Master the Art of Crispy Roast Pork Belly in an Air Fryer

How to Make the Perfect Crispy Roast Pork Belly in an Air Fryer

Crispy roast pork belly, or Thịt Heo Quay, is a beloved dish in many cuisines around the world. The key to its deliciousness is the perfect combination of tender meat and crispy crackling skin. Making it at home can seem intimidating, but with the help of an air fryer, it’s easier than ever to achieve that crispy, golden skin and juicy, flavorful pork belly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe for crispy roast pork belly that you can make using your air fryer. You’ll learn how to properly marinate and season your pork belly, achieve that perfect crispy skin, and get all the air fryer cooking tips you need for success. By the end, you’ll be able to serve up a restaurant-quality roast pork belly with crackling, all in less time and with less hassle than traditional roasting methods.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Belly Recipe

To make crispy crackling pork belly in the air fryer, gather these ingredients:

• 1kg pork belly
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Optional: A pinch of ground ginger for an extra zing

Preparing the Pork Belly

The first step in making the perfect crispy skin pork belly is preparing the pork. Here’s how to do it:

1. Score the Skin: Begin by scoring the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife, making cuts about 1cm apart. This will allow the skin to crisp up evenly and help render the fat beneath.
2. Dry the Skin Thoroughly: After scoring, use paper towels to pat the skin dry. This step is crucial because moisture on the skin will prevent it from becoming crispy. You want the skin to be as dry as possible before cooking.
3. Soak the Skin in Saltwater: For the best crackling, soak the skin in a saltwater solution for a few minutes. This helps to draw out any remaining moisture, which is essential for crispy skin.

Pork Belly Marination and Seasoning

To infuse the meat with flavor, marinate it with the following seasoning:

1. Season the Meat and Skin: Rub the pork belly with a mixture of five-spice powder, garlic powder, chili powder, pepper, salt, and sugar. Be sure to rub this mixture into the meat and the scored skin for an even coating.
2. Add Fresh Lemon Juice: After massaging the seasoning in, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the pork belly. The acidity of the lemon helps break down the fat, which makes the skin crisp up nicely during cooking. It also adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the rich pork.
3. Marinate: Let the pork belly sit for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour) to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the seasoning to penetrate the meat.

Cooking Crispy Pork Belly in the Air Fryer

Now comes the fun part! Cooking crispy roast pork belly in the air fryer is easy and quick. Follow these steps for a perfectly crispy result:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the pork belly starts cooking right away, helping it crisp up properly.
2. Wrap in Foil (Optional for Tenderness): For the first 30 minutes of cooking, wrap the pork belly in foil. This will help the meat stay juicy and tender while the fat begins to render. It also prevents the skin from burning prematurely.
3. Cook for 30 Minutes: Place the wrapped pork belly in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes at 350°F. The foil will trap moisture, allowing the meat to cook through without drying out.
4. Unwrap and Crisp the Skin: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and return the pork belly to the air fryer. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This high heat will allow the skin to become golden and crispy.
5. Listen for the Crackling: As the skin crisps up, you’ll start to hear that satisfying crackling sound. This is when you know the air fryer crispy pork belly is nearly done.

Tips for Success

Here are some air fryer cooking tips to ensure your pork belly with crispy skin turns out perfect every time:

1. Dry the Skin: The secret to crispy crackling is ensuring the skin is completely dry before cooking. After scoring and marinating, use paper towels to absorb any moisture from the skin.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure there’s enough space around the pork belly in the air fryer basket for the hot air to circulate. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
3. Be Patient: While it’s tempting to check on the pork belly constantly, let it cook uninterrupted for the best results. The skin needs time to crisp up, so avoid opening the air fryer too often.
4. Rest the Meat: After the pork belly has finished cooking, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, flavorful roast pork belly.

How to Serve Your Crispy Roast Pork Belly

Once your crispy pork belly skin is golden brown and crackling, it’s time to serve! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this dish:

1. Serve with Rice: Serve your crispy roast pork belly alongside steamed rice and pickled vegetables for a classic, satisfying meal.
2. Pair with Dipping Sauces: You can pair your crispy crackling pork belly with a variety of dipping sauces, such as hoisin sauce, soy sauce, or a sweet chili sauce, to complement the savory flavors.
3. Make a Sandwich: For a fun twist, slice the pork belly and serve it in a bun with a crunchy slaw for a delicious sandwich option.

Conclusion

Making crispy roast pork belly at home doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you use an air fryer. With a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can achieve that perfect crispy crackling and tender meat every time. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this air fryer roast pork belly recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

By following the tips and techniques in this guide, you’ll learn how to make crispy pork belly skin just like a pro. Serve it with your favorite sides and sauces for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Now that you know how to cook Thịt Heo Quay and make crispy pork belly in the air fryer, it’s time to try it yourself. Happy cooking!