Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside Air Fryer Pork Belly Roast
Easy Air Fryer Pork Belly Recipe: Deliciously Lean and Crispy Pork Belly
Introducing a recipe for perfectly roasted pork belly made in an air fryer, ideal for holidays, special occasions, or when you crave a comforting meal. The air fryer renders out excess fat, resulting in a crispy exterior and a wonderfully juicy interior. Learn how to prepare and cook it step-by-step with helpful tips for beginner cooks!
Essential Ingredients
- 800g whole pork belly
- Generous amount of fine salt (enough to sprinkle on the surface)
- Generous amount of black pepper (enough to lightly sprinkle on the surface)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The first step to a clean-tasting pork belly without gamey odors is to remove excess blood. Pat the surface of the whole pork belly thoroughly with paper towels to absorb any blood. This process will result in a more tender and lean meat.
Step 2
Place the patted-dry pork belly on a cutting board or in a pan. Season it generously to allow the flavors to penetrate. Sprinkle about two pinches of fine salt and a little black pepper on each side of the meat. Let it rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This resting period allows the salt and pepper to infuse into the meat, tenderizing it and deepening its flavor.
Step 3
Now it’s time to cook the pork belly in the air fryer. Place the seasoned pork belly into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for a total of 40 minutes. If your air fryer model is different, adjust the cooking time as needed while monitoring the browning. Be careful not to overcook at high heat initially, as this can burn the exterior.
Step 4
For that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside texture, checking halfway is essential! Every 15 minutes, open the air fryer basket to check the pork belly’s progress. Flip the pork belly to ensure even cooking on all sides. This prevents one side from burning or being undercooked and ensures a uniform color and texture throughout.
Step 5
After 40 minutes of cooking, your pork belly will be beautifully roasted, golden brown, and ready to impress! The exterior should have an appetizing dark brown color, and it should feel slightly firm to the touch when done. The savory aroma of roasted pork belly will surely whet your appetite.
Step 6
To keep the roasted pork belly moist and succulent, it’s best to slice it while it’s still hot. Place the cooked pork belly on a cutting board and slice it into uniform pieces of your desired thickness. Slicing it too thinly might make it dry, so aim for about 1 cm (approximately 0.4 inches) thickness for a pleasant chewy texture.
Step 7
Your delicious, perfectly roasted pork belly, free from any gamey taste and bursting with juiciness, is now ready! Enjoy it with freshly steamed rice, crisp lettuce wraps, and your favorite dipping sauce or ssamjang. It’s perfect for creating a delightful mealtime experience for the whole family. Enjoy your meal!
