Filipino cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and unique dishes that are loved by people all around the world. One such delight that stands out is Bagnet, a flavorful and crispy pork dish. Traditionally, Bagnet is deep-fried to achieve its irresistible crunchiness. However, with the advancement of kitchen appliances, you can now cook Bagnet in an air fryer, retaining its crispy texture while using far less oil. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking Bagnet in an air fryer, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious Filipino delight with ease.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you start cooking your Bagnet in the air fryer, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
– 1 kilogram of pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons of salt
– 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– Cooking oil spray (preferably olive oil)
Prepare the Bagnet
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the Bagnet for cooking. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, ground black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix them well to create a flavorful marinade. Take the pork belly pieces and rub them generously with the marinade, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Let the pork belly marinate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to seep into the meat.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
While the pork belly is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This temperature will help create the perfect crispy texture for your Bagnet.
Step 3: Remove Excess Marinade
After marinating the pork belly, remove any excess marinade from the meat, as it might cause the pork to become too greasy. This step will help achieve a crispy and delicious result.
Cooking the Bagnet in the Air Fryer
Now that you have prepared the Bagnet, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Arrange the Pork Belly in the Air Fryer
Place the marinated pork belly pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the basket may prevent the Bagnet from cooking evenly and becoming crispy.
Step 2: Spray with Cooking Oil
Using cooking oil spray, lightly coat the pork belly pieces with a thin layer of oil. This step will help facilitate the crisping process and give your Bagnet a golden brown color.
Step 3: Cook in Batches
If your air fryer cannot accommodate all the pork belly pieces at once, it is recommended to cook them in batches. This way, each piece will have enough space to cook evenly and become delightfully crispy.
Step 4: Air Fry the Bagnet
Once your air fryer is preheated, place the basket inside and set the cooking time to 30 minutes. Flip the pork belly pieces halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
After 30 minutes, use tongs to check the doneness of the Bagnet. The pork should be crispy and golden brown. If needed, you can cook for an additional 5 minutes to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Serving and Enjoying the Bagnet
Your crispy and delicious Bagnet is now ready to be enjoyed! Here are some suggestions on how to serve and savor this Filipino delight:
– Bagnet is commonly served with a side of steamed rice, which helps balance the flavors and makes it a complete meal.
– For added flavor, you can pair your Bagnet with Filipino favorites such as atchara (pickled green papaya) or soy vinegar dip.
– Bagnet also works exceptionally well as a topping for traditional Filipino dishes like Kare-Kare or Pancit.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Bagnet in an air fryer is a fantastic way to achieve that crispy and irresistible texture without the excessive use of oil. By following the simple steps mentioned in this article, you can enjoy this traditional Filipino delight in the comfort of your home. Embrace the flavors, savor the crunchiness, and indulge in the deliciousness of Bagnet prepared in an air fryer.