Emilie Meyer
Lechon kawali is a classic Filipino dish consisting of deep-fried pork belly that is crispy and juicy. Traditionally, it is made by boiling the pork with aromatics like garlic and black pepper until tender, and then deep frying it. However, you can also use an air fryer to make a healthier, less greasy version of this dish that is just as crispy and delicious. Using an air fryer saves time and effort as you don't need to stand by a pot of hot oil and carefully monitor temperature levels or deal with splatters and burns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking method | Boiling/simmering, then air-frying |
| Boiling/simmering time | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Air-frying temperature | 400°F (200°C or 205°C) |
| Air-frying time | 25-40 minutes |
| Air-frying preparation | Pre-boiling/simmering, coating with vinegar, seasoning with salt |
| Health | Healthier than deep-frying |
| Safety | Safer than deep-frying due to no hot oil splatters |
| Taste | Crispy, tender, juicy, flavourful |
| Ease | Easier than deep-frying due to less monitoring and no pre-heating |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the pork skin crispy
Lechon Kawali is a classic Filipino dish consisting of deep-fried pork belly with a crispy skin. The term "Lechon" refers to a roasted whole pig, while "Kawali" translates to "pan" or "skillet".
To get the pork skin crispy when making Lechon Kawali in an air fryer, follow these steps:
Firstly, select the right cut of pork belly. Look for a balance of meat and fat to ensure both flavour and crispiness.
Before cooking, poke holes in the pork belly skin with a sharp knife. Be careful not to pierce the meat, but only the skin. This allows the fat to render out more easily, helping the skin to crisp up and puff.
Pat the skin dry with paper towels. Moisture will prevent crispiness, so it is important to ensure the skin is as dry as possible.
Next, rub salt into the skin. Salt will draw out any remaining moisture and encourage the skin to crisp up. You can also cover the skin with a layer of rock salt or flaky sea salt to help the skin bubble and pop in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the skin with vinegar before placing the pork belly skin-side down in the air fryer. Cook for 25-40 minutes, checking regularly to ensure the skin does not burn. The skin should turn golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and wipe off any excess salt. Allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting it into strips and then into 1-inch pieces.
Lechon Kawali is typically served with Mang Tomas lechon sauce or spiced vinegar, and garlic rice.
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Health benefits of using an air fryer
Lechon Kawali, a classic Filipino dish, is deep-fried pork belly that is crispy and tender. It can be cooked in an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying.
Air fryers are a healthy alternative to deep-fat frying as they use significantly less oil. They cook food by circulating hot air around it, creating a crunchy, crispy exterior with a soft inside, similar to deep-fried food. This method of cooking with minimal oil helps to reduce the number of calories and the amount of fat in a meal. Lowering saturated fat intake has many health benefits, such as helping to manage cholesterol levels and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A 2020 study reported that air-fried chicken produced fewer harmful compounds, such as acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), when compared to deep-fried chicken. Acrylamide is a chemical compound that forms in certain foods during high-heat cooking methods, and it has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. PAHs are carcinogens produced when oils are heated to high temperatures. Therefore, air fryers can help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers associated with these compounds.
In addition to the health benefits mentioned above, air fryers are also safer to use than deep frying. There is no risk of spilling, splashing, or accidentally touching hot oil, which can cause burns. Air fryers are also easier to clean, thanks to their non-stick linings, and they cook food faster and more efficiently, using less energy than conventional ovens.
Overall, air fryers offer a healthier and safer way to cook foods that would traditionally be deep-fried, such as Lechon Kawali. They help reduce the intake of harmful compounds and the risk of developing various health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancers.
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How to prepare the pork before cooking
Lechon Kawali is a classic Filipino dish consisting of deep-fried pork belly that is crispy and tender. The term "lechon" refers to a roasted whole pig, while "kawali" means "pan" or "skillet", so the dish can be understood as "pan-roasted or pan-fried pork".
- Source a good cut of pork belly: Look for a slab of pork belly that has a nice balance of meat and fat, as this will ensure flavour and crispiness. The meat should be bright pink and evenly marbled with fat, with no signs of discoloration. If possible, buy your pork belly from a butcher rather than a local grocery store, as the meat will be fresher and likely won't contain preservatives.
- Prepare the pork belly for cooking: Cut the pork belly into your desired size. Some people prefer to cook with cubed pork to ensure even crisping, while others opt for bite-sized pieces (around 1-inch pieces) that can be cooked or served as appetizers. If you are cooking a slab of pork belly, you may want to cut it so that it fits in your air fryer.
- Boil the pork belly: Place the pork belly in a deep pot with spices such as onion, garlic, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt. You can also add aromatics like scallions and bouillon. Pour in enough water to cover the meat, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the pork belly cook until it is tender; the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meat.
- Dry the pork belly: Once the pork belly is boiled and tender, remove it from the pot and place it on a wire rack with a baking sheet underneath. Use paper towels to pat the skin of the pork belly dry, ensuring that there is no moisture left, as this can impact the crispiness of the skin when frying.
- Prepare the pork belly skin: Poke holes in the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife or skewer. Be careful to not pierce the meat, only puncture the skin and fat. This will help the skin crisp up and allow the fat to render out more easily. You can also make vertical slits around the edges of the skin to prevent the pork from curling, which will make it easier to lay flat in the air fryer.
- Season the pork belly: There are several ways to season the pork belly, depending on your preference. You can rub the skin with vinegar, which will help tighten the skin and contribute to a crisp texture. Then, you can cover the skin with a layer of salt, which will draw out moisture and aid in crisping. Alternatively, you can mix your seasonings, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil, in a bowl and toss the pork belly pieces until they are coated.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). You may also want to grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the pork from sticking.
Once you have completed these steps, your pork belly is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!
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What to serve with lechon kawali
Lechon kawali, a classic Filipino dish, is deep-fried pork belly that's crispy and tender. It is typically cooked by boiling the pork with garlic and other traditional aromatics, and then frying it until crispy.
When it comes to serving lechon kawali, there are several options that can complement the dish:
- Spiced vinegar or suka: Lechon kawali can be served with spiced vinegar, which is made by combining cane vinegar, garlic, black pepper, and chilis. This adds a tangy and spicy kick to the dish.
- Mang Tomas lechon sauce: A sweet and savory sauce commonly found at Filipino parties. It is a perfect dip for the crispy pork belly, providing a balanced contrast to the rich and juicy meat.
- Rice: A side of hot rice, especially garlic rice, can complete the meal. It provides a neutral base to balance the strong flavors of the lechon kawali and its accompanying sauces.
- Sisig: Sisig is a dish made with chopped-up pork and seasonings. You can use leftover lechon kawali to make sisig, creating a meatier version of this classic Filipino dish.
- Filipino side dishes: Other traditional Filipino side dishes can accompany lechon kawali, such as kamote tops salad in bagoong balayan sauce, munggo with dahon ng ampalaya, or papaya atchara. These side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience and make the meal more festive.
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How to get the best texture
Lechon kawali is a classic Filipino dish consisting of deep-fried pork belly with crispy skin. The term "lechon" refers to a roasted whole pig, while "kawali" translates to "pan" or "skillet". The dish can be cooked in an oven, air fryer, or by traditional deep-frying, with each method producing a unique texture.
To get the best texture when using an air fryer, follow these steps:
Firstly, prepare the pork belly by boiling it with seasonings. This step helps remove excess fat, ensures the meat remains tender and juicy, and adds flavour. Boil the pork belly with spices such as onion, garlic, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender.
After boiling, remove the pork belly from the pot and place it on a wire rack with a baking sheet underneath. Let it cool for 30 minutes or more, then transfer it to an airtight container lined with paper towels and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, take the pork belly out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200-205°C). Before placing the pork belly in the air fryer, make vertical slits around the edges of the skin to prevent curling and ensure even cooking. You can also lightly coat the skin with vinegar to tighten it and promote a crispier texture.
Place the pork belly in the air fryer, skin side up, and cook for about 7 minutes to remove moisture from the skin. Then, turn the pork belly on its side and cook for 5 minutes on each side. Finally, reposition the pork belly with the skin side up and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time in the air fryer should be around 25-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork belly.
Once the pork belly is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting it into strips and then into bite-sized pieces. Serve with spiced vinegar or Mang Tomas lechon sauce, a sweet and tangy Filipino dipping sauce.
By following these steps, you can achieve a Lechon Kawali with a crispy, tender, and juicy texture without the mess and excessive oil of traditional deep-frying methods.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook lechon kawali in an air fryer. Lechon kawali is a classic Filipino dish of deep-fried pork belly that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Cooking it in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying and yields the same crispy texture without the mess.
First, boil or simmer the pork belly with aromatics like garlic, onion, black pepper, and bay leaf, until tender. Then, transfer the pork belly to the air fryer and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork belly.
Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C).
The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork belly and your desired level of crispiness. Air fry the pork belly for 25-40 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure even browning.
