Pork belly lechon is a classic Filipino dish that is loved by many for its crispy skin and succulent meat. Traditionally, it is cooked over an open flame or in a traditional brick oven. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, more and more people are experimenting with cooking this mouthwatering dish using this modern kitchen appliance. In this article, we will explore the process of cooking pork belly lechon in an air fryer, providing you with a delicious twist on a classic Filipino favorite.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s first gather all the necessary ingredients. The main star of this dish, of course, is the pork belly. You will need a slab of good quality pork belly, preferably with the skin on. Other essential ingredients include garlic, salt, ground black pepper, lemongrass, and cooking oil. Optional ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor, such as bay leaves, soy sauce, and vinegar. Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you begin the cooking process.
Preparing the Pork Belly
Once you have all the ingredients on hand, it’s time to prepare the pork belly for cooking. Start by washing the pork belly thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Next, score the skin of the pork belly using a sharp knife. This will help in rendering the fat and achieving that perfectly crispy skin. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the meat itself, as this may dry out the meat during cooking.
Marinating the Pork Belly
Marinating the pork belly is an essential step to infuse it with flavor. In a bowl, combine crushed garlic, salt, ground black pepper, and any optional ingredients you desire, such as soy sauce and vinegar. Mix the ingredients well until they form a paste. Rub this paste all over the pork belly, making sure to get it into the scores on the skin. For an added twist, you can also insert slivers of lemongrass into the meat. Once marinated, cover the pork belly and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight for the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before cooking the pork belly, it’s important to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for a few minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures that it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking, allowing the pork belly to crisp up evenly.
Cooking the Pork Belly
Once the air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the pork belly. Place the marinated pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook the pork belly for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flipping and Basting
After the first 20 minutes of cooking, open the air fryer and carefully flip the pork belly over using tongs. Baste the pork belly with cooking oil to ensure it remains moist and flavorful. Close the air fryer again and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the pork belly is fully cooked and the skin is crispy to your liking. Keep an eye on it during this time to prevent any burning or overcooking.
Resting and Serving
Once the pork belly is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish. After resting, slice the pork belly into thin strips, revealing the layers of succulent meat and crispy skin. Serve it with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a savory dipping sauce like soy sauce and vinegar.
Conclusion
Cooking pork belly lechon in an air fryer is a delicious twist on a classic Filipino dish. By using this modern kitchen appliance, you can achieve that crispy skin and tender meat that Filipinos love, all without the hassle of traditional cooking methods. Remember to gather all the ingredients, prepare the pork belly, marinate it, preheat the air fryer, cook the pork belly, flip and baste it, and finally let it rest before serving. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delectable and crispy pork belly lechon right in the comfort of your own home. So go ahead, give it a try and delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering Filipino favorite.