Air Fryer Roast Pork With Crispy Crackling

Air fryer roast pork with crispy crackling is a delightful dish that’s easy to make and yields delicious results. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg (approximately 3.3 lbs) pork belly, skin-on
• 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Olive oil (optional, for rubbing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Belly:

1. Ensure the pork belly skin is dry. Pat it thoroughly with paper towels to remove any moisture. The drier the skin, the crispier the crackling will be.
2. Using a sharp knife, score the pork belly skin in a criss-cross pattern. Make the cuts about 1 cm (approximately 0.4 inches) apart and about 0.5 cm (approximately 0.2 inches) deep. This allows the fat to render and the skin to crisp up.
3. Rub the entire pork belly, including the skin and sides, with coarse sea salt. Make sure to rub it into the scored skin and all the crevices. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the salt to draw out moisture from the skin.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 220°C (approximately 430°F) for about 10 minutes. It’s important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispy results.

3. Season the Pork Belly:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create a seasoning rub.
2. After the pork belly has rested with the salt, pat the skin dry once more with paper towels.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork belly, including the skin and sides. You can also drizzle a little olive oil over the skin for added crispiness, though this step is optional.

4. Air Fry the Pork Belly:

1. Place the seasoned pork belly, skin-side up, into the preheated air fryer basket.
2. Cook the pork belly at 220°C (approximately 430°F) for about 30 minutes to start the crackling process.
3. After 30 minutes, reduce the temperature to 180°C (approximately 360°F) and continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the pork reaches 75°C (approximately 165°F) in the thickest part.
4. If the crackling needs further crisping, you can increase the temperature to 220°C (approximately 430°F) again for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

5. Rest and Serve:

1. Once the pork belly is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Slice the pork belly into desired portions and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your air fryer roast pork with crispy crackling! It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.