Air fryer chicken liver (no breading)

Name: Air fryer chicken liver
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken liver; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder and paprika (each)

This quick and easy air fryer chicken liver recipe makes the most tender, moist, and lightly crisp bite-size livers without breading. You need only a handful of spices to turn hearty and budget-friendly liver into a versatile and delicious lunch or dinner dish in less than 15 minutes!

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Whether or not you are typically a fan of liver, I can practically guarantee that you are going to love these air fryer chicken livers! Because not only is air frying super fast, convenient and nearly effortless, it is also the best method for cooking the little livers so they are perfectly fork-tender and juicy every time. No tough or dry meat over here!

Protein-packed and delicious (and economical!) chicken livers taste almost like red meat chicken bites... The flavor is deeply savory and iron-y, kind of similar to beef but with even more richness.

And to showcase all of that yummy flavor we keep this recipe simple by tossing the livers in just a few pantry staple spices, with no breading needed. But feel free to change things up and use any seasonings to suit your likes! If it tastes good on chicken nuggets it probably will taste great on liver, too.

Skipping flour or breadcrumbs also lets the flavor of the meat shine, and happens to make this a gluten-free, low carb, and keto-friendly recipe. With barely any prep work the seasoned livers go right into the air fryer and cook in under 15 minutes.

Before you know it these tender, moist, and pop-able bites are ready to enjoy with dipping sauces and/or any number of side dishes for a quick lunch or dinner that's sure to satisfy!

Recipe ingredients

1 lb Chicken Liver: You can find small plastic tubs of livers in the meat department of most grocery stores.
Salt and Pepper: Just a bit of each goes a long way. Use sparingly to season.
Garlic Powder: Savory and earthy flavor helps to mellow the deep, metallic taste.
Paprika: Your choice of smoky or sweet paprika. Either one adds deliciously bold flavor that balances the livers and other spices. I also use lots of paprika in my Blackened chicken thighs recipe!

seasoned raw chicken liver in the air fryer about to be cooked

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to rinse chicken livers?

While you can season and cook them right from the tub, I prefer to clean chicken livers before air frying. Use a sharp knife to remove any connective tissue, then rinse the livers under cold running water. Gently pat dry with a clean towel and season.

Do you have to soak chicken livers in milk?

You do not have to soak chicken livers before cooking. But you certainly can! Some people choose to first soak the livers for a few minutes to pull out a bit of the iron-y taste and tenderize the meat. Personally, I like the rich flavor and fast prep of fresh liver.

Is liver good in air fryer?

Yes! Air fryers are great for getting nearly any type of meat perfectly crisp and tender. Hot air circulates throughout the appliance, so foods get evenly cooked on all sides. Chicken livers are rather small, so air frying is ideal for cooking them just right - without overcooking.

How is chicken liver supposed to be cooked?

The livers should be firm, with a light browning on the outside. When you cut into a liver, the inside needs to be thoroughly cooked with little-to-no pink coloring. As with all pieces of poultry, the internal temperature of chicken liver needs to be at least 165 degrees to be considered safe to eat. I highly suggest using an internal meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Can chicken liver be a little pink?

Like other parts of the chicken yes, a little bit of pink is ok. There are many reasons a piece of meat might still be pink, but what really matters is that the chicken reaches that minimal internal temp of 165 degrees.

Leftovers and reheating

What do i usually do with chicken liver leftovers? They store well in the air tight glass or plastic container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400 for 1-2 minutes or in the microwave for about 1 minute. Do not overheat or the liver may get dry.

You may also like this air fryer chicken tenders with corn flakes recipe. Juicy from the inside and super crunchy on the outside! Or Buffalo chicken meatballs, so yummy!

Hope you will like this air fryer chicken liver recipe as much as we do. Rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.

Recipe