Before the advent of air fryers, beef liver was often prepared smothered in onions, delivering a rich and hearty flavor. However, the discovery of frying calf’s liver yielded an unexpectedly delightful outcome. The result is akin to the satisfaction of savoring fried chicken livers, if not even more exceptional. The advantage of using calf’s liver lies in its sturdier texture, making it easier to bread and cook. Here’s a recipe that demonstrates the transformation of calf’s liver into a delectably crispy treat.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 minutes per batch
Total Time: 23–25 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound sliced calf’s liver
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Oil for misting or cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Begin by cutting the slices of calf’s liver crosswise into strips, approximately ½-inch wide. Season these strips with a sprinkle of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- In a shallow dish, beat together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash that will aid in adhering the breading to the liver strips.
- Set up a second shallow dish containing the whole wheat flour. This will be the first layer of breading for the liver.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C), allowing it to reach the ideal cooking temperature.
- Now it’s time to bread the liver strips. Dip each strip successively in the flour, followed by the egg wash, and then the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the liver to ensure they adhere evenly.
- Divide the liver strips into two batches to ensure even cooking. Arrange the strips in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring they are close but not touching.
- Cook the first batch at 390°F for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the liver is cooked to your preferred level of doneness. The air frying process will render the liver delightfully crispy and golden.
- Once the first batch is done, repeat the cooking process with the remaining liver strips.
With the advent of air fryers, the culinary possibilities for classic dishes like calf’s liver have expanded. The combination of breading and air frying creates a wonderful texture that encapsulates the succulent flavors of the liver within a satisfyingly crispy exterior. This modern twist on a traditional dish ensures that every bite of calf’s liver is a delectable journey of taste and texture. Enjoy this flavorful and crispy delight as a main course or appetizer, and revel in the harmonious blend of classic and contemporary cooking techniques.
