lifts the whole flavor profile and pairs well with garlic.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  Just enough heat to give these a subtle kick. You can leave it out or bump it up if you like more spice.
• ½ teaspoon salt
  Essential for bringing all the flavors together. You can use sea salt or kosher salt—just make sure it's evenly distributed.

Step-by-Step Instructions For This Chicken Gizzards In Airfryer Recipe

This Chicken Gizzards In Airfryer recipe is easy, but there’s a rhythm to it. Gizzards need a little time and care to get tender before they crisp up. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Clean and Prep the Gizzards

If your gizzards are not pre-cleaned, trim off any connective tissue or tough outer bits. Rinse them well and pat dry with paper towels. Dry gizzards crisp up better.

Tip: If you have time, soak the gizzards in lightly salted water for 30 minutes beforehand. It helps tenderize and clean them further.

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2. Simmer for Tenderness

Place the gizzards in a pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt if you like. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let them simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until fork-tender.

Why this step matters:
Gizzards are naturally tough, so this simmering step is key. Skipping it will leave them chewy.

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3. Drain and Cool

Once tender, drain the gizzards and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle. At this point, you can refrigerate them if you want to cook them later.

4. Season Thoroughly

In a large bowl, toss the cooled gizzards with:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Massage the spices in so everything is well coated.

Optional: If you love a bold kick, add a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the mix before air frying. It soaks in nicely and adds a tangy heat that complements the richness of the gizzards.

5. Airfry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your airfryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Add the gizzards in a single layer (don’t overcrowd) and air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

They should come out with golden edges and a crisp bite.

Optional: For extra crunch, air fry for up to 15 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Gizzards Recipe

Beyond the rich flavor and crispy texture, there are some real benefits to cooking chicken gizzards in the airfryer:

• Nutrient-rich: Gizzards are high in protein, iron, and B12, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.
• Budget-friendly: One pound goes a long way, making this dish great for families or weekly meal prep.
• Lower-fat cooking: Airfrying gives you that fried texture without submerging in oil—cleaner, lighter, and better for your heart.
• Great for gut health: Organ meats like gizzards are rich in connective tissue and collagen, which can be helpful for joint and digestive health.

Variations and Add-On Ideas

Once you’ve got the base recipe down, feel free to experiment. Here are a few ideas:

Spice Swaps

• Swap cayenne for smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor.
• Add lemon zest or a dash of vinegar for brightness.

Breaded Version

• Toss the seasoned gizzards in a mix of panko and cornmeal before air frying for an extra crunchy coating.

Sauces & Dips

• Serve with hot sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or a garlic aioli.
• Make them into a mini taco filling with pico de gallo and avocado.

Extra Hearty

• Add roasted potatoes or serve over rice for a full meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead:

• Make-ahead: You can simmer the gizzards a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, just season and airfry.
• Storage: Cooked gizzards keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the airfryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving—they’ll go rubbery.
• Freezing: Simmered (but not yet airfried) gizzards can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and airfry when ready.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy airfried gizzards make a great appetizer or game-day snack. You can also:

• Serve them alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal.
• Add to a grain bowl with roasted veggies and tahini dressing.
• Pair with pickles and crusty bread for a rustic picnic plate.
• Dip in hot sauce or drizzle it over the top right out of the airfryer. It adds a nostalgic zing—just like the way my grandmother served them, with a bottle of hot sauce always on the table.

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There’s something special about transforming humble ingredients into something memorable. These chicken gizzards in airfryer are a perfect example of that: simple, satisfying, and full of character. Whether you grew up with them or are just discovering gizzards for the first time, this recipe is a no-fuss way to enjoy a nostalgic comfort food with a modern twist.

Let me know how yours turn out, or what spices you added to make them your own. I always love hearing how people bring their own flavor to a recipe.