Air Fryer Pork Belly

Pork belly, with its rich layers of meat and fat, is loved for its crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. While traditionally slow-cooked or roasted to achieve that perfect texture, there’s a quicker, equally delicious method: the air fryer. Cooking pork belly in air fryer gives you delicious crispy crackling on the outside and juicy, flavourful meat on the inside—all in a fraction of the time.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Pork Belly?

The air fryer is a fantastic tool for cooking pork belly because it combines high heat with rapid air circulation, ensuring that the fat renders beautifully while the skin crisps up to perfection. Plus, it’s a more hands-off approach compared to traditional methods, allowing you to enjoy this indulgent dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pork Belly in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly Start by patting the pork belly dry with paper towels. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get in the air fryer. If your pork belly has skin, use a sharp knife to score the skin in a crisscross pattern or simply make parallel cuts across the surface. This allows the fat to render and helps the skin to puff up and become crispy.

Step 2: Season the Pork Belly Rub the pork belly generously with salt, making sure to get into the scored cuts. This not only flavours the meat but also helps draw out moisture, contributing to that crunchy crackling. For extra flavour, you can also rub the meat side with a mix of spices like black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Preheating is crucial for getting the skin to start crisping right away.

Step 4: Cook the Pork Belly Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket with the skin side up. Cook for 30 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the skin is crisping up evenly. If you notice any spots that aren’t crisping, you can rotate the pork belly.

Stop 5: Reduce the Heat After the initial cooking time, reduce the heat of your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for a further 20-30 minutes, until your pork belly has a lovely crispy skin.

Step 6: Rest and Slice Once the pork belly is golden brown and the skin is crackling, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite incredibly tender and flavourful.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pork Belly:

• Patience with the Skin: If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like after the initial cooking time, don’t be afraid to give it a few extra minutes at a slightly higher temperature, around 400°F (200°C). Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
• Flavour Boost: For an extra burst of flavour, marinate the pork belly in soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder for a few hours before cooking. Pat the skin dry again before air frying to ensure it crisps up properly.
• Cut with Care: Use a sharp knife to slice the pork belly after it’s rested. This will help maintain those lovely layers and keep the crispy skin intact.

Why You’ll Love Cooking Pork Belly in the Air Fryer:

Cooking pork belly in the air fryer is all about ease and incredible results. The high heat crisps the skin to perfection, while the meat stays juicy and full of flavour. It’s a quick and convenient way to enjoy this indulgent cut of meat, whether you’re serving it as the star of your meal or as an irresistible appetizer.

With its perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior, air fryer pork belly is sure to become a favourite in your kitchen. So, the next time you’re craving something rich and satisfying, skip the oven and fire up your air fryer. You’ll be enjoying deliciously crispy pork belly in no time, with far less effort than traditional methods.