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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly: The Crispiest Crackling Ever!

If there’s one dish that has the power to elevate any meal and satisfy the taste buds like no other, it’s pork belly. Known for its rich, succulent meat and its irresistible crackling, pork belly is a celebration of flavour and texture. In recent years, the air fryer has transformed the way we cook, making it easier than ever to achieve that crispy, crunchy skin without the added guilt of deep frying. In this article, we’ll explore how to prepare the crispiest air fryer pork belly you’ve ever tasted.

Why Choose Air Frying?

Air frying is a game-changer for those looking to enjoy their favourite dishes while keeping an eye on health. Using hot air circulation, the air fryer cooks food evenly and creates a crispy exterior without the need for excess oil. This method also allows the fat in the pork belly to render beautifully, resulting in tender meat combined with crackling that is simply to die for.

Ingredients

To create the ultimate crispy air fryer pork belly, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly, skin scored
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Preparation

1. Preparing the Pork Belly

Begin by preparing the pork belly. Pat it dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture, as this will help achieve a crispier crackling. If the skin is not already scored, carefully use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat itself. This scoring technique allows the fat to render out and creates that iconic crackling texture.

2. Seasoning

Once your pork belly is prepped, season the skin generously with sea salt. Use your fingers to rub the salt into the scored skin, ensuring it gets into all the crevices. This step is crucial for flavour and achieving crispy crackling. Next, add black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder onto the meat side, rubbing these seasonings in as well.

3. Optional Step: Oil Application

For an extra layer of moisture and flavour, you can drizzle olive oil over the scored skin. While this step is optional, it can help in crisping up that crackling even more.

Cooking

4. Air Frying the Pork Belly

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Once preheated, place the pork belly skin-side down in the basket. Cook it at this temperature for 30 minutes to allow the meat to cook through. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the pork belly so the skin is facing upwards.

5. Achieving the Perfect Crackling

Now, crank up the temperature to 220°C (430°F) and cook for another 20-25 minutes, monitoring closely. It’s important to keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning. The skin should bubble and crackle, turning into a magnificent golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Once done, carefully remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and succulent.

Slice the pork belly into thick pieces and serve with your choice of sides. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, crispy potatoes, or even a fresh salad. For a touch of sophistication, consider drizzling a tangy sauce, such as a sweet chilli or apple cider glaze, over the top.

Conclusion

Crispy air fryer pork belly is not only a delight to the palate but a breeze to prepare, thanks to the magic of air frying. With the perfect balance of juicy meat and the crunchiest crackling, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether enjoyed as part of a Sunday roast or as a hearty weeknight meal, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your cooking arsenal. So, fire up that air fryer and get ready to indulge in a pork belly experience like no other!