Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly / Lechon Kawali

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Are you a fan of the mouthwatering and crispy Filipino delicacy, Lechon Kawali?

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Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly / Lechon Kawali
Servings
4

Method

  1. Brine the pork for at least 2 hours.

  2. Discard the brine water and place the pork in a pot.

  3. In the pot, add peppercorns, salt, patis, soy sauce, and bay leaves. Boil for 1 hour.

  4. Discard the boiled water and allow the pork to dry overnight in the fridge, uncovered. Alternatively, you can leave it on the counter for a few hours if you're in a hurry. Make sure the pork is completely dry before moving to the next step. Pat dry if necessary.

  5. If the pork is coming from the fridge, use a fork to prick the skin. Let it sit for a few minutes to reach room temperature. Pat dry if necessary.

  6. Salt the sides and around the pork, and then sprinkle rock salt on the skin to achieve a crunchy texture in the air fryer. Pre-heat the air fryer for 5 minutes.

  7. Cook the pork belly in the air fryer at 170-175�C for 20 minutes. You can flip it or move it around halfway through the cooking time.

  8. Adjust the air fryer setting to 200�C and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. You can test the crispness by lightly tapping the skin with a knife. If some areas are still soft, continue cooking.

  9. Once done, remove the pork from the air fryer and let

About this recipe

Are you a fan of the mouthwatering and crispy Filipino delicacy, Lechon Kawali? If so, you're in for a treat! In this article, we'll explore a modern twist on this classic dish by using an air fryer to achieve that same irresistible crunch and succulent texture. So, let's dive in and discover how to make the perfect Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly!

The Magic of Air Fryers

Before we delve into the cooking process, let's talk about the magic of air fryers. These nifty kitchen appliances work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil. This means you can enjoy your favorite fried foods with a fraction of the guilt!

Preparing the Pork Belly

Start by selecting a high-quality piece of pork belly with a generous layer of fat. The fat is what gives this dish its signature flavor and texture. Score the skin side of the pork belly with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts to allow the fat to render and the skin to crisp up beautifully.

Seasoning and Marinating

Next, it's time to season the pork belly with your favorite spices. A simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works wonders, but you can experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Let the pork belly marinate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400째F (200째C) to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Place the marinated pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up, and cook for about 30 minutes. The hot air circulating in the air fryer will render the fat, resulting in a crispy and golden brown skin.

Flipping and Crisping

After 30 minutes, carefully flip the pork belly using tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking on both sides. Continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes or until the pork belly reaches an internal temperature of 165째F (74째C). This will ensure that the meat is cooked through while maintaining its juiciness.

Resting and Serving

Once the cooking process is complete, allow the pork belly to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. Serve your Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly with steamed rice and a side of spicy vinegar for an authentic Filipino dining experience.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

While pork belly is the traditional choice for Lechon Kawali, you can experiment with other cuts of meat like pork shoulder or even chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that the cooking times may vary.

. Can I achieve the same result without an air fryer?

Absolutely! If you don't have an air fryer, you can still enjoy crispy pork belly by using a regular oven. Simply follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

. How do I ensure the skin gets really crispy?

Scoring the skin is crucial to achieving that perfect crispiness. Additionally, make sure the skin is thoroughly dry before seasoning and marinating. This will help the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

. Can I add other flavors to the marinade?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, or even citrus juices to the marinade. Just remember to balance the flavors to complement the pork belly.

. How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this delicious dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply pop the pork belly back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispy texture.

. Can I freeze the cooked pork belly?

Yes, you can! Allow the cooked pork belly to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat using the air fryer.

. Can I make this dish healthier?

Absolutely! If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can trim some of the excess fat from the pork belly before cooking. Additionally, using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional deep frying.

. Can I make Lechon Kawali with other meats?

While Lechon Kawali traditionally uses pork belly, you can certainly experiment with other meats like chicken or even fish. Just keep in mind that the cooking times and methods may vary depending on the choice of meat.

Now that you have the secrets to creating the perfect Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly, it's time to put your culinary skills to the test. Enjoy this delectable Filipino dish with your loved ones and savor the crispy, flavorful goodness of Lechon Kawali!

Happy cooking!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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