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Crispy Air Fryer Cantonese-Style Pork Belly (Siu Yuk)

Crispy Air Fryer Cantonese-Style Pork Belly, or Siu Yuk, is a beloved dish in Cantonese cuisine, known for its luscious layers of succulent meat and crispy skin. Traditionally roasted in an oven for hours, this dish can be prepared more conveniently with the help of an air fryer. Not only does this method yield perfectly crisp skin, but it also reduces cooking time and makes the dish a tad healthier by using less oil. In this article, we’ll explore how to make perfect air fryer Siu Yuk that rivals the best Chinese restaurants.

Understanding Siu Yuk

Siu Yuk is a classic Cantonese dish that features roast pork belly, renowned for its unbeatable contrast between juicy, tender meat and a delightfully crispy skin. The key to achieving that perfect crackling texture lies in the preparation of the skin and the cooking technique. By opting for the air fryer, you can achieve an impressive result without the fuss of traditional roasting methods.

Ingredients

For the Pork Belly:

• 500g pork belly (with skin on and bones removed)
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

For Cooking:

• Air fryer

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Belly

1. Score the Skin: Start by placing the pork belly skin-side up on a chopping board. Using a sharp knife, gently score the skin in a grid pattern without cutting into the meat. This will help the fat render and result in crispy skin.

2. Marinate the Pork: In a small bowl, mix the sea salt, white pepper, five-spice powder, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Rub this mixture thoroughly over both the skin and the meat, ensuring it gets into the scored areas. Leave the pork belly to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavour.

Step 2: Prepping the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for approximately 5 minutes while the pork belly marinates.

Step 3: Cooking the Pork Belly

1. Dry the Skin: Remove the pork belly from the fridge and pat the skin dry with paper towels. Drying the skin is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy finish.

2. Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the pork belly, skin side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, adjusting the time based on your air fryer’s specifics. After 15 minutes, pause the cooking to check on the pork. At this point, to achieve an even crispier skin, you can spray a light mist of cooking oil onto the skin.

3. Final Crisping: For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 220°C (about 428°F) in the final 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the pork to prevent burning.

Step 4: Resting and Serving

Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist bite.

After resting, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, making sure to cut through both the crispy skin and the tender meat. Serve with a side of your favourite dipping sauce, such as a sweet soy or a spicy chilli dip. Traditional accompaniments can include steamed rice or stir-fried greens.

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Cantonese-Style Pork Belly (Siu Yuk) is a delicious and simplified version of a classic dish that guarantees satisfaction with each bite. With just a few ingredients and a convenient air fryer, you can impress your family and friends with this delectable treat. Give it a try and bring a taste of Cantonese cuisine into your home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Enjoy!

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