Air Fryer Pork Belly: The Crispy and Juicy Recipe
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside! The Easiest Air Fryer Pork Belly Recipe
Among all the popular air fryer recipes, the whole pork belly roast undoubtedly takes the crown! This recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality pork belly at home with simple preparation, without worrying about oil splattering. The pork belly is cooked until the skin is crispy and the inside is tender and juicy, making it a favorite for everyone. Today, I’m sharing a secret to cooking air fryer whole pork belly that keeps it moist, minimizes smoke, and delivers perfect crispy skin. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- 300g whole pork belly
- 100g whole garlic cloves
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Pork Belly Marinade Ingredients- 1 Tbsp paprika powder
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp paprika powder
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. First, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning for the pork belly. In a large bowl, combine 1 Tbsp paprika powder, 1/2 Tbsp salt, 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Mix them well. Using paprika powder adds a lovely smoky flavor and beautiful color. If you don’t have paprika powder, you can substitute with a mix of chili powder and curry powder for a similar effect.
Step 2
2. Evenly coat the whole pork belly with the prepared seasoning. Gently massage the seasoning into the meat with your hands to ensure it penetrates deeply and enhances the flavor. Letting it marinate for about 10-15 minutes will make it even more delicious.
Step 3
3. Here’s a great tip to prevent oil splattering and make cleanup a breeze! Line the air fryer drip tray with aluminum foil, and then place 2-3 layers of damp kitchen towels on top of the foil. This setup effectively absorbs the rendered fat from the pork, helps keep the meat moist by retaining moisture, and makes cleaning up significantly easier afterwards.
Step 4
4. Now, let’s get ready to cook the pork belly. Place a generous amount of whole garlic cloves on the bottom of the lined air fryer tray. Then, place the seasoned pork belly on top of the garlic, with the skin side facing upwards. This positioning will help achieve a wonderfully crispy skin in the final stage.
Step 5
5. To prevent oil splattering and minimize smoke during cooking, loosely cover the pork belly with a sheet of aluminum foil. Don’t seal it completely; just drape it over the top. This step is crucial for reducing smoke and ensuring a pleasant cooking environment.
Step 6
6. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 20 minutes. The surface should start to turn golden brown.
Step 7
7. After 20 minutes, reduce the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes. Lowering the temperature allows the inside to cook through gently while retaining its juices.
Step 8
8. Voilà! Your air fryer whole pork belly is ready – crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Slice the pork belly thickly and arrange it on a serving plate. Add the roasted garlic cloves alongside. Finally, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Step 9
The pork belly is wonderfully flavorful on its own thanks to the seasoning. You can also serve it with ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce) or your favorite barbecue sauce for an extra layer of taste. This whole pork belly recipe is one of the most popular and simplest air fryer dishes. Why not make a generous portion and enjoy it with your family and friends?
