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Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Belly:
- Begin by patting the pork belly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the skin crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife in a criss-cross pattern, making sure not to cut too deeply into the meat. This allows the fat to render out and helps the skin become extra crispy.
- Season the Pork Belly:
- Rub the pork belly all over with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. For added flavor, you can drizzle a small amount of honey over the skin to enhance the caramelization as it cooks.
- Be sure to massage the seasoning into the scored skin and the meat to ensure an even coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the pork belly cook evenly and ensures the skin crisps up as soon as it’s placed in the air fryer.
- Cook the Pork Belly:
- Place the pork belly, skin-side up, into the air fryer basket. Make sure the pieces are not overcrowded so that the air can circulate around them evenly.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip the pork belly and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, skin-side up again, to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and Slice:
- Once the pork belly is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
- Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces or serve as whole portions.
- Serve:
- Serve your Air Fryer Pork Belly as the star of your meal or incorporate it into tacos, salads, or rice bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs, chili flakes, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Tips for Success
- Score the Skin: Scoring the pork belly skin is crucial for achieving that crispy crackling. Be careful not to cut too deep into the meat, as you only want to score the skin and fat.
- Use High Heat for Crispy Skin: The high temperature at the end of the cooking process is what ensures the skin becomes perfectly crispy. Don’t skip this step if you want that irresistible crackling!
- Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the pork belly to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps lock in the juices, making the meat tender and flavorful.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For the best results, cook the pork belly in batches if necessary, ensuring there is enough space in the air fryer for air circulation around each piece.
Why You’ll Love It
Air Fryer Pork Belly is a game-changer for anyone who loves tender, juicy pork with a crispy, golden exterior. The air fryer makes cooking pork belly quicker and easier than traditional methods, while still delivering the rich flavors and textures you love. The skin crisps up perfectly, and the fat renders down, leaving you with succulent meat inside.
This recipe is versatile, so you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper or go all out with a mix of spices and sweeteners. Air Fryer Pork Belly is perfect for a hearty dinner, a flavorful addition to a salad, or even served in small pieces as a snack or appetizer.
Easy, delicious, and indulgent, Air Fryer Pork Belly is a must-try for any pork lover. It’s the perfect balance of crispy and juicy, and with the air fryer’s help, it’s a simple dish that’s sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy a perfectly cooked pork belly in no time!
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