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Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Pork Belly Recipe: A Crispy Delight

Pork belly is often regarded as one of the finest cuts of meat, known for its rich flavour and tender texture. When cooked properly, it can become a succulent delight that melts in your mouth. Jamie Oliver, renowned for his innovative cooking techniques and emphasis on fresh ingredients, has put a modern twist on this classic dish by perfecting it in the air fryer. This method not only reduces cooking time but also achieves that sought-after crispy skin.

The Appeal of the Air Fryer

The air fryer has revolutionised home cooking, allowing us to enjoy crispy foods with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. This appliance circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Jamie Oliver’s approach to pork belly in the air fryer encapsulates this ethos, marrying health-conscious cooking with indulgent flavours.

Ingredients

To recreate Jamie Oliver’s air-fried pork belly recipe at home, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly (with the skin scored)
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• A splash of apple cider vinegar (optional for extra flavour)

Method

1. Preparation of the Pork Belly: Start by patting the pork belly dry with kitchen paper. This step is crucial as it helps achieve that perfectly crispy skin. Then, using a sharp knife, score the skin in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat beneath.

2. Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, minced garlic, and olive oil. Mix well to form a paste. Rub this mixture all over the pork belly, ensuring it gets into the score marks on the skin. For added depth of flavour, you can sprinkle a splash of apple cider vinegar on the meat.

3. Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). This is an essential step as it sets the stage for the crispy skin and evenly cooked meat.

4. Cooking the Pork Belly: Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Cook for around 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your meat. Halfway through cooking, check the pork belly; if the skin is becoming too dark, you can lower the temperature slightly.

5. Crisping the Skin: To achieve an extra crunchy skin, crank up the temperature to 220°C (428°F) for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Resting: Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. Resting is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is as succulent as the last.

7. Serving: Slice the pork belly into chunky pieces and serve with your favourite sides. Roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes complement this dish beautifully. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining juices from the air fryer over the meat for added flavour.

Final Thoughts

Jamie Oliver’s air fryer pork belly recipe is a perfect combination of convenience and indulgence. It offers a delightful balance of crispy skin and tender meat while keeping the cooking process straightforward. This dish is sure to impress family and friends alike, making it a fantastic addition to weekend feasts or special occasions.

So, dust off that air fryer and get ready to enjoy a gourmet experience right from your kitchen—Jamie Oliver’s pork belly is waiting to be savoured!

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