Air-Fried Pork Crackle: The Perfect Crunchy Treat

Pork crackling is the crispy part of a pork roast that many people look forward to. It can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 20 minutes, and the process is super easy. You can use a pack of pork skin, or separate the skin from a pork roast. The skin should be dried out and brought to room temperature before cooking. It should then be scored with a sharp knife, rubbed with oil and salt, and cooked in the air fryer for 20-30 minutes, depending on the type of air fryer.

Scoring the skin

Firstly, ensure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a sharp knife, preferably a butcher's knife or a very sharp Stanley knife. You will also need a packet of pork skins or pork rinds, which can be purchased from most supermarkets or butchers.

Next, separate the skin from the pork meat. If you are using a pre-packaged pork rind, it will already be separated, but if you are working with a fresh pork roast, carefully cut the skin away from the meat. It is important to only cut through the fat and not the meat itself, as this can cause the pork to dry out during cooking.

Once you have the skin separated, dry it completely. Place the skin on a plate, uncovered, and leave it in the fridge for at least 24 hours to dry out. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect crackling, but if you are short on time, you can pat the skin dry with a paper towel before cooking.

Now it's time to score the skin. Remove the skin from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Using your sharp knife, carefully make diagonal cuts across the skin in a crisscross pattern. This technique is called "scoring" and will help the fat render and the skin to become crispy. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you only want to score the fat and not the meat.

After scoring, rub the skin with oil and salt, making sure to get into the cracks created by the scoring. This step will add flavour and help the skin crisp up during cooking. You can also add other seasonings, such as mixed herbs, onion powder, or brown sugar, if desired.

Once your skin is scored and seasoned, it's ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Place it in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, and cook at a high temperature, around 200°C or 390°F, for 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

And that's it! By following these steps, you will achieve perfectly scored and crispy pork crackling. Enjoy as a snack or as a delicious addition to your pork roast dinner.

Drying the skin

Once the skin is dry, you can proceed to the next steps of scoring the skin and applying oil and seasonings. Scoring the skin involves using a sharp knife to make cuts in the skin, being careful not to cut into the flesh. This step is optional, but it can help the crackling cook more evenly and allow the seasonings to penetrate the skin. After scoring, you can rub oil onto the skin, ensuring it penetrates the cracks, followed by salt and any other desired seasonings.

If you are short on time, you can skip the drying process and apply oil and salt to the skin before cooking. This will still result in tasty crackling, but for the puffiest and crispiest crackling, drying the skin beforehand is key.

Oil and salt

Choosing the Right Oil

The type of oil you use can impact the flavour and crispness of your pork crackle. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or extra virgin olive oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning, ensuring your crackle is crispy and not greasy.

Preparing the Pork Skin

Before applying the oil and salt, it is crucial to prepare the pork skin properly. Start by separating the skin from the meat. You can purchase pork skin or pork rind from most butchers and supermarkets. Ensure you buy a piece with a good layer of fat attached, as this will enhance the flavour and crispness of your crackle.

Once you have your pork skin, dry it out. Place it uncovered in the fridge for at least 24 hours, or even up to 48 hours if you have the time. This drying process helps remove excess moisture, which is key to achieving that perfect crackle.

Oil Application

After drying the pork skin, it's time to apply the oil. Remove the skin from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Score the skin with a sharp knife, making several cuts across the surface. This will help the oil and salt penetrate the skin, enhancing the flavour.

Drizzle or rub the oil onto the skin, ensuring you work it into the cracks made from scoring. You don't need to use a lot of oil—a light coating will do. The oil helps the salt adhere to the skin and also contributes to the crispness of the final product.

Salting the Pork Skin

Now, it's time to apply the salt. Use a coarse salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, for the best results. Generously sprinkle the salt over the oiled skin, ensuring it penetrates the cracks just like the oil. You can also rub the salt gently into the skin with your fingers to ensure even coverage.

The salt plays a crucial role in the cooking process. It helps draw out any remaining moisture from the skin, ensuring your crackle is nice and crispy. It also adds flavour and helps create that signature crackling sound when you bite into it!

Timing and Temperature

After salting the pork skin, it's essential to let it rest. This allows the salt to work its magic, drawing out moisture and seasoning the skin. Leave it for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour, if you can.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, typically around 200°C or 390°F. Place the pork skin into the air fryer basket, skin-side up, and cook for 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of your pork skin.

Final Touches

Once your pork crackle is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. You can then slice it into strips or chunks, depending on your preference. Enjoy your homemade pork crackle as a snack, or serve it as a side dish with your favourite sauces or dips!

Feel free to experiment with different types of oils and salts to find your preferred combination. You can also try adding other seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika, to give your pork crackle an extra flavour boost!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pork crackling in an air fryer depend on the type and wattage of the air fryer, the weight of the pork, and the desired crispiness of the crackling. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect pork crackling:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 160°C (320°F) and 180°C (356°F). This usually takes around 3-5 minutes.
• Place the prepared pork, with the skin side up, into the air fryer basket. For the initial cooking, cook the pork at a lower temperature to ensure the meat is cooked beautifully and infused with flavours. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your pork. As a guide, allow 25-30 minutes per pound (450g) of pork. For a boneless pork shoulder or leg joint weighing about 1-2 kg, cook it for 50 minutes to 1 hour at 160°C (320°F).
• Once the initial cooking time has elapsed, increase the temperature of the air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C (390°F) to give the crackling a final crisp. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the crackling is crispy to your liking. Keep a close eye on the crackling during this stage, as it can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
• Remove the pork from the air fryer when the crackling is cooked to your desired level of crispness. Rest the meat for at least 10-15 minutes before carving it. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.

Please note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific model and wattage of your air fryer, so it is essential to refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Additionally, always use oven mitts or heat-proof gloves when handling the air fryer basket or tray, as it can become extremely hot during cooking.

Carving and serving

Once your pork is cooked, it's important to let it rest before carving and serving. Leave the crackling uncovered, and rest the meat for at least 10 minutes.

Place the roast pork, crackling side down, on a wooden cutting board. If you're making gravy, pour any cooking juices into a saucepan.

Use a sharp knife to slice the pork, placing your palm on top of the knife to cut through the crisp crackling.

Serve the pork with the gravy and any of the following:

• Mash, smashed, or roast potatoes
• Braised red cabbage
• Yorkshire puddings
• Mashed potatoes (ricotta, garlic, or Boursin)
• Roasted potatoes (ranch, Parmentier, or seasoned wedges)
• Boiled potatoes (buttery or herby)
• Roasted vegetables (rainbow carrots or root vegetables)
• Air-fried vegetables (cubed or baby potatoes)
• Sauteed vegetables (green peas, zucchini, broccoli, or buttered leeks)
• Jollof rice, chimichurri rice, or gravy

Frequently asked questions