Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Roast
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Roast
Foolproof Crispy Pork Belly Recipe Using an Air Fryer
Discover the ultimate crispy pork belly, made effortlessly in your air fryer! This recipe yields a wonderfully crispy exterior and a succulent, juicy interior. It’s so simple, even beginners can master it. Perfect for a festive home party or as a delicious snack with drinks. Get ready to impress with this flavorful and easy-to-make pork dish!
Main Ingredients- Pork belly (skin-on) 1 portion (approx. 600g)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.) to taste
- Vinegar 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Score the skin of the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm apart. This scoring will make it much easier to slice the pork after it’s cooked. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
Step 2
Pat the surface of the pork belly completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the skin from becoming crispy.
Step 3
Flip the pork belly over. On the meat side (avoiding the skin), generously rub salt, black pepper, and your chosen dried herbs. These herbs will help remove any gamey smell and add wonderful flavor.
Step 4
Now, prepare for moist cooking. Gently brush off any excess herbs from the skin, as they might burn. Then, wrap the entire piece of pork belly tightly in aluminum foil. This step is crucial for minimizing moisture loss and ensuring the inside cooks evenly and becomes tender.
Step 5
Brush the vinegar evenly over the pork skin. The vinegar acts as a secret ingredient to help achieve an extra crispy skin.
Step 6
Generously sprinkle fine salt over the vinegar-coated skin. Let it sit for 10 minutes. This process draws out moisture from the skin and allows the salt to penetrate, contributing to crispiness.
Step 7
After 10 minutes, use paper towels to wipe away any moisture that has surfaced on the pork belly. Now, place the pork in your preheated air fryer and cook at a low temperature of 120℃ (250℉) for 1 hour. This slow cooking at a lower temperature helps the meat become incredibly tender inside.
Step 8
After the first hour, increase the air fryer temperature to 200℃ (400℉) and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This high-heat phase is key to achieving that golden, crispy skin. (Tip: If a lot of oil accumulates, you can carefully open the foil slightly and drain it off. However, it’s also perfectly fine to proceed without draining.)
Step 9
After a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes, remove the pork belly from the air fryer. The skin should be beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crisp.
Step 10
Finally, slice the pork belly into your desired bite-sized pieces along the scored lines. You’ve now created a perfect crispy pork belly with a tender, juicy interior. Enjoy your delicious creation!
