Alright folks, have you ever craved a pork belly that’s crispy and flavorful without the hassle? Look no further! We’ve stumbled upon an air fryer recipe that’s going to change our snacking game forever.
I’ve tried every method under the sun, from oven roasting to pan frying, but nothing comes close to the crispy perfection achieved with an air fryer.
Trust us when we say this: it’s a game-changer. We’re all about sharing secrets that make life (and meals) easier and tastier. Ready to skip the fuss and embrace the crisp? Let’s get to it and make that pork belly shine!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Belly
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy kitchen wizardry for this one. Just grab these simple goodies, and you’re on your way to pork belly heaven:
- Pork Belly: Of course, the star of the show! Get about a pound or two with a good balance of meat and fat for that juicy and crispy finish.
- Salt: You can’t go wrong with some good old salt to bring out those savory flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of a kick, because why not?
- Garlic Powder: Makes everything better, right? Give it that yummy, garlicky goodness.
- Paprika: Optional, but trust me, it gives a nice smoky flavor and a bit of color.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle to help everything crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
See? Easy peasy! Now you’re all set to make some drool-worthy crispy pork belly.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pork Belly
To nail that perfect crispy pork belly with tender meat, keep these tips in mind:
- Dry it out: Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and leave it in the fridge uncovered for a few hours or overnight. Dry skin = crispy skin.
- Score the skin: Gently score the skin with a sharp knife in a criss-cross pattern. This helps the seasoning penetrate and makes for crispier crackling.
- Preheat properly: A hot air fryer is essential. Preheat to 400°F for the best results.
- Don’t crowd: Give the pork belly enough space in the basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
Variations and Substitutions
When it comes to pork belly, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Different seasonings: Experiment with different spice blends like cajun, chili powder, or Chinese five-spice for a unique twist.
- Honey-glazed pork belly: Mix honey and soy sauce in equal parts and brush it on the pork belly before cooking for some sticky-sweet goodness.
- Maple-bacon-wrapped pork belly bites: Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, wrap them in bacon, and cook until crispy. Drizzle maple syrup over them for a sweet and savory treat.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your air fryer has worked its magic on that pork belly, here are a few tasty ways to enjoy it:
- On its own: Let’s face it, this pork belly is so good that you’ll want to eat it on its own. We won’t judge.
- With rice and veggies: Serve the crispy pork belly with some steamed rice and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
- In tacos or sliders: Shred the pork belly and stuff it in some warm tortillas or slider buns with your choice of toppings for an epic handheld treat.
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Sharp Knife
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Paprika optional
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and place it in the fridge uncovered for 2-24 hours to dry out.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Score the skin of the pork belly in a criss-cross pattern using a sharp knife.
- In a bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Rub this seasoning mixture all over the pork belly.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the pork belly to help it crisp up.
- Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up.
- Cook for 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Once done, let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, you can brush some cornstarch or baking powder onto the skin before cooking.
- If using a larger or thicker piece of pork belly, adjust the cook time accordingly (about 5-10 minutes longer).
Nutrition
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
Andrew J
Tuesday 20th of August 2024
I’m so impressed with this recipe! The air fryer did an amazing job making everything crispy and delicious.