Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) pork belly, skin on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, thyme, etc.
Instructions:
- Prep the Pork Belly:
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin.
- Score the skin with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1/2 inch apart. This helps the skin crisp up better.
- Season the Pork Belly:
- Rub the pork belly with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you prefer. Make sure to season the skin as well.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Frying:
- Place the seasoned pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket.
- Cook the pork belly at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, flipping the pork belly halfway through cooking.
- The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the pork belly. The goal is to achieve a crispy skin and fully cooked interior. If the skin isn’t crispy enough, you can extend the cooking time in 5-minute increments.
- Check for Doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork belly. It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- If the pork belly is not fully cooked, you can continue cooking it until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Resting and Serving:
- Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice the pork belly into desired portions and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes:
- Scoring the Skin: Scoring the skin helps the fat render out and the skin crisp up. Be careful not to cut too deep into the meat, as you want to maintain the structure of the pork belly.
- Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Pork belly pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the pork belly and your air fryer’s performance. Adjust the time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness and doneness.
- Internal Temperature: It’s important to ensure the pork belly reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
- Crispy Skin: If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can use the air fryer’s broil function for a few additional minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
