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Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly: A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion

Pork belly is a cut of meat that has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world. Known for its succulent layers of fat and meat, when cooked properly, it can be incredibly tender with a deliciously crispy skin. In recent years, the air fryer has emerged as a household favourite, offering a healthier way to achieve crispy results without the need for excessive oil. Today, we’ll explore how to create perfectly crispy pork belly using your air fryer, so you can enjoy this delectable dish in the comfort of your own home.

The Allure of Pork Belly

Pork belly is celebrated for its rich flavour and versatility. Whether you opt for it in hearty roasts, sumptuous stews, or even as a star ingredient in Asian cuisine, its glossy texture and addictive taste make it a firm favourite. The challenge lies in achieving that coveted crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has revolutionised home cooking, allowing us to enjoy crispy fried foods with significantly less oil. Its design circulates hot air around the food, creating a convection effect that mimics frying. This results in a golden-brown exterior while retaining moisture within.

Ingredients

To prepare air fryer crispy pork belly, you will need:

• 1 kg piece of pork belly, skin on
• 2 teaspoons of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder (optional for an aromatic touch)
• 1 tablespoon of oil (for marinating)

Method

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Belly

1. Score the Skin: Begin by scoring the skin of the pork belly in a criss-cross pattern using a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut into the meat underneath; this helps the fat render out and the skin to crisp up nicely.

2. Marinate: In a bowl, mix the oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and five-spice powder (if using). Rub this mixture thoroughly into the meat, ensuring it gets into the crevices. For best results, allow the pork belly to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight if time permits.

Step 2: Cooking in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). This will ensure a nice sizzle when you place the pork belly inside.

2. Air Fry: Place the marinated pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, but generally, you should cook it for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the skin to become puffed and crispy.

3. Check for Crispiness: If the skin isn’t quite as crispy as you’d like, you can increase the temperature for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

Once cooked to perfection, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its tenderness.

When ready to serve, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, ensuring each piece has a crunchy piece of skin. The resulting dish pairs beautifully with a range of sides—whether you choose stir-fried greens, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad, the options are endless.

Conclusion

Air fryer crispy pork belly is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. Not only does it deliver an irresistible combination of crunch and tenderness, but it also offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish will undoubtedly impress family and friends alike. So dust off that air fryer and get ready to savour the delectable taste of crispy pork belly—your taste buds will thank you!