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Crispy Pork Belly in the Air Fryer: A Delightful Treat

Pork belly has earned its place as a beloved dish in cuisines around the world. Known for its succulent layers of meat and fat, it promises a burst of flavour with every bite. When cooked to perfection, the crispy skin is an irresistible topping that adds a delightful crunch. With the rise of air fryers in home kitchens, achieving that coveted crispy pork belly has become easier and more accessible than ever before. Let’s dive into the details of creating this delectable dish in your air fryer.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, producing a crispy exterior while retaining moisture within. This method not only cuts down on excess oil but also significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods such as roasting. Not to mention, the reduced fat content makes for a somewhat healthier indulgence—perfect for those who want to enjoy pork belly without the guilt!

Ingredients You Will Need

To make air fryer crispy pork belly, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly (with skin)
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder (optional, for added flavour)
• Vegetable oil (for rubbing)

Preparation Steps

1. Score the Skin: Begin by carefully scoring the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife. This means gently slicing through the skin without cutting into the meat. Aim for strips about 1 cm apart. Scoring allows the fat to render out during cooking, leading to beautifully crispy skin.

2. Dry the Skin: Pat the pork belly dry with kitchen paper. For the crispiest results, it’s crucial to remove any moisture from the skin.

3. Seasoning: Rub the pork belly with a generous amount of salt, ensuring it gets into the scored areas. This not only flavours the meat but helps to draw out moisture. Sprinkle the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and five-spice powder over the flesh side of the pork belly.

4. Oil Application: Lightly coat the skin with vegetable oil. This will assist with the crisping process as the air fryer operates.

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) and preheat for around 5 minutes.

2. Cook the Pork Belly: Place the pork belly skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through, check the progress and, if needed, adjust the cooking time to ensure your pork belly reaches that desired level of crispiness.

3. Finish Off with a Blast of Heat: Once the cooking time is nearly up, if the skin hasn’t reached ultimate crispiness, increase the temperature to 220°C (about 430°F) for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep a watchful eye to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Once your crispy pork belly is done, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This waiting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Slice the pork belly into bite-sized chunks and serve with a side of steamed greens, pickled vegetables, or a vibrant salad. For an extra treat, drizzle with a sweet soy sauce or homemade chilli dip.

Conclusion

Air fryer crispy pork belly is not only a delightful dish for special occasions but can also serve as a fantastic weeknight meal. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with that irresistible crunch, it encapsulates the best of comfort food. The convenience of the air fryer means you can achieve restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your home. Give it a go, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this culinary delight! Happy cooking!