Craving juicy, crispy pork belly but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This air fryer recipe is your answer! Forget greasy, oven-baked versions; this method delivers perfectly rendered, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with unbelievably crunchy skin in a fraction of the time. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you slaved away for hours – perfect for a quick dinner idea or an impressive meal for guests. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly, skin scored (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving extra crispy skin. Generously rub the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika all over the pork belly, ensuring the seasoning gets into the scored skin. Drizzle with olive oil and massage it in.
Step 2: Air Fry the Pork Belly
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Place the seasoned pork belly skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Crisp Up the Skin
Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Continue air frying for another 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and incredibly crispy. Use tongs to check the crispness; you might need a few extra minutes depending on your air fryer.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Slice against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pork Belly:
- Scoring the skin: Make sure to score the skin deeply but not through the meat. This allows the fat to render and the skin to crisp up beautifully.
- Pat it dry: Thoroughly drying the pork belly is key to achieving maximum crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Ensure there's enough space around the pork belly for proper air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190-195°F (88-91°C) for safe consumption.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Pork Belly: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Crusted Pork Belly: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage into the seasoning blend.
- Sweet and Savory Pork Belly: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your pork belly and serving portions. However, a general estimate per 3-4oz serving would be approximately:
- Calories: 300-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 25-30g
This air fryer crispy pork belly recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and impressive, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Give it a try and enjoy the ease and deliciousness!