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How to Make Air Fryer Roast Pork (with Perfect Crispy Pork Crackling)

If there’s one dish that brings the family together, it’s a beautifully roasted pork joint. The juicy meat paired with perfectly crispy crackling is a delightful combination that’s hard to resist. Thanks to the air fryer, achieving that restaurant-quality roast pork at home has never been easier or quicker. Let’s explore how to make air fryer roast pork that is succulent, flavourful, and topped with golden, crunchy crackling.

Ingredients

For the Pork

• 1.5 kg (around 3.3 lbs) pork shoulder or pork belly (with skin-on)
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Additional Flavouring (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or sage)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Meat thermometer
• Kitchen paper

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pork

1. Choose the Right Cut: For the best crackling, a pork belly or shoulder with a thick layer of skin is ideal. The skin needs to be scored to allow the fat to render out, which is crucial for crispy crackling.

2. Score the Skin: Using a sharp knife, carefully score the skin of the pork in a criss-cross pattern, approximately 1 cm apart. Be cautious not to cut into the meat itself. This helps the fat to render down, resulting in crunchy crackling.

3. Dry the Skin: Pat the skin dry with kitchen paper. The drier the skin, the crispier the crackling. If possible, leave the pork uncovered in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight to dry out the skin further.

Step 2: Seasoning

1. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Adjust the quantities to taste.

2. Rub the Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over the pork, then rub the seasoning mix all over the entire piece of meat, making sure to get it into the scored skin. If you’re using apple cider vinegar or fresh herbs, rub these in as well for added flavour.

Step 3: Air Frying

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Preheating is vital for achieving that perfect crispy crackling.

2. Place Pork in Air Fryer: Once preheated, place the pork in the air fryer basket with the skin side up. Ensure there is enough space for air to circulate around the meat.

3. Cooking Time: Roast the pork for about 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cut. The pork is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 70°C (158°F). For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F) for the last 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Resting the Meat

After cooking, allow the pork to rest for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.

Step 5: Serving

1. Slice and Serve: Once rested, slice the pork against the grain. Serve with your favourite sides such as roasted vegetables, apple sauce, or a fresh salad.

2. Enjoy the Crackling: Don’t forget to break off some of that stunning crackling to enjoy alongside your succulent pork!

Tips for Perfect Roasted Pork

• Use Good Quality Meat: Quality matters. Choose fresh, high-quality pork from your local butcher for the best results.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to mix up the spices and herbs according to your preference. A touch of smoked paprika or some citrus zest can elevate the flavours.
• Air Fryer Size: Ensure your air fryer can accommodate the size of the pork joint. If necessary, adjust cooking time for smaller cuts.

Conclusion

Making air fryer roast pork with perfect crispy crackling is a simple yet rewarding cooking experience. This method not only saves time but results in a mouth-watering dish that you’ll want to make again and again. So fire up your air fryer, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade roast pork. Happy cooking!