Air-Fried Lechon Kawali: A Crispy, Golden Treat

Lechon kawali is a delicious Filipino dish consisting of crispy, tender, and juicy pork belly. The pork is boiled in spices until tender, then fried until golden brown and crispy. You can cook lechon kawali in an air fryer by pre-boiling the pork belly, then air-frying it at around 400°F (200-205°C) for 25-40 minutes. The result is a delicious, crispy treat that can be served with spiced vinegar or Mang Tomas lechon sauce.

Pre-boil the pork belly

Pre-boiling the pork belly is an essential step in cooking lechon kawali in an air fryer. This step helps to remove excess fat from the meat, ensuring that it remains tender and juicy. It also helps to partially cook the pork, reducing the cooking time later.

To pre-boil the pork belly, start by making vertical slits around the edges of the skin. This prevents the pork from curling, making it easier to lay flat in the air fryer. Be careful not to cut all the way through the skin.

Next, place the pork belly in a deep pot or instant pot. Add basic spices such as onion, garlic, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt to the pot. You can also add bouillon and scallions for extra flavour. Pour in enough water to cover the pork belly.

Bring the pot to a boil and cook the pork belly until it is tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork belly. Once the pork is tender, drain the water and proceed to the next step of frying the pork until crispy.

Air fry the pork belly

Air frying the pork belly is the final step in making Lechon Kawali. Before air frying, the pork belly should be boiled in a mixture of spices and seasonings, such as onion, garlic, black pepper, bay leaf, salt, bouillon, and scallions. This step helps to tenderise the meat and remove excess fat.

Once the pork belly is boiled and drained, it can be placed in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200-205°C). Lower the pork belly gently, skin-side down, using long tongs. Be cautious to prevent any splatters or accidents.

The air fryer temperature and cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the thickness of the pork belly and your desired level of crispiness. It is important to monitor the pork belly during cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.

Make a dipping sauce

Lechon kawali is a delicious Filipino dish of crispy, juicy pork belly. While the pork belly is the star of the show, a good dipping sauce can really elevate the dish. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your lechon kawali:

Spiced vinegar: Combine cane vinegar with garlic, black pepper and chillies. This is a classic pairing with lechon kawali, providing a tangy contrast to the rich pork belly.

Mang Tomas lechon sauce: This sweet and tangy Filipino sauce is another popular choice for dipping lechon kawali. It has a unique flavour that complements the dish perfectly.

Apple cider vinegar: Brush the pork skin with apple cider vinegar before air frying. This will give the pork a delicious tangy flavour that pairs well with the crispy skin.

When making a dipping sauce for lechon kawali, it's important to consider the flavours and textures of the dish. The pork belly is rich and fatty, so a tangy or spicy sauce can help to cut through the richness. You could also add some fresh herbs to your sauce for a brighter, more complex flavour profile. Experiment with different ingredients and find the perfect dipping sauce that suits your taste!

Adjust the heat

To cook lechon kawali in an air fryer, you'll need to adjust the heat to around 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that the pork belly cooks through and becomes crispy. You can use a cooking thermometer to check that the temperature remains consistent.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) or 205°C. Then, slowly lower the pork belly into the air fryer, skin side down, using long tongs. Be careful not to splash any hot oil or cause any accidents.

Once the pork belly is in the air fryer, you may need to adjust the heat to maintain the desired frying temperature. Keep an eye on the pork belly and adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork belly. For a thicker cut, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure that the meat is cooked through. On the other hand, if the pork belly is thinner, reduce the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.

Additionally, it's essential to pre-boil the pork belly before air frying. This step helps remove excess fat and ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy. Boiling also partially cooks the pork, reducing the cooking time in the air fryer.

Cut the pork belly into pieces

To cook lechon kawali in an air fryer, you'll first need to cut the pork belly into pieces. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Start by making vertical slits around the edges of the pork belly skin. Be careful not to cut all the way through, as these slits will prevent the pork from curling up when cooking. This step is crucial for ensuring your pork belly lies flat in the air fryer.

Next, you'll want to boil the pork belly until it's tender. Place the pork belly in a deep pot or Instant Pot, adding enough water to cover it. Season the water with salt, bouillon, scallions, and whole black pepper. You can also add basic spices like onion, garlic, and bay leaf to enhance the flavour. Boil the pork until it's tender, which usually takes around 30 minutes.

Once the pork is boiled, it's time to fry it. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and gently lower the pork belly, skin side down, using long tongs. Be cautious to prevent any splatters or accidents. Fry the pork belly until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, adjusting the frying time based on the thickness of the meat. Remember to flip the pork belly occasionally to ensure even browning.

After frying, let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting it into 1-inch pieces. Wipe off any excess salt, and your lechon kawali is ready to be served! Enjoy it with spiced vinegar or Mang Tomas lechon sauce for a truly mouthwatering experience.

Frequently asked questions