Air-Frying Tocino: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken tocino is a Filipino staple that can be made in an air fryer. It is made of chicken thighs, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, cane vinegar, annatto oil or red food colouring, and seasonings. The chicken is marinated for a minimum of four hours but ideally overnight for a more intense flavour. The air fryer should be lined with parchment paper and preheated to 350 degrees. The chicken is then cooked for 25 minutes, being turned a few times, until it is caramelized. It is typically served with white rice and a fried egg.

Chicken tocino marinade ingredients

Chicken tocino is a Filipino breakfast dish, typically served with fried rice and eggs. The dish is characterised by its sweet and garlicky flavour, and its reddish colour. The chicken is marinated for several hours, or even overnight, before being cooked.

The ingredients used to achieve this flavour include pineapple juice, which adds a tangy taste, and ketchup or banana ketchup, which enhances the colour. The pineapple juice also acts as a natural preservative, helping to tenderise the meat. The dish also typically includes garlic, to add a light garlicky flavour, and soy sauce, which lends an umami taste.

To make the marinade, you can combine pineapple juice, ketchup, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. You can also add rice flour, which helps to tenderise the meat and adds a velvety texture. Other ingredients include dark brown sugar, ground white pepper, vinegar, and red food colouring. These ingredients are mixed together and then combined with the chicken, which is massaged with the mixture. The chicken is then refrigerated for several hours, or overnight, to allow the flavours to absorb into the meat.

For a more complex flavour profile, you can also add rum, vinegar, and annatto oil to the marinade.

Chicken vs pork tocino

Yes, you can cook tocino in an air fryer. In fact, chicken tocino cooked in an air fryer is a popular Filipino staple.

Chicken tocino is a Filipino cured chicken, marinated for a day or two in brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, soy sauce, apple vinegar cider, salt, and pepper, then boiled with the marinade and pan-fried. It is a healthier alternative to pork, with less fat and more tender meat. Chicken cooks faster than pork and is also juicier and more flavorful. Chicken thighs are the best cut of meat to use, as they are boneless and skinless, with a higher fat content that keeps the meat from drying out.

Pork tocino, on the other hand, is made with pork belly or pork shoulder. It is typically marinated in sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red food coloring. The belly part of the pig is used traditionally, and the term "tocino" technically means pork in the Philippines. Pork tocino is cooked with water to tenderize the meat, and it takes longer to cook than chicken.

Both chicken and pork tocino are delicious and hearty Filipino breakfast dishes, often served with garlic fried rice, sunny-side-up eggs, and tomatoes. They can also be served as a midday snack, grilled on skewers, or added to stir-fried noodles or fried rice.

Marinating time

For chicken tocino, it is recommended to marinate the meat for at least 4 hours to allow the flavours to penetrate the chicken. However, for the best results, it is suggested to marinate the chicken overnight. This extended marination time ensures that the chicken absorbs all the flavours and results in a more flavourful dish.

Similarly, when preparing pork tocino, it is ideal to marinate the pork for twenty-four hours before cooking or freezing. This prolonged marination enhances the flavour of the dish and allows the pork to absorb the marinade thoroughly. If you plan to freeze the marinated pork tocino, it can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

The marinating time can also be adjusted based on personal preferences and the desired intensity of flavours. Some recipes suggest adding a teaspoon of chilli powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade to create a spicier version of tocino. By experimenting with different spices and extending the marinating time, you can customise the flavours to suit your taste.

In summary, the marinating time for tocino ranges from a minimum of 4 hours to overnight or even twenty-four hours for the best results. This process is crucial in developing the unique flavours of the dish and can be tailored to personal preferences for a customised culinary experience.

Air fryer temperature and time

To cook chicken tocino in an air fryer, you should set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will be 25 minutes, but you should flip the chicken a few times during cooking to get an even colour. Before adding the chicken to the air fryer, ensure that the appliance is preheated and line the basket or tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

If you are cooking pork tocino in an air fryer, you can use pork belly or pork shoulder. The temperature and cooking time will likely be similar to that of chicken tocino, but this may vary depending on the thickness of the pork slices and your desired level of doneness.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of the food being cooked. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your food while it is cooking in the air fryer and adjust the time and temperature as needed to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, when cooking tocino in an air fryer, it is recommended to marinate the meat beforehand. The marinade for chicken tocino typically includes pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, cane vinegar, annatto oil or red food colouring, and various seasonings. For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight or for at least 4 hours before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb all the flavours and results in a juicier and more flavourful dish.

Reheating and storing

When it comes to reheating and storing tocino, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure food safety and maintain the dish's quality. Here are some detailed instructions:

Reheating Tocino:

If you have leftover tocino, you can easily reheat it to enjoy again. The recommended methods are using a microwave or a pan. For microwave reheating, transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If using a pan, place the tocino in a pan over medium heat and warm it gently, stirring occasionally, until heated to your preference.

Storing Cooked Tocino:

It is essential to store cooked tocino properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Always use airtight containers to store leftovers in the refrigerator. Tocino can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to consume or freeze it within this timeframe to ensure food safety and maintain the best taste.

Storing Uncooked Tocino:

If you have prepared a batch of uncooked marinated tocino, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to have a quick meal option ready to cook in your air fryer. Additionally, you can freeze uncooked tocino for extended storage. Place the marinated meat in a large ziplock bag and freeze it for up to 6 months. When you're ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and cook it the next day.

Remember, these instructions are general guidelines, and you should always exercise your best judgment when handling and consuming food.

Frequently asked questions