Tillie Doyle
Cooking pork belly in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a juicy, tender cut of meat with a crispy crust. The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the pork belly and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 30-40 minutes to cook pork belly in an air fryer. The key to getting crispy pork belly is to ensure that the fat is rendered, which can be done by cooking the pork belly until the skin is crispy and bubbling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 30-40 minutes |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
| Total time | 45-55 minutes |
| Temperature | 160°C/320°F to 190°C/375°F |
| Calories | 294kcal-440.7kcal |
| Protein | 7.9g-12g |
| Fat | 20g-45.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.1g |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days |
| Reheating | Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and heat for about 10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork belly in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the meat, the specific air fryer model, and the desired level of crispiness. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork belly, which should reach 90-95°C / 195-200°F for the meat to be tender.
Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer at 160°C/320°F for three minutes, then cooking the pork belly for 30 minutes at the same temperature. After this, increase the heat to 190°C/375°F and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and bubbling. The total cooking time for this method is approximately 40 minutes.
Another method is to cook the pork belly at 200°C/400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin crackles. Then, reduce the temperature to 160°C and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through. The total cooking time for this method is approximately 35-40 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pork belly and the specific air fryer model. Thicker pieces of meat may take longer to cook, and it is recommended to rotate and flip the pieces over halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, it is suggested to check on the pork belly every 5 minutes to ensure it is not burning or undercooked.
For a simple, 3-ingredient recipe, it is possible to cook pork belly in an air fryer without lengthy cooking times or heavy oils. This method involves seasoning the pork belly with salt and placing it in the air fryer basket greased with cooking spray. The cooking time and temperature for this recipe are not specified, but it is described as simple and hands-off, suggesting that it may be a quicker and more convenient option.
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How to prepare the pork belly
Preparing pork belly in an air fryer is a great way to cook this fatty cut of meat. The air fryer will help you achieve a mouthwatering, tender, and juicy piece of pork with a perfectly crisp crust. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare pork belly in an air fryer:
Selecting the Pork Belly:
Start by choosing the right pork belly cut. Look for slabs that are evenly marbled with fat and bright pink in colour, with no signs of discoloration. It is recommended to buy from a butcher instead of a local grocery store, as the meat is likely to be fresher and free of preservatives.
Seasoning:
Pat the pork belly dry with a paper towel. Then, rub the pork belly with salt. You can also add other seasonings like olive oil spray, pepper, garlic granules, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or chilli powder. For a simple, yet tasty alternative, you can just use salt and cooking spray.
Scoring:
Use a very sharp knife to score the top of the fat in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Scoring the fat will help it render and crisp up during cooking.
Air Fryer Setup:
Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the pork from sticking. Place the pork belly in the basket, ensuring there is space between the pieces for air to circulate.
Cooking:
Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and evenness of the pork belly, as well as the model of your air fryer. Thicker pieces will take longer to cook. For a 650g pork belly, it is recommended to cook for 30 minutes at 160°C/320°F, and then increase the temperature to 240°C/465°F for 10 minutes. Check the pork belly regularly to ensure it is not burning or undercooked.
Resting:
Once the pork belly is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
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How to store leftovers
Leftover air-fried pork belly can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. If you plan on using it the next day, you can also cover the container with aluminium foil instead. To ensure the meat stays juicy, it's important to let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge.
If you want to freeze your cooked pork belly, it's recommended to slice it up or shred it and then place it into an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 or 4 months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pork belly, leave it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
There are several methods to reheat your leftover pork belly, each with its pros and cons, depending on the equipment you have available and the time you're willing to spend.
The oven is a good option for reheating large pieces of pork belly, but it can be a bit time-consuming. If you're in a rush, the microwave is a quicker alternative for heating up the meat, but it won't crisp up the skin. For smaller portions, frying in a skillet is a great way to reheat your pork belly, ensuring the skin gets crispy again.
If you want to use your air fryer to reheat the pork belly, set the temperature to 160°C/320°F and heat for about 7 minutes. However, this method can be a bit drying, so you may want to use a different option if you're looking for juicy, tender meat.
To restore the crispy texture of the pork belly skin, you can use a frying pan. Heat up some oil in the pan, then add thin slices of pork belly and sear both sides. Use tongs to hold the pork belly skin-side down against the pan for 20-30 seconds to crisp up the skin.
You can also separate the meat and the skin, using a combination of methods to reheat them. For example, you can heat the meat in the microwave and then crisp up the skin in the oven. If you don't want to separate the skin and meat, cover the meat with foil, leaving the skin exposed so it can dry out and become crispy again.
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How to reheat leftovers
To cook pork belly in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F. Spray cooking oil inside the basket. Pat the pork belly dry, then rub salt all over it. Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, and air fry for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin crackles. Reduce the air fryer temperature to 160C and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until cooked through. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Now, if you have any leftover air fryer pork belly, let it cool, then place it in an airtight container and into the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze your cooked air fryer pork belly, slice it up and place it into an airtight container or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Then leave it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat your pork belly, you can either place it back in the air fryer at 160C/320F-200C/400F for about 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or place it in the microwave with the lid slightly ajar until piping hot. Check on your air fryer pork belly every 5 minutes to ensure it's not burning or undercooked.
There are other ways to reheat pork belly as well. If you want to reheat braised pork belly, put it in a pan with some leftover braising liquid, cover it, and heat with low to medium heat. Bring the liquid to a simmer but don't let it boil. You can also use the oven, which is good for reheating large pieces of pork belly and keeping the skin crispy. For smaller bits of pork belly, frying in a skillet is a good option.
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What to serve with pork belly
Pork belly is a rich, fatty cut of meat, so it's a good idea to serve it with something bright and zesty to cut through the richness. Here are some side dish suggestions to serve with your air fryer pork belly:
Salads
Salads are a great way to add a fresh and acidic element to your meal. Some options include:
- Fennel and chickpea salad with a citrus vinaigrette and topped with parmesan
- Tomato feta green bean salad
- Roasted butternut salad with Danish feta and cranberries
- Marinated cucumber salad
- Green papaya salad
- Cabbage or lettuce salad
- Couscous corn salad
Vegetables
Vegetables can provide a crunchy and healthy side dish. Try:
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli, sugar snap peas, or asparagus with a lemony vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with vinegar
- Grilled pea vines
- Blistered shishito peppers
- Air fryer asparagus
- Crispy fried green beans with dipping sauces
- Buffalo-style cauliflower
Starch
A starchy side dish can also complement the richness of the pork belly. Some options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Crispy salt and pepper smashed potatoes
- Honey thyme mashed sweet potatoes
- Easy candied sweet potatoes
- Crispy smashed buffalo potatoes
- Mac and cheese
- Potato salad
- Zucchini fries
- White beans with sea salt
- Rice
- Noodles
- Pasta
Fruit
Fruit, especially apple, can add a tangy and sweet element to your meal. Try:
- Apple slaw with cabbage, carrots, and vinegar
- A sweet apple dish
Other
There are also a variety of other side dishes that can complement pork belly:
- Kimchi
- Fried grit cakes and collard greens
- Ramen
- Tacos
- Broth
- Candied nuts
- Red cabbage slaw
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook pork belly in an air fryer for 40 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the pork belly. Check the meat with a thermometer after 30 minutes to ensure it has reached the desired internal temperature of 90-95°C / 195-200°F.
Preheat your air fryer to 160°C/320°F. After placing the pork belly in the air fryer, increase the temperature to 190°C/375°F for the remaining cooking time.
Pat the pork belly dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. You can also rub the pork belly with olive oil or cooking spray to ensure even cooking.
The pork belly is cooked when the skin is crispy and bubbling. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 90-95°C / 195-200°F.
Leftover pork belly can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place the pork belly in a preheated air fryer at 200°C/400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
