Pork belly is a versatile and juicy meat that can be prepared easily. A popular way to cook it is in an air fryer, a cooking device that uses hot air and is gaining popularity for its ability to cook food quickly with less oil. In this article, we will share an easy and delicious Air Fryer Pork Belly recipe.
What is Air Fryer Pork Belly?
Pork belly is a fatty cut of meat from the pork belly, often used to make bacon and popular in many Asian cuisines. It can be prepared by various cooking methods such as roasting, braising, grilling and frying.
An air fryer is a new cooking device that uses hot air to cook food, makes less mess and requires less oil than traditional frying methods. Air fryers are a great option for cooking meat, vegetables and desserts.
Air Fryer Pork Belly Recipe
Ingredients:
For 1 kilogram of pork
- Season with salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika powder
- 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Cut the pork belly into 1-inch-wide strips.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture over the pork belly strips.
- Place the strips in the fryer basket without touching them.
- Bake the pork belly for 15 to 20 minutes, turning it halfway through eating.
- Once cooked, let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before serving.
- If you want, garnish with chopped green onions or red chili and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Pork Belly in the Air Fryer
- Choose quality pork belly, even marbling and a nice pink color.
- Avoid thick strips as they will be more difficult to cook.
- Check the internal temperature of the pork belly with a meat thermometer, which should be at least 145°F for safe consumption.
- If you prefer crispy pork belly, increase the cooking time.
- Avoid overloading the air fryer basket to ensure proper cooking.
- Experiment with different spice blends or marinades for unique flavor profiles.
Advantages of Air Fryer Pork Belly
- Fried pork is healthier than belly because less oil and fewer calories are consumed.
- Quick and easy to do, takes only 15-20 minutes.
- A versatile dish that can be prepared in different ways, it is a great addition to any meal.
Why cook pork belly in an air fryer?
Cooking pork in a deep fryer is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits. Here are a few reasons why people choose to cook pork in the deep fryer.
Healthy cooking method: Air frying pork belly is a healthy alternative to deep frying as it does not require oil. This means that the pork belly will be lower in calories and fat, but retain its crunchy texture.
Time Saver – Cooking pork in a deep fryer is much faster than using an oven and requires less prep time than deep frying. This makes it a convenient option for busy people who want a quick and easy meal.
Versatility – Air fryers are very versatile and can be used to cook a variety of foods, including pork. This means you can experiment with different flavors and spices to create a dish that suits your taste preferences.
Even cooking – Air fryers use hot air to cook food, ensuring that the pork cooks evenly on all sides. This means you don’t have to worry about flipping the pork belly halfway through the cooking process.
Easy to clean – Air fryers are generally easy to clean, as they often have removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher. This means you can enjoy delicious pork without spending a lot of time cleaning up afterwards.
Air Fryer Pork Belly can be served in many ways:
As a main course: Air Fryer Pork can be served alone as a main course. Slice or dice it and serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or salad.
On sandwiches: Fryer pulled pork can be a delicious addition to sandwiches. You can use it as a bacon substitute on a BLT or add it to a classic club sandwich for extra flavor.
On the salad: For a lighter meal, you can add pork to the salad. Try pairing it with greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado and vinaigrette.
Wrap or Burrito: Another great way to serve pulled pork is in a wrap or burrito. Add lettuce, tomatoes and your favorite sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Pork Belly is a versatile and flexible dish that can be customized to your taste
You can create new flavor profiles by experimenting with different spice blends and marinades, or keep it simple with a few basic spices. You can also serve it as a main dish or use it as a filling for salads, sandwiches, etc. The dish is also high in protein, with about 18 grams of protein in a 3-ounce serving, which helps build and repair muscle tissue.
In addition to its protein content, pork is rich in important nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and zinc. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body, and vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerves and blood cells. On the other hand, zinc plays an important role in the immune system and wound healing. Adding pork to your diet allows you to enjoy all of these important nutrients and support your overall health and well-being.
Final Summary
Finding delicious and satisfying meals can be difficult for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Fortunately, Air Fryer Pork Belly is gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, as long as gluten-free seasonings and marinades are used. Also, for those following a low-carb or keto diet, cured pork is a good choice because it is naturally rich in carbohydrates. Air-frying the pork makes it crispy and delicious without breading or a high-carb coating.
All in all, Air Fryer Pork Belly is a healthy and delicious dish with many benefits. It is low in calories and fat and high in protein and essential nutrients. Using the Air Fryer Pork Belly, you can enjoy the taste and texture of fried pork without the calories and fat. The next time you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, try Air Fryer Pork. It’s a great addition to any diet and can be customized to your taste.
