Crispy Pork Belly: Air Fryer Panlasang Pinoy Recipe

Pork belly is a popular choice for a delicious, juicy meal, and cooking it in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to achieve that perfect texture. This guide will teach you how to cook pork belly in an air fryer, following the traditional Pinoy style. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a mouth-watering dish that's both easy to prepare and quick to cook.

Seasoning: Marinate pork belly with soy sauce, garlic, and pepper for a flavorful base

To create a delicious and tender pork belly dish, start by preparing a simple yet flavorful marinade. This step is crucial to enhance the taste and ensure a juicy, well-seasoned result. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. You can adjust the quantities to your preference; for a spicier kick, add more pepper, or for a milder flavor, reduce the garlic. Soy sauce provides a savory base, while garlic adds a distinct aroma and a subtle kick. Pepper, of course, brings heat and depth to the dish.

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade. The key to a successful marinade is to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a small amount of grated ginger to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Let the pork belly slices soak in this marinade for at least 30 minutes, or even better, leave it overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more the meat will absorb the flavors, resulting in a more tender and tasty dish.

When you're ready to cook, take the pork belly out of the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important because moisture can prevent the meat from developing a crispy skin during cooking. Then, place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, ensuring there's enough space for the air to circulate. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pork belly slices and your air fryer's power.

Once cooked, the pork belly should be crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. If you prefer a more caramelized exterior, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last few minutes of cooking. This quick and easy method of cooking pork belly in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home, and the marinade with soy sauce, garlic, and pepper is the secret to its success.

Air Frying: Place pork belly in the air fryer basket, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes

To cook pork belly in an air fryer, you can follow a simple and delicious method inspired by Panlasang Pinoy recipes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior and tender interior. While the air fryer heats up, prepare your pork belly. Remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.

Now, it's time to season the pork belly. You can use a simple marinade or a dry rub. A popular choice is a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of brown sugar. Rub this mixture generously over the pork belly, ensuring an even coating. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket. Ensure there's enough space for the fat to render and the meat to cook evenly. If using a larger cut, you might want to trim some of the excess fat to prevent it from overheating. Cook the pork belly for approximately 12-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cut, so always check for doneness.

During the cooking process, you'll notice the fat rendering and the pork belly developing a beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip the pork belly halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Once cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender pork belly.

Finally, serve the air-fried pork belly with your choice of sides and sauces. It pairs well with steamed rice, a fresh salad, and a tangy dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful pork belly, made with the convenience of an air fryer!

Texture: Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispy skin

When cooking pork belly in an air fryer, achieving a crispy, golden-brown skin is essential to enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish. To ensure an even and crispy skin, it is crucial to flip the pork belly halfway through the cooking process. Here's a detailed guide on why and how to do this:

The air fryer's intense heat can create a delicious, crispy exterior on the pork belly, but it's easy to overcook and burn the skin if not handled properly. By flipping the meat, you distribute the heat evenly across the entire surface, promoting uniform browning and crispiness. This simple step ensures that every bite of your pork belly has a delightful, crispy texture without any dry or burnt spots.

To begin, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), depending on your recipe. Prepare the pork belly by trimming any excess fat and scoring the skin in a diamond pattern, which helps the skin crisp up more effectively. Season the pork belly generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or marinades.

Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits snugly. Cook for the first half of the recommended time, which is usually around 10-15 minutes. After this time, carefully flip the pork belly using tongs or a spatula. This step is crucial for achieving an even texture. Press the pork belly down gently with the spatula to ensure it makes contact with the air fryer basket, allowing for better heat distribution.

Continue cooking for the remaining time, flipping the pork belly again if needed, especially if the skin is not yet crispy. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork belly and your air fryer, but it typically ranges from 15 to 25 minutes. The goal is to have a crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, juicy meat.

By following this technique, you'll be able to enjoy pork belly with a perfectly crispy skin and a tender, flavorful interior, making it a delightful addition to your Panlasang Pinoy recipes. Remember, practice makes perfect, and adjusting the cooking time and temperature based on your specific air fryer will help you master this cooking method.

Internal Temp: Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium

To achieve the perfect pork belly, you'll want to focus on the internal temperature, aiming for a range that ensures a tender and juicy cut. For medium-rare, the target internal temperature is 145°F, while for medium, it's 160°F. This precise control over temperature is key to cooking pork belly to your desired doneness.

When cooking in an air fryer, it's essential to monitor the temperature closely, as the cooking environment can vary. Start by preheating your air fryer to a temperature of 375°F to 400°F. This initial high heat will help create a crispy skin while also cooking the meat.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the pork belly inside. Ensure it's arranged in a single layer to allow for even cooking. If you're using a large cut, you might need to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, but remember, this is just an estimate. The actual cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork belly and your air fryer's power.

During the cooking process, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature regularly. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork belly, ensuring it doesn't touch any bone. For medium-rare, you want to reach that 145°F mark, and for medium, aim for 160°F. Once you've reached your desired temperature, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.

Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender pork belly. After resting, you can serve it as desired, perhaps with a drizzle of your favorite sauce or a sprinkle of your choice of seasoning. Remember, the key to success is precise temperature control, ensuring your pork belly is cooked to perfection every time.

Resting: Let the pork belly rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture

When it comes to cooking pork belly, a popular choice for a delicious and juicy dish, allowing the meat to rest is an essential step that ensures a tender and flavorful result. After cooking, it's crucial to let the pork belly rest for approximately 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is often overlooked but plays a vital role in retaining the meat's moisture and achieving a more even texture.

During the cooking process, especially when using an air fryer, the pork belly undergoes a transformation. The high heat and rapid air circulation cook the meat quickly, but it can also cause the juices to run and the fibers to tighten, leading to a dry and tough slice. By letting the pork belly rest, you give the juices a chance to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This simple step helps to create a more succulent and tender bite, ensuring that each slice is moist and flavorful.

The resting period also allows the proteins in the meat to relax and re-absorb the juices, resulting in a more tender texture. This is particularly important for pork belly, as it is a cut that benefits from a longer cooking time to become tender. By resting, you can achieve a more uniform texture, ensuring that every bite is just as delicious as the first.

To make the most of this resting time, you can use it to prepare any side dishes or finalize your presentation. While the pork belly rests, you can quickly whip up some stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad to accompany your main course. This way, you can ensure that your meal is well-rounded and ready to be served promptly.

Remember, patience is key when it comes to cooking pork belly. The resting period might seem like an extra step, but it is a crucial one that will elevate your dish and impress your guests or family. So, take that extra few minutes to let the meat rest, and you'll be rewarded with a mouthwatering, juicy pork belly that is truly a feast for the senses.

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