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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Pork belly is a beloved cut, renowned for its rich flavour and tender texture. Traditionally, this cut may seem intimidating to cook, often requiring hours in the oven or complex preparation techniques. However, the advent of the air fryer has simplified the process, allowing home cooks to achieve crispy, melt-in-the-mouth pork belly with minimal hassle. In this article, we’ll guide you through preparing a scrumptious crispy air fryer pork belly that will delight your family and friends.

Ingredients

To create this succulent dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly, skin on
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Prepare the Pork Belly:
   Start by taking your pork belly out of the fridge and allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for even cooking. Pat the skin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. For an extra crispy texture, score the skin with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the flesh. Aim to make shallow cuts roughly 1 cm apart.

2. Seasoning:
   In a small bowl, mix the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Rub the spice mixture all over the pork belly, ensuring to get it into the scored skin. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the top and massage it into the skin for added crispiness.

3. Air Frying:
   Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Once preheated, place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up. It’s essential not to overcrowd the basket to allow for sufficient air circulation, which is key to achieving that unbelievably crispy skin.

4. Cooking Time:
   Cook the pork belly at 200°C for about 30 to 40 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, check on it to ensure it’s cooking evenly. You may wish to flip the pork belly halfway through the cooking time, but this is not strictly necessary if you’ve scored the skin well.

5. Check for Crispiness:
   The goal is to achieve beautifully golden and crisp skin, along with tender meat. If the skin isn’t crispy enough to your liking after the cooking time, you can cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Rest and Serve:
   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, ensuring a juicy bite. After resting, slice the pork belly into thick pieces, serve it on a platter, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy air fryer pork belly is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. It pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables. You could also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option. Alternatively, slice it thinly and serve it in a bao bun with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce for a delightful twist.

Conclusion

Crispy air fryer pork belly offers the perfect balance of texture and flavour, all while being easier to prepare than traditional methods. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and the convenience of an air fryer, you’ll be able to enjoy this indulgent treat any night of the week. So, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to savour the crispy delights of pork belly without the fuss!

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