Creating mouthwatering and crispy Chinese pork belly at home doesn’t have to feel intimidating, all thanks to the air fryer, which brings a lot of convenience to a cook. I must confess although I adore pork belly, I rarely prepare it at home, opting instead to order it when dining out at restaurants. If you are feeling hesitant about making homemade crispy pork belly, fear not, because you have landed in the right spot.
Air frying pork belly, my friends, is an absolute game changer. Say goodbye to hours of roasting pork, with the air fryer, you can whip up crispy pork belly much faster, easier, and even more delicious. Therefore, continue reading to find out about the amazing crispy pork belly recipe.
What is Included in the Belly Pork Air Fryer Recipe?
The introduction of air fryers has changed how we cook, offering a healthier and easier option compared to traditional methods. When making crispy belly pork, the air fryer provides an innovative solution, producing excellent results without the need for complicated cooking techniques. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air ensures that the belly pork achieves a delightful crispiness while preserving its natural juices.
Making this crispy pork belly in the air fryer is incredibly easy and only requires a few simple ingredients and seasonings. However, the first and most important thing you must do before cooking is to select the right cut of pork belly. When picking a pork belly for this dish, seek out a piece with a generous layer of fat and a well-balanced amount of meat.
Choosing a piece with even thickness ensures consistent results. Select a cut with enough fat to develop crispy crackling without being overly fatty. In addition, opt for a size that comfortably fits in your air fryer basket.
Belly Pork Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 Airfryer
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg 3-pound pork belly with skin on
- 1/2 tbsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tbsp White pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Five spice powder
- 1/2 tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 cup Kosher
- 1 tbsp White vinegar
- 1 tbsp Neutral oil
Instructions
- Pork Belly in Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)With the aid of an air fryer, now making crispy pork belly is much easier than before. Let me list down the instructions that you can follow to successfully create a juicy and crispy pork belly.
- Choose the Right Perfect CutBegin with selecting a high-quality pork belly. Opt for one as said above that offers a perfect balance of meat and fat, guaranteed excellent flavor and optimal crispiness.
- Get your Pork Belly ReadyNext, after selecting the right meat, pat the pork belly dry with a kitchen towel to eliminate any excess moisture. If the pork belly isn’t pre-scored, take a sharp knife and score the skin, making shallow cuts to facilitate fat rendering and even crisping. Then generously rub salt into the scored skin to enhance the crispiness of the crackling.Adding salt draws out moisture, assisting in achieving a super crunchy topping. Moreover, keep in mind that moisture is the nemesis of crispy skin, so ensure it is as dry as it can be.
- Marinate the MeatOn the meat side, use a knife to create ½-inch deep lengthwise cuts across the pork belly. In a small bowl, mix together salt, white pepper, five-spice powder, sugar, and Shaoxing wine to form a paste. Spread the paste evenly on the meat side of the pork, ensuring it reaches into the crevices without touching the skin.In addition, if you do not wish to marinate, you can try this recipe without marinating it, it still delivers excellent flavor. Trim the pork belly to fit your air fryer.
- Prepare Thin Foil BorderTo prevent salt spillage, craft a tin foil border around the pork belly, leaving a ½ gap from the edges. Apply a coat of vinegar on the skin part of the meat, followed by a complete layer of salt coverage.
- Prepare to Air Fry your Pork BellyPreheat your air fryer for three minutes before cooking the pork belly. Next, put the pork belly in the basket and air fry it at 250°F for thirty minutes or until the salt has dried completely.Afterward, remove the salt from the pork belly SKIN and brush off any excess. Then, pat dry with a paper towel.
- Cook the Pork BellyNext, brush the skin with a neutral oil, then air fry at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until the skin is puffed and crispy. Check at the 20-minute mark and every five minutes thereafter to monitor the skin for any signs of burning, as cooking time may vary with different air fryers. If certain areas of the skin start to burn, cover them with a small piece of foil while allowing the remaining areas to continue crisping.Enjoy this dish with steamed rice and green vegetables like pak choi, accompanied by a dipping sauce such as Chinese chili sauce. It is versatile and pairs well with various dishes, including serving it on soup noodles or alongside egg-fried rice.
- Storage and ReheatingStore any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the crackling softens, you can refresh it by reheating it in an air fryer at 180°F/350°F for up to five minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition Table
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Calcium | Sugar |
| 1777kcal | 3g | 32g | 181g | 66g | 245mg | 43mg | 2g |
FAQs
Is scoring the pork skin necessary?
Yes, scoring the pork skin is necessary to allow the fat to render and the skin to crisp up evenly during cooking. This process creates channels for the fat to escape and helps prevent the skin from shrinking or becoming tough.
In conclusion, with the help of an air fryer making crispy and juicy pork belly has become much easier and convenient. To make the perfect pork belly dish, carefully follow the instructions and tips mentioned in the guide. There are multiple recipes out there, try the one that matches your taste and preference.
