Air fryer pork belly recipe
Why choose air fryer pork belly?
Air fryer pork belly is a delicious and convenient dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is ideal for both quick weeknight dinners and special family gatherings. Our pork belly air fryer recipe combines top-quality pork from Grange Meat Co. with a blend of simple, flavourful ingredients, resulting in a dish that is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Selecting the right ingredients
The success of your pork belly in the air fryer hinges on the quality of the components. For the best results, start with premium pork from Grange Meat Co. Here's what you'll need for your pork belly recipe:
- Pork belly: Opt for a piece of pork belly from Grange Meat Co., known for its perfect balance of meat and fat.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and enhancing flavour.
- Pepper: Freshly ground for seasoning.
- Garlic powder: For a robust flavour.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and colour.
- Olive oil: Helps to crisp up the skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork belly, skin on
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Here's a step-by-step guide to making pork belly in an air fryer:
- Prepare your ingredients
Begin by scoring the skin of the pork belly in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels.
- Season the pork belly
Rub the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika all over the pork belly, ensuring it is evenly coated. Drizzle the olive oil over the skin and rub it in thoroughly.
- Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the pork belly
Place the seasoned pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook at 200°C for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
- Remove and Rest
Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent.
- Serve
Serve your air fryer pork belly with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for irresistible pork crackle
- For the perfect crunch, make sure the pork skin is dry and well-seasoned before cooking.
- Ensure the pork skin is starting to blister before you reduce the heat in your air fryer, this will ensure a crispy skin at the end of the cooking process.
- The key to perfect air fryer pork belly is ensuring the skin is well-seasoned and dry before cooking. This will help achieve that irresistible crispy texture.
Perfect pairings for air fryer pork belly
Air fryer pork belly pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with roasted vegetables, a tangy coleslaw, or creamy mashed potatoes. For an added touch of freshness, garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
How do I achieve crispy skin on air fryer pork belly?
To achieve crispy skin on air fryer pork belly, ensure the skin is dry before cooking. Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and score the skin in a criss-cross pattern. Rub salt and a little olive oil into the skin, which helps to draw out moisture and promote crisping. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C and cook the pork belly skin side up. Starting at high heat helps to render the fat and crisp the skin. For the final touch, reduce the temperature and continue cooking until the meat is tender.
Can I use frozen pork belly in the air fryer?
It's best to thaw pork belly before cooking it in the air fryer for even cooking. If using frozen pork belly, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, pat the pork belly dry with paper towels, score the skin, and season as directed in the recipe. Cooking from a thawed state ensures the pork belly cooks evenly, resulting in a crispy skin and tender meat. Starting with frozen meat might result in uneven cooking and a less desirable texture.
Now that you know how to cook pork belly in an air fryer using quality ingredients from Grange Meat Co., you’re all set to impress at your next family dinner. This pork belly recipe promises a delicious experience with each crispy, tender bite. Enjoy the process and the meal!