Pork belly is a beloved dish known for its tender, juicy meat and crispy skin. While traditionally cooked in the oven or on the stovetop, using an air fryer can take this dish to the next level, producing the crispiest, most delicious crackling. If you’re craving that melt-in-your-mouth texture with a crunchy exterior, the air fryer is your secret weapon. Here’s a full guide on how to cook the perfect pork belly in an air fryer.
Why Use An Air Fryer for Pork Belly?
The air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, mimicking the effect of deep frying but with much less oil. This method is ideal for cooking pork belly because it ensures the fat crisps up perfectly while the meat stays juicy and tender. The circulating hot air makes the crackling on the skin exceptionally crispy, without the need for frying in oil or spending hours in the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pork belly (1-2 pounds, skin-on)
- Salt (for seasoning)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for the skin)
- Black pepper (optional)
- Garlic powder, onion powder, or other spices (optional)
- Five-spice powder or Chinese five-spice (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pork Belly in the Air Fryer
1. Prepare the Pork Belly
Start by patting the pork belly dry with paper towels. The key to getting a crispy crackling is removing as much moisture as possible from the skin. After drying it thoroughly, score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, ensuring not to cut into the meat itself. This allows the fat to render down during cooking and helps the skin crisp up.
2. Season the Pork Belly
Rub the pork belly with olive oil or vegetable oil, focusing on the skin. The oil will help achieve that crispy crackling. Generously season the meat with salt, making sure to get the seasoning into the cuts in the skin. If you’d like, you can add black pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices to flavor the meat.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the right temperature for the crisping process, making the skin more likely to crisp up evenly.
4. Cook the Pork Belly
Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the pork belly into smaller pieces. Air fry the pork belly for about 25-30 minutes, checking after the first 15 minutes to ensure it’s cooking evenly. If the skin is already crisping up, you may want to reduce the temperature slightly.
5. Crisp the Skin
After 25-30 minutes, check the pork belly to see if the skin is crispy and golden brown. If it’s not yet crispy to your liking, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as the skin can burn quickly.
6. Rest the Pork Belly
Once the pork belly is cooked and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Roasted potatoes or Brussels sprouts complement the richness of the pork belly.
- Make a Simple Salad: Pair your crispy pork belly with a light, fresh salad to balance the rich, savory flavor.
- Serve with Dips: A tangy apple sauce, mustard, or soy-based dip can add a delicious contrast to the crispy pork belly.
Tips for Perfect Air Fried Pork Belly
- Score the Skin Properly: Make sure the cuts are shallow and evenly spaced to allow the fat to render down while cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Moisture on the skin is the enemy of crispy pork belly. Thoroughly drying the skin is key to achieving that perfect crackling.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For the juiciest pork belly, aim for an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) in the meat for maximum tenderness.
- Let it Rest: Resting the meat after cooking helps the juices settle and improves the overall flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Using an air fryer to cook pork belly is an easy and effective way to achieve the crispiest, most flavorful crackling. The air fryer’s ability to circulate hot air creates a perfect balance between tender meat and crispy skin, all without the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will definitely impress.
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