Nostalgic Flavor: Frozen Pork Belly, Perfectly Grilled in the Air Fryer
How to Deliciously Grill Frozen Pork Belly in an Air Fryer
Experience the nostalgic taste of thick frozen pork belly, cooked to perfection in an air fryer for an incredibly delicious result. We’ll share the ideal temperature and time for a mouthwatering meal. Enjoy the best frozen pork belly at home!
Main Ingredients
- 180g Frozen Pork Belly (Opt for thicker cuts for a better texture)
- Pinch of Salt (Approx. 1 tsp if using herb salt)
- 1 Mushroom (Shiitake, button, or your preference)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (Optional, to enhance flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the star of our dish: delicious frozen pork belly. I’m using a product called ‘When That Pork Belly’. Approximately 180g is a good amount for 1-2 servings. Thicker cuts of frozen pork belly will offer a more satisfying chew.
Step 2
Prepare the pork belly for air frying. You can place the entire slab in the air fryer basket, or cut it into bite-sized pieces for easier eating. If you’re using fresh pork belly, you can also prepare it in longer strips or cut it into your preferred size.
Step 3
Season the pork belly. If you have herb salt, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon evenly over the meat. If not, regular salt and pepper, adjusted to your taste, will work wonderfully. Be careful not to over-salt, as it can become too salty.
Step 4
To make this a more complete meal, prepare some side ingredients. I’ve included one mushroom. You can also add onions, bell peppers, or garlic to roast alongside the pork belly for extra flavor and variety.
Step 5
Here’s a pro tip for a tastier grill! When cooking side ingredients like mushrooms or onions, place them in the lower part of the air fryer basket, where the pork belly drippings will fall, rather than directly on top of the meat. The rendered pork fat will baste the vegetables, making them more flavorful and delicious. If you prefer less fat, feel free to place them directly on top of the pork belly.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to put everything into the air fryer and start cooking. It’s best to cook frozen pork belly at a slightly lower temperature initially, rather than at high heat. Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket and set it to 170°C (340°F) for 10 minutes. This initial stage helps to gently thaw and cook the frozen meat through before crisping it up. We’ll increase the temperature later for a perfectly crispy finish.
Step 7
After 10 minutes, open the air fryer to check on the pork belly; it should be starting to turn golden brown. At this point, flip the pork belly pieces over. Then, increase the temperature to 180°C (355°F) and cook for another 10 minutes, for a total cooking time of 20 minutes (10 minutes at 170°C + 10 minutes at 180°C). Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the pork belly and your specific air fryer model. Generally, cooking between 170°C and 180°C for about 20 minutes will yield delicious results. Enjoy your perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside frozen pork belly!
