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Melt-in-Mouth Air Fryer Pork Belly: A Delicious Delight

Pork belly has long been a favourite among food enthusiasts, and for good reason! It is richly flavourful, tender, and incredibly versatile. With the rise of air fryers in modern kitchens, achieving the perfect melt-in-mouth pork belly has never been easier. This article will guide you through creating this succulent dish in your very own air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior that will impress your family and friends.

The Appeal of Pork Belly

Pork belly is made up of layers of meat and fat, which cook down beautifully when prepared correctly. The fat renders during cooking, keeping the meat moist and infusing it with flavour. Its high-fat content means that it benefits greatly from dry heat cooking methods, making the air fryer a perfect choice for this method. The air fryer circulates hot air around the meat, creating a crispy crust while allowing the insides to remain tender and juicy.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make melt-in-mouth air fryer pork belly, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 kg of pork belly (skin on)
• 2 tablespoons of sea salt
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder
• 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Pork Belly

1. Score the Skin: Begin by patting the pork belly dry with paper towels. Carefully score the skin in a crisscross pattern, making sure not to cut too deeply into the meat. This process helps the fat render down effectively and creates a delightful crispy texture.

2. Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the pork belly, ensuring it gets into the scores and covers the entire piece. The salt is crucial for drawing out moisture, which will help achieve that desired crispy skin.

3. Oil Application: Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned pork belly and rub it in, allowing the seasoning to adhere better.

Cooking the Pork Belly in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (approximately 400°F). This will create an excellent environment for crisping the skin on the pork belly.

2. Place in the Air Fryer: Carefully place the pork belly into the air fryer basket, skin side up. Ensure it is not overcrowded, as this will affect the cooking process and the skin’s crispiness.

3. Cooking Time: Cook the pork belly for 30-35 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, check the progress. If the skin is bubbling and starting to crisp, you can lower the temperature slightly to avoid burning, but be cautious not to lose that coveted crunch.

4. Resting Phase: Once the pork belly is done, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing flavour and tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve it with your choice of sides. Crispy pork belly pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a fresh salad with a zingy dressing. For a true British touch, serve it with apple sauce or a tangy chutney.

Conclusion

Melt-in-mouth air fryer pork belly is not only an indulgent dish but also surprisingly simple to prepare. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a flavour-packed, crispy delight that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether for a special occasion or a midweek treat, this recipe captures the essence of comforting home-cooked food while delivering a gourmet experience right from your air fryer. Enjoy every melt-in-mouth bite!

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