Fried Rabbit in an Air Fryer

Tastes just like chicken – literally! One of the more challenging aspects of raising rabbit for meat has been finding good resources for recipes on cooking rabbit.

That is, until I realized you can use it for any dish that calls for chicken! The texture and flavor are almost an exact match for chicken. No one will even know! (But you should still tell them.) If you’re wondering why we grow meat rabbits, check out our previous posting on the benefits of raising your own rabbits for meat!

Our very favorite rabbit meal is fried rabbit. Declan approved.

An air fryer has been an unexpectedly favorite of my non-essential kitchen gadgets. I boycotted the Air Fryer and an Instapot for years, arguing it was just another fad that everyone would regret buying.

BOY was I wrong! Our Instapot gets used on a daily basis (sometimes multiple times) and an Air Fryer has been growing on my favorite list, too! Convenient, less mess, and it’s simple to use once you get used to it.

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Ingredients

2 lbs of rabbit legs

2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil

Dizzy Pig: Raging River Rub

Air Fryer

Meat Thermometer

Directions

  • Preheat your AirFryer. Set the temperature to 360F (182C) and run a cycle for about 5 minutes.
  • Place your rabbit legs into a large mixing bowl. Add in your avocado oil and mix together. You want your legs coated well with oil.
  • Sprinkle with the Raging River rub. You want them well coated.
  • Once preheat cycle is finished, add in your meat to the fryer basket.
  • Replace the basket and set the timer for 12 minutes.
  • Remove basket and turn your meat. *Optional, drizzle again with avocado oil.*
  • Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.
  • Check your internal temperature of the meat. It should be at 160F (71C)
  • Allow your meat to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving!

Tips

  • While rabbit is similar to chicken, it is much more lean. You definitely don’t want to overcook. If your internal temperature reads less than 160, turn the meat and put in for another 2-4 minutes.
  • Flip your meat! Many versions of the Air Fryer say you do not need to turn your food; however I’ve found if you don’t flip your food during cooking, it doesn’t get as crispy.
  • Don’t use an oil spray for this recipe. Having the extra oil is key when frying the rabbit meat.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, fresh asparagus sautéed lightly until bright green, and some sauerkraut or kimchi!

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