Air Frying With Lard: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a healthy alternative to deep fat fryers, requiring only a small amount of oil to cook food. While some people question the health benefits of lard, it can be used in an air fryer. In fact, one source claims that using lard in an air fryer can result in a healthier and tastier dish. It is rendered pig fat, and when consumed in moderation, it is a healthy cooking oil that adds flavour to food.

Tips for choosing the right lard

• Always buy good-quality pig fat, which is a bit pink in colour, from local butchers or supermarkets.
• Choose pork-back fat with maximum marbling, which is important for the best-tasting results when using lard for cooking fried food items. The perfect marbling can enhance the flavour and taste of your cooked dishes due to the presence of emulsified oil droplets, making it even tastier than any other available brand in the market.
• Never compromise on quality and stick to one brand while buying lard, because different brands have different tastes and will end up enhancing poor taste rather than improving it if you switch lard brands frequently while cooking food items in deep fryers.
• Some pigs that are raised in open fields have a good amount of wild herbs and grasses in their diet. Such lard has a distinct flavour, which can turn out pretty tasty when used for frying food items.
• Organic lards contain fewer amounts of pesticides and herbicides as these harmful ingredients tend to stay away from grains, grasses, and vegetables. Thus, organic livestock feed contains fewer pesticide residues comparatively when compared to the conventionally raised livestock. So, organic lard is healthier than regular lard for cooking purposes.

How to use lard in the fryer

Yes, you can use lard in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to do it:

Choosing the Right Lard

• Opt for good high-quality pig fat with a slight pink hue.
• Purchase pork-back fat with maximum marbling from local butchers or supermarkets.
• Be consistent and stick to one brand when buying lard to maintain a consistent taste profile.
• Opt for lard from pigs that were pasture-raised and had wild herbs and grasses in their diet for a distinct flavor.
• For health-conscious individuals, consider choosing organic lard, which contains fewer pesticides and herbicides.

Preparing the Air Fryer

• Ensure your air fryer is suitable for using lard. Check the manufacturer's instructions or recommendations.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 365°F and 395°F (185-202°C) for frying.
• Avoid overcrowding the frying basket to maintain optimal airflow and even cooking.

Cooking with Lard in the Air Fryer

• Use a deep cast-iron skillet or dutch oven for cooking with lard in the air fryer.
• Heat the lard over medium heat to minimize smoke and reduce the risk of burning your food.
• Avoid adding the cooking fat when the air fryer is extremely hot, as this can affect the taste of your food.
• Always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the lard during cooking.
• Maintain the temperature within the optimal range of 365°F to 395°F (185-202°C).
• Do not reuse lard after deep frying, as it has lost nutrients and is not suitable for consumption.

Tips for Using Lard in the Air Fryer

• Always use good-quality lard to ensure your food tastes delicious without any unpleasant odors or degraded oil flavors.
• Do not fill your oil container above the recommended levels to prevent overflow and fire hazards.
• Avoid adding frozen food items to the lard fryer, as it will lower the temperature of the oil and affect the taste and texture of your food.
• Ensure your food is completely defrosted before adding it to the lard fryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the frying basket to maintain the optimal ratio between the quantity of cooking fat and the amount of food being cooked.
• Always use a frying thermometer to maintain consistent temperature control during cooking.
• Replace your deep fat fryer lard with fresh lard regularly, especially after every 40 hours of use or sooner, depending on the nature of the cooking.

Is lard healthy?

Lard is rendered pig fat, sourced from the fatty deposits of the animal's abdomen. It is a type of cooking oil that has been used for centuries in most kitchens.

The Benefits of Lard

Lard has been named one of the top ten healthiest foods in the world. It is an excellent source of essential vitamins and nutrients. It contains about 50% monounsaturated fat, which is a heart-healthy fat that can also be found in olive oil.

Lard has a high smoke point of 374°F/190°C, which means it can be safely roasted at high temperatures without breaking down or oxidizing. Oxidation is dangerous because it releases free radicals into the body, which have been associated with cancer, inflammation, and other health problems.

Lard is also a good source of vitamin D, which is usually difficult to obtain from food. It is especially beneficial in the winter when we are exposed to less sunlight, and our vitamin D levels may drop. Vitamin D plays a role in growth, nervous system function, reproductive health, insulin production, and immune function.

Lard is also a source of choline, an important nutrient that is not found in high quantities in many other foods. Choline helps to move cholesterol and very-low-density lipoproteins from the liver, and a deficiency can lead to a buildup of fat and cholesterol.

The Downsides of Lard

Despite its benefits, lard has fallen out of favor in recent decades due to its association with negative health effects, particularly heart disease.

Lard is primarily a fat source, with zero protein or carbohydrates. While fats are essential for providing energy and helping the body absorb certain vitamins, excessive consumption can be detrimental to health.

Lard does contain saturated fat, which is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. However, it is important to note that lard has less saturated fat than butter and contains good amounts of unsaturated fats as well.

In conclusion, lard can be a healthy addition to a well-balanced diet when consumed in moderation. It is a good source of essential vitamins and nutrients, and its high smoke point makes it suitable for high-heat cooking. However, it is important to be mindful of its saturated fat content and ensure that healthier unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, are also included in the diet.

How to make pork lard in an air fryer

Yes, you can use lard in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make pork lard in an air fryer:

Firstly, you will need to cut the pork belly into small, evenly-sized pieces. Try to cut the pork belly into similar sizes so that they cook at the same rate.

Next, arrange the pieces in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 180°C. Fry the pork belly for around 15 minutes, or more, depending on the size of the pieces. You will know it is ready when the pork belly has turned golden brown.

Once the pork belly has been transformed into golden brown pork lard, you can use it to garnish your dish or add flavour to your fried noodles.

You can also make pork lard by boiling the fat in water before frying. This method takes longer but results in a puffy and airy texture. Simply cut the pork fat into small cubes and place them in a pan without any oil. Add just enough water to cover the fat and boil until the water dries up. This will take around 30-40 minutes. Then, continue to fry the fat on a low heat until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Other oils to use in an air fryer

Yes, you can use lard in an air fryer. Lard is rendered pig fat, and it has been used as a cooking oil for centuries. It is flavourless and has a smoke point of 374°F/190°C.

Now, here are some other oils you can use in an air fryer:

• Avocado oil has a smoke point of 520°F/570°F and a neutral flavour, making it one of the best oils to use in an air fryer.
• Light olive oil, also known as refined or extra light olive oil, has a smoke point of 465-470°F/468°F. It has a neutral flavour and a lighter colour than extra virgin olive oil.
• Clarified butter or ghee is commonly used in French and Indian cuisine and has a smoke point of 482°F/485°F.
• Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats. It has a light flavour and a smoke point of 450°F.
• Peanut oil has a nutty flavour and a smoke point of 450°F.
• Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking and has a smoke point of 421°F/420°F. It has a clean taste, making it a good all-purpose cooking oil.
• Refined coconut oil has a smoke point of 400°F. Unrefined coconut oil has a lower smoke point of 350°F.
• Other options include safflower oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and extra virgin olive oil.

Frequently asked questions