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Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Belly: A Crispy Delight

Pork belly has established itself as a favourite in kitchens around the world, and for good reason. With its rich layers of succulent meat and tantalising fat, it offers an unbeatable combination of flavours and textures. While traditional methods of cooking pork belly require hours of preparation and patience, the air fryer has revolutionised the way we can enjoy this delicious cut of meat. If you’re on the hunt for the best damn air fryer pork belly, look no further than this easy and mouth-watering recipe.

Why Choose Air Fryer Pork Belly?

Air frying has surged in popularity thanks to its ability to cook food rapidly while achieving that all-important crispiness. For pork belly lovers, the air fryer is a game-changer, allowing you to savour the satisfying crunch of crackling without the mess and fuss of deep frying. The result? Juicy, tender meat nestled beneath an irresistible crispy skin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the best damn air fryer pork belly, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients to elevate the natural flavours of the meat:

• 1 kg pork belly, skin-on
• 2 tablespoons salt (sea salt is preferable)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder (optional, for an Asian twist)
• Olive oil or a dash of soy sauce (optional, for added flavour)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preparing the Pork Belly

Start by patting the pork belly dry with kitchen towels. This is a crucial step as it removes excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully. Once dry, score the skin in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat itself. This technique promotes airflow and helps the fat render out.

2. Seasoning

Rub a generous amount of salt into the scored skin, ensuring it gets into the crevices. This will not only season the pork but also draw out moisture for that perfect crackling. Mix together the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and five-spice powder (if using) in a bowl. Pat this mixture all over the meat side of the pork belly for maximum flavour.

3. Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Brush or spray a light layer of olive oil or soy sauce on the skin—this step is optional but can amplify the crispiness. Place the pork belly into the air fryer basket, skin-side up, and cook for 30 minutes. After this time, check the crackling; if it’s not quite there yet, continue to air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking every few minutes until you reach the desired level of crispiness. The perfect crackling should crackle and glisten!

4. Resting and Serving

Once cooked, carefully remove the pork belly from the air fryer and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite remains succulent.

Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve it with your favourite accompaniments. It pairs beautifully with steamed greens, a light salad, or even in a bao bun for an Asian-inspired feast.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use Fresh Pork Belly: Freshness matters! The quality of your pork belly can make a significant difference in flavour and texture.
• Resting is Key: Do not skip the resting time as it allows the meat to reach its optimal juiciness.
• Experiment with Flavours: Don’t be afraid to play around with different herbs and spices to find your perfect blend.
• Monitor Your Air Fryer: Different air fryer models vary in intensity, so keep an eye on the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

This Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Belly is sure to impress even the most discerning foodies, thanks to its beautiful crackling and juicy meat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a simple family meal, or indulging in a late-night snack, this recipe is bound to become a favourite in your household. So why not embrace the air fryer revolution? Your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy!