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Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly: A Decadent Delight

Pork belly is a cut of meat that has gained immense popularity in recent years, and rightly so! Its rich, succulent flavour and tender texture make it a favourite among meat lovers. Traditionally, preparing pork belly often involves long roasting times, but the advent of the air fryer has revolutionised the cooking process, allowing you to achieve that coveted crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth meat in a fraction of the time. This article will guide you through making crispy pork belly in your air fryer, ensuring a delightful addition to your dinner table.

The Appeal of Pork Belly

Pork belly is celebrated for its impressive layers of fat and meat, which, when cooked correctly, create a blissfully tender experience paired with a beautifully crispy exterior. Traditionally served in a variety of dishes from Asian cuisine to British roasts, this cut of meat is incredibly versatile. The air fryer enhances this versatility by reducing the cooking time and producing a perfect crackling surface.

Ingredients

To create your own Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly, skin scored
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: 1 teaspoon five-spice powder or smoked paprika for added flavour

Preparation

1. Prepare the Pork Belly: Begin by patting the pork belly dry with kitchen paper. The drier the skin, the crispier it will become. Make sure the skin is scored in a crisscross pattern, which will help facilitate the crunching process.

2. Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (and five-spice or smoked paprika if you’re using it). Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to work it into the scored skin for maximum flavour.

3. Oiling: Drizzle the olive oil over the pork belly, ensuring it’s evenly coated. The oil not only helps with flavour but also aids in achieving a crispy skin.

Cooking

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 392°F) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.

2. Air Frying: Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook the pork belly for 25-30 minutes, checking halfway through. If you prefer extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 220°C (about 428°F) for the last 5-10 minutes.

3. Resting: Once the pork belly is done, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier bite.

Serving Suggestions

Once rested, slice the pork belly into square or rectangular portions, serving it as a main dish with your choice of sides. It pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a zesty apple sauce. For an Asian twist, serve it alongside some steamed bao buns, pickled vegetables, or a tangy dipping sauce.

The Verdict

Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly is not only a game changer for a weekend feast, but it’s also a surprisingly straightforward dish to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can impress your family and friends with a delectable meal that feels indulgent without extensive kitchen time.

Conclusion

As the air fryer continues to be a beloved kitchen appliance, this recipe showcases its potential in delivering crispy, restaurant-quality pork belly from the comfort of your home. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, give this delightful dish a try—you might just find a new favourite in your repertoire!