Crispy and Juicy Pork Belly Roast in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Whole Pork Belly Roast: The Perfect Crispy Outside, Tender Inside!
Following a friend’s recommendation that air frying makes food healthier, I decided to try this whole pork belly recipe. It’s incredibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, a taste that everyone from kids to adults will love. Served with kimchi, onions, and potatoes, it makes for a hearty and impressive meal. With just an air fryer, you can easily enjoy a fantastic pork belly roast at home!
Main Ingredients- 900g whole pork belly
- 2 fresh onions
- 1/2 head of well-fermented kimchi
- 2 medium potatoes
Basic Seasoning- 4 Tbsp coarse salt
- 2 Tbsp black peppercorns (freshly ground)
- 4 Tbsp coarse salt
- 2 Tbsp black peppercorns (freshly ground)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 900g of whole pork belly. Rinse it thoroughly, pat it dry, and then cut it into 4 equal portions for easier cooking. This ensures even cooking, leading to a more delicious roast.
Step 2
Score the 4 portions of pork belly with a knife. Making shallow cuts helps tenderize the meat and allows the seasoning to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful roast. Cut about every 1 to 1.5 cm.
Step 3
Mix the seasoning ingredients: 4 tablespoons of coarse salt and 2 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper. Lightly sprinkle this mixture on both sides of the scored pork belly. Avoid using too much seasoning, as this helps to preserve the natural flavor of the meat while achieving a delicious exterior.
Step 4
Prepare the accompanying vegetables and kimchi. Cut the 1/2 head of kimchi in half crosswise. Peel the 2 onions and slice them about 0.5 cm thick. Peel the 2 potatoes and slice them to a similar thickness. Cutting them to a uniform thickness is key for even cooking.
Step 5
First, place 5 pieces of the prepared pork belly into the air fryer basket. Try to arrange them without overlapping too much; this helps them get crispier. Placing the pork belly at the bottom allows its rendered fat to drip down, adding flavor to the vegetables below.
Step 6
Evenly spread the sliced onions and potatoes over the pork belly. As they cook, the onions and potatoes will absorb the pork belly’s juices, becoming tender and flavorful.
Step 7
Place the halved kimchi on top of the onions and potatoes. The spicy and savory kimchi will complement the richness of the pork belly beautifully.
Step 8
Finally, arrange the remaining 3 pieces of pork belly on top of the kimchi, creating a layered effect. This stacking method allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste.
Step 9
Insert the air fryer basket into the unit. Set the temperature to 180°C (356°F) and the timer for 25 minutes. Get ready for that mouthwatering aroma!
Step 10
About halfway through the cooking time (around 12-15 minutes), carefully open the air fryer to check the pork belly. Flip the pieces over to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown on all sides. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
Step 11
Once the cooking is complete, carefully remove the air fryer basket. Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and arrange them attractively on a plate. Serve immediately with the tender cooked kimchi, onions, and potatoes. Enjoy your wonderfully crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside pork belly roast!
