Air Fryer Filipino Pork Belly: Crispy & Delicious!

by Alex Braham 51 views

Craving that irresistible crispy pork belly, Filipino-style, but want a quicker and healthier way to get it? Guys, look no further! This air fryer recipe delivers all the flavor and texture you love, without the deep-frying guilt. We're talking perfectly rendered fat, crackling skin, and juicy, tender meat, all achieved in your trusty air fryer. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and incredibly satisfying dish.

Why Air Fry Pork Belly?

Let's be real, traditional Filipino pork belly (Lechon Kawali) is amazing, but it involves deep-frying, which can be messy, time-consuming, and not the healthiest option. That’s where the air fryer comes to the rescue! Air frying offers several advantages:

  • Healthier: Uses significantly less oil than deep-frying, reducing the overall fat content.
  • Faster: Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food faster than traditional ovens.
  • Less Mess: No splattering oil to clean up!
  • Crispy Results: Achieves a similar level of crispiness to deep-frying, thanks to the circulating hot air.
  • Easy to use: Most air fryers comes with features that automatically turns off and timer.

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Filipino Pork Belly

To make this delicious Filipino pork belly in your air fryer, you'll need just a few key ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. These ingredients are essential for achieving that authentic Filipino taste we all crave, so make sure you have them on hand before you start cooking. Don't worry, most of these are pantry staples, making this recipe super accessible.

  • Pork Belly: The star of the show! Choose a slab of pork belly with a good ratio of meat to fat. The skin should be smooth and firm.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a savory and umami flavor base. Use Filipino soy sauce (toyo) for the most authentic taste.
  • Vinegar: Adds a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the pork. White vinegar or cane vinegar works well.
  • Garlic: Essential for Filipino cuisine! Use plenty of minced garlic for that signature aroma and flavor.
  • Black Peppercorns: Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly cracked black peppercorns are best.
  • Bay Leaves: Infuses the pork with a subtle herbal aroma. Dried bay leaves are fine.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps to draw out moisture from the pork skin, promoting crispiness.
  • Optional: Sugar: A touch of sugar can balance the flavors and add a hint of sweetness. Brown sugar or white sugar can be used.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Filipino Pork Belly

Alright, guys, let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing air-fried Filipino pork belly you've ever tasted. Remember to adjust cooking times slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

  • Rinse the pork belly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting crispy skin!
  • Using a sharp knife or box cutter, score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
  • In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, crushed black peppercorns, bay leaves, salt, and sugar (if using). Mix well.
  • Marinate the pork belly with the mixture, making sure to rub it all over, especially into the scored skin. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Air Fry the Pork Belly

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  • Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Make sure it's in a single layer and not overcrowded.
  • Air fry for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Check the pork belly halfway through cooking and rotate it for even cooking.
  • Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and extra crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

  • Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  • Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve immediately.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crispy Skin

Getting that perfectly crispy skin is the key to amazing air-fried Filipino pork belly. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve crackling perfection every time:

  • Dry the Pork Belly Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Make sure to pat the pork belly completely dry before marinating and air frying.
  • Score the Skin Deeply: Scoring the skin allows the fat to render properly and creates those coveted crispy bubbles. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
  • Marinate Properly: Marinating not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat and dry out the skin.
  • High Heat Finish: Increasing the air fryer temperature towards the end of cooking helps to blister and crisp up the skin.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy skin. Cook in batches if necessary.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Filipino Pork Belly

Air-fried Filipino pork belly is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! Here are some serving suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

  • Classic Lechon Kawali: Serve it with steamed rice and a side of lechon sauce (a sweet and savory liver-based sauce).
  • Sawsawan (Dipping Sauce): Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce with vinegar and chili, or a simple garlic aioli.
  • Pork Belly Tacos: Use the crispy pork belly as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite salsa, cilantro, and onions.
  • Pork Belly Salad: Add the crispy pork belly to a salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.
  • Sisig: Chop the pork belly into small pieces and use it as the base for sisig, a popular Filipino dish made with chopped pork, onions, chili peppers, and calamansi.

Variations and Additions

Want to experiment with your air-fried Filipino pork belly? Here are some variations and additions to try:

  • Add Spices: Experiment with different spices in the marinade, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or ginger.
  • Use Different Vinegars: Try using apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a different tang.
  • Add Aromatics: Add other aromatics to the marinade, such as lemongrass or ginger.
  • Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes or chopped chili peppers to the marinade for a spicy kick.
  • Glaze it: Brush the pork belly with a sweet and savory glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftover air-fried Filipino pork belly (which is unlikely!), here's how to store and reheat it:

  • Storage: Store the leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, air fry the pork belly at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. For a crispier result, you can pan-fry the pork belly in a little bit of oil over medium heat until heated through and crispy.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A simple, healthier, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy Filipino pork belly using your air fryer. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or any time you're craving that crispy, savory goodness. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that will impress everyone. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to make it your own. Happy air frying!