Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil. This versatile kitchen appliance is perfect for cooking a wide range of dishes, including the beloved Filipino dish known as Lechon Kawali. If you’re a fan of this classic dish and want to try a healthier twist on it, then cooking Lechon Kawali in an air fryer is the way to go. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking Lechon Kawali in an air fryer, so you can enjoy a delicious and guilt-free version of this mouthwatering dish.
What is Lechon Kawali?
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s briefly discuss what Lechon Kawali is. Lechon Kawali is a popular Filipino dish made with crispy pork belly. The traditional method of cooking involves boiling the pork belly, allowing it to cool, and then deep frying it until it becomes crispy and golden brown. The result is a flavorful and succulent dish that is commonly served with rice and a dipping sauce. However, this traditional cooking method can be quite time-consuming and requires a large amount of oil.
Why Cook Lechon Kawali in an Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer to cook Lechon Kawali offers several advantages over the traditional frying method. Firstly, it significantly reduces the amount of oil needed to achieve that crispy texture. Instead of submerging the pork belly in a pool of hot oil, an air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the food, resulting in a healthier and less greasy final product. Secondly, an air fryer cooks the food faster than a conventional oven, making it a time-saving option for busy individuals. Lastly, the air fryer is also easier to clean compared to traditional frying methods.
Ingredients:
Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare Lechon Kawali in an air fryer:
– 1 kg of pork belly
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– Water for boiling
– Cooking oil spray
– Dipping sauce of your choice
Instructions:
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Belly
Start by washing the pork belly thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, using a sharp knife, score the skin side of the pork belly with shallow crosshatch patterns. This will help the skin become extra crispy during the cooking process. Next, season the pork belly with salt, ground black pepper, minced garlic, and add the bay leaf on top.
2. Boil the Pork Belly
Place the seasoned pork belly in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. The pork belly should be tender but not falling apart.
3. Dry and Cool the Pork Belly
Once the pork belly is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow it to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess moisture from the pork belly, leading to a crispier final result.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
While the pork belly is cooling, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the pork belly evenly and achieve that desired crispy exterior.
5. Cook the Pork Belly
Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly coat the pork belly with cooking oil spray on all sides. Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket and leave enough space for the hot air to circulate.
6. Air Fry the Pork Belly
Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork belly. Halfway through the cooking time, you can flip the pork belly for even browning. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking or burning the skin.
7. Rest and Serve
Once the pork belly is cooked to perfection and has developed a beautiful golden brown color, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Slice the Lechon Kawali into bite-sized pieces and serve it with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Cooking Lechon Kawali in an air fryer is a fantastic way to recreate this classic Filipino dish with a healthier twist. By using less oil and relying on hot air circulation, you can achieve that crispy texture without compromising on flavor. So go ahead, grab your air fryer, and start cooking this delicious pork belly dish today. Your taste buds will thank you!