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Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites: Easy and Crispy Snack

If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly crispy, savoury snack, look no further than air fryer pork belly bites. This delightful dish combines the rich, indulgent flavours of pork belly with the clever convenience of an air fryer, resulting in a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Perfect for entertaining or simply indulging during a quiet night in, these pork belly bites are easy to prepare and sure to impress. Let’s explore how to make this scrumptious snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create your own air fryer pork belly bites, you’ll require just a handful of simple ingredients:

• 500g pork belly, skin scored
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Your choice of dipping sauce (such as sweet chilli or soy sauce)

Preparing the Pork Belly

1. Prepping the Pork Belly: Begin by selecting good quality pork belly from your local butcher or supermarket. Ensure the skin is scored in a criss-cross pattern, which will help achieve that coveted crispy crackling. Rinse the pork belly under cold water to remove any surface debris, then pat it dry with kitchen paper.

2. Seasoning: Once the pork belly is dry, rub the sea salt generously over the skin and into the scored cuts. This seasoning not only enhances the flavour but also helps draw moisture out of the skin, which is essential for crispiness. If you’re using garlic powder and smoked paprika, sprinkle these over the meat side.

3. Marination (Optional): For even more flavour, consider marinating the pork belly for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. You can use a simple marinade of soy sauce, honey, and ginger for a sweet and tangy twist.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 400°F). This step is crucial as it creates the ideal environment for the pork belly bites to develop that delightful crunch.

2. Cooking the Pork Belly: Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces after marinating, if you chose to do so. Place the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd them. This allows the hot air to circulate efficiently, promoting even cooking.

3. Air Frying: Cook the pork belly bites at 200°C for about 25 to 30 minutes. Midway through cooking, give the basket a shake to ensure all sides are crisping up nicely. The exact cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your pork belly pieces, so keep an eye on them.

Serving Suggestions

Once your pork belly bites are perfectly golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This little pause helps to retain their juiciness. Serve the bites warm with your favourite dipping sauces, such as sweet chilli or soy sauce, for a burst of flavour.

Conclusion

Air fryer pork belly bites are a fantastic snack that combines ease of preparation with an explosion of flavour. With their crispy texture and juicy meat, they make for a delightful nibble during movie nights, gatherings with friends, or as a moreish appetiser at dinner parties. The air fryer not only simplifies the cooking process but also significantly reduces fat content, making this indulgent treat a tad guilt-free.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up these delicious pork belly bites today – your taste buds will thank you!

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