Juicy Air Fryer Pork Belly Roast: Perfect for Entertaining!
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: Air Fryer Pork Belly with Savory Garlic Sauce & Refreshing Scallion Salad
Introducing the ‘Air Fryer Pork Belly Roast,’ a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for when you’re hosting guests! The perfectly roasted pork belly boasts a crispy exterior and a wonderfully tender, juicy interior. Paired with a sweet and savory garlic sauce and a zesty scallion salad, it’s a combination that’s simply divine. This dish is sure to be the star of any table. Even beginners can achieve perfect results with their air fryer, so follow along and create this delicious meal!
Main Ingredients- 1kg Whole Pork Belly (preferably with skin, fresh)
- Pinch of Herb Salt (for seasoning the pork belly)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (for seasoning the pork belly)
- Drizzle of Olive Oil (for coating the pork belly)
- 6-7 whole Garlic Cloves (washed thoroughly, with skin on)
- 9-10 Mini King Oyster Mushrooms (trim ends)
- 4-5 Cherry Tomatoes (stems removed, washed)
- Pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- Scallions or the white parts of Leeks, enough for scallion salad
Special Garlic Sauce- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Sake (or Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Sake (or Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Butter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly pat the whole pork belly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crispy skin. Drizzle olive oil evenly over all sides of the pork belly, then generously sprinkle with herb salt and black pepper. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2
While the pork belly is marinating, prepare the vegetables to be roasted alongside. Wash the whole garlic cloves with their skins on. Trim the ends of the mini king oyster mushrooms. Wash the cherry tomatoes and remove their stems. These vegetables will add extra flavor as they roast with the pork.
Step 3
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3-5 minutes. Place the seasoned pork belly into the preheated air fryer, skin-side up, and roast at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes. Placing the skin side up helps it crisp up nicely.
Step 4
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the pork belly from the air fryer and flip it over. Arrange the prepared garlic cloves, mini king oyster mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes around the pork belly. Return to the air fryer and continue roasting at 180°C (350°F) for another 20 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pork belly. The pork is done when a skewer inserted into the thickest part comes out with clear juices.
Step 5
Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result. After resting, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm thick. You’ll notice how wonderfully crispy the skin has become.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the special garlic sauce to complement the pork! Finely mince the garlic. We want that fresh garlic aroma to shine through.
Step 7
In a small saucepan, combine 3 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp honey, 1 Tbsp cooking sake (or mirin), and 1 Tbsp butter. Heat over very low heat, stirring gently, until the butter melts and the sauce becomes fragrant and slightly thickened. Be careful not to burn the garlic. The sweetness of the honey and the richness of the butter will create a delicious sauce.
Step 8
To prepare the refreshing scallion salad, thinly slice the scallions or the white parts of leeks. Soak the sliced scallions in cold water for about 5-10 minutes to remove any harsh spiciness and make them crispier.
Step 9
Drain the water from the soaked scallions and gently squeeze out any excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the drained scallions with 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats the scallions.
Step 10
Your delicious and zesty scallion salad is ready! Its bright flavors will perfectly cut through the richness of the pork.
Step 11
Arrange the sliced pork belly and roasted vegetables attractively on a serving platter. Place the special garlic sauce in a small bowl for dipping, and pile the fresh scallion salad alongside. Sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds over the pork for a final garnish. Enjoy your impressive homemade feast!
