Air fried Pork Belly (lechon kawali)

Air-fried Pork Belly (Lechon Kawali) Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound (450g) pork belly, skin on 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon paprika Cooking oil spray Dipping sauce (soy sauce, vinegar, and chopped onions) Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Belly:

   • Start by cleaning and patting dry the pork belly with paper towels.
   • Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pork belly. Make shallow cuts about 1/2 inch apart. This will help the skin crisp up during cooking.

2. Season the Pork Belly:

   • In a bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
   • Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to get it into the scores on the skin.

   • Place the seasoned pork belly in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

4. Air Fry the Pork Belly:

   • Once the air fryer is preheated, place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up.
   • Cook the pork belly at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. This will help render the fat and start crisping up the skin.

5. Increase Temperature for Crisping:

   • After the initial cooking time, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue cooking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Once the pork belly is cooked to your desired crispiness, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
   • Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chopped onions.

7. Enjoy:

   • Serve the air-fried pork belly (lechon kawali) with steamed rice, vegetables, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the crispy and flavorful delight!

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your pork belly and the specific model of your air fryer. It’s important to monitor the cooking process to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Of course! Here are a few more tips and variations to enhance your air-fried pork belly (lechon kawali) experience:

1. Marination: For even more flavor, consider marinating the pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings for a few hours or overnight before applying the dry rub. This will infuse the meat with a rich taste.
2. Herb Infusion: Add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves to the air fryer basket while cooking. These herbs can impart a wonderful aroma to the pork belly as it cooks.
3. Baking Powder Trick: To achieve an even crispier skin, you can rub a mixture of baking powder and salt onto the skin of the pork belly before cooking. The baking powder helps to draw out moisture and promotes crispiness.
4. Adjust Cooking Times: The cooking times mentioned earlier are approximate and can vary depending on your air fryer’s settings and the thickness of the pork belly. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
5. Side Dishes: Serve your air-fried pork belly with traditional Filipino sides like atchara (pickled green papaya), ensaladang talong (grilled eggplant salad), or steamed vegetables. These side dishes provide a balance of flavors and textures.
6. Experiment with Sauces: Besides the classic soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce, try serving the pork belly with different dipping sauces such as a sweet and spicy chili sauce, a hoisin-based glaze, or a creamy garlic dip.
7. Healthier Version: If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, you can use leaner cuts of pork or remove some of the excess fat from the pork belly before cooking.
8. Serving Presentation: To make your dish more visually appealing, garnish the air-fried pork belly with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.
9. Batch Cooking: If you’re preparing a larger quantity of pork belly, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can affect the crisping process.
10. Leftovers: If you have leftovers, you can reheat the pork belly in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispiness. Be careful not to overheat it, as it may become too dry.

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and making the dish your own. Feel free to customize the recipe and techniques to suit your preferences and create your perfect air-fried pork belly (lechon kawali). Enjoy your delicious and crispy creation!