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Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly: Perfectly Crispy and Tender Every Time

Pork belly has long been a beloved dish in various cuisines around the world, celebrated for its rich flavour and delightful texture. Traditional methods of cooking pork belly can be a lengthy affair, requiring hours of slow roasting or braising. However, the advent of the air fryer has revolutionised this culinary classic, allowing home cooks to produce perfectly crispy and tender pork belly in a fraction of the time. In this article, we’ll explore how to achieve that sought-after crunch with minimal fuss, ensuring a sensational dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The Allure of Pork Belly

Pork belly is a cut that comes from the underside of the pig, known for its layers of fat and meat that, when cooked properly, yield an indulgently tender texture and a flavour that’s nothing short of sensational. When prepared with the right techniques, the fat renders down beautifully, imparting moisture and richness to the meat while the skin crisps up to create a contrast that’s simply irresistible.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have quickly become a kitchen staple due to their ability to create crispy textures without the need for excessive amounts of oil. This makes them a healthier alternative to deep frying while still achieving that coveted crunch. Additionally, air fryers circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking and making it easier to achieve consistent results—ideal for cooking pork belly.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather the necessary ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly (with skin)
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional)
• Oil spray

Tips for Success

1. Choosing the Right Cut: Look for pork belly with an even distribution of fat and meat. A good ratio will ensure tenderness without being overly greasy.

2. Drying the Skin: For really crispy skin, it’s essential to dry the pork belly well before cooking. You can pat it with paper towels and leave it uncovered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to help the skin dry out.

3. Scoring the Skin: Lightly score the skin in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat. This allows the fats to render properly and contributes to a crunchier texture.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

1. Pat the pork belly dry with kitchen towels.
2. Score the skin, being careful not to cut into the meat.
3. Rub the sea salt generously into the skin, followed by black pepper and any additional spices you desire. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Air Fry the Pork Belly

1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
2. Place the pork belly, skin side up, into the basket of the air fryer. If your air fryer has a grill rack, you may use it to allow better air circulation.
3. Lightly spray the skin with oil to promote crisping.
4. Cook for 30 minutes at 180°C (356°F) to start rendering the fat.

Step 3: Finish with High Heat

1. After 30 minutes, increase the air fryer temperature to 200°C (392°F) and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the pork belly to ensure it doesn’t burn, adjusting the time as necessary depending on the thickness of the meat.

2. The skin should puff up and become golden brown and crispy. If it isn’t as crispy as you like, you can always give it a few extra minutes at the higher temperature.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite. When you’re ready to serve, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, showcasing the contrast between the crisp skin and tender meat.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer crispy pork belly can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Consider pairing it with steamed greens, a fragrant rice dish, or even a light salad to balance its richness. Some enjoy it drizzled with a dash of soy sauce or a tangy vinegar-based sauce for an added burst of flavour.

Conclusion

Cooking air fryer crispy pork belly is a straightforward and rewarding process that yields fantastic results. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a comforting meal at home, this recipe guarantees both crispy skin and succulent meat every time. So, whip out your air fryer, follow these instructions, and prepare to impress with this delightful dish. Enjoy!