Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal)
Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal)
The Ultimate Pork Dish: Delicious Air Fryer Pork Belly, Perfect for a Springtime Boost
As spring arrives, it’s common to feel a bit sluggish despite the warming weather. This past weekend, unable to go out, we transformed our home into a gourmet haven with some incredibly fresh pork belly, delivered just three days after butchering! The quality was so outstanding that we barely missed beef. The perfect balance of fat and lean meat, coupled with the delightfully chewy skin, made every bite a delight. Wrapped in fresh garlic and tangy pickles, it was even better than dining out! #PorkBelly #KoreanPorkDish #AirFryerRecipe #HomeCooking
Main Ingredients- 500g Fresh Pork Belly
- Seasoning of your choice (salt, pepper, herbs, etc.), to taste
- 10 whole garlic cloves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Pork belly, also known as Samgyeopsal, is a highly favored cut for its wonderfully chewy texture and rich, savory flavor. It’s a perfect balance of tender meat and satisfying fat. Lay your pork belly slices on parchment paper or a baking sheet. Now, generously season both sides of the pork belly with your chosen seasoning blend. A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs can elevate the flavor significantly.
Step 2
While pan-frying or grilling pork belly is delicious, today we’re opting for an even simpler and healthier method using the air fryer. This technique allows excess fat to drain away, resulting in a wonderfully crispy exterior and a succulent, juicy interior – the perfect pork belly!
Step 3
Arrange the seasoned pork belly slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and cook for approximately 15 minutes. This initial cooking time will start to render the fat and give the pork belly a golden hue.
Step 4
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the air fryer basket and check the pork belly. You’ll notice a good amount of fat has rendered out. If the pork belly isn’t quite cooked through to your liking, flip the slices over. At this stage, you can also add whole garlic cloves, sliced thinly if you prefer, alongside the pork belly. The garlic will roast in the rendered pork fat, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful. Reduce the air fryer temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until perfectly cooked.
Step 5
Well-cooked pork belly offers a delightful combination of lean meat and fat, providing a savory taste and a satisfyingly chewy bite. The skin layer, in particular, adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, making each bite an enjoyable experience. Ensure you cook it thoroughly to achieve that signature crispiness.
Step 6
Voilà! Your air-fried pork belly is ready – golden brown and perfectly crispy. The excess fat has been rendered out, leaving you with a lean yet incredibly juicy and flavorful result. This method cooks it without unpleasant odors, ensuring a satisfyingly crisp finish that the whole family will love.
Step 7
Slice the delicious pork belly into bite-sized pieces. Serve it with a side of your favorite Korean pickles, like pickled perilla leaves or sea purslane pickles, for a burst of refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the rich pork. Enjoy your restaurant-quality pork belly feast right at home!
