Pork Liempo is a popular Filipino dish that is loved by many because of its tender and juicy meat. It is commonly grilled or roasted, but have you ever thought of cooking it in an air fryer? Using an air fryer to cook pork liempo is not only a healthier option, but it also results in a delicious and crispy dish that you and your family will surely enjoy. In this article, we will be sharing a simple and easy recipe on how to cook pork liempo in an air fryer. So, let’s get started!
Gather the Ingredients
Before we begin cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for this recipe. You will need the following:
1. 1 kilogram of pork liempo – Make sure to choose liempo with a good amount of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.
2. 4 cloves of garlic – Finely minced garlic will add a wonderful aroma and taste to your pork liempo.
3. 2 tablespoons of soy sauce – The soy sauce will serve as the marinade for the pork, giving it a savory flavor.
4. 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce – Oyster sauce adds a unique umami taste to the meat. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce.
5. 1 tablespoon of cooking oil – Adding a small amount of oil will help the pork liempo become crispy in the air fryer.
6. Salt and pepper – Season the pork with salt and pepper to enhance its taste.
Marinate the Pork Liempo
Now that we have all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to marinate the pork liempo. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking oil, salt, and pepper. Mix them well until all the ingredients are blended together.
Next, take the pork liempo and place it in a container or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the pork and make sure it is evenly coated. Massage the meat gently to allow the flavors to penetrate. Let the pork marinate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, let it sit in the marinade overnight inside the refrigerator. This will ensure that the flavors are fully absorbed by the meat.
Preheat the Air Fryer
While the pork liempo is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Preheating the air fryer is important as it allows the pork to cook evenly and achieve that fantastic crispy texture. The preheating process usually takes around 5 minutes, so make sure to wait until the air fryer is heated before proceeding.
Cook the Pork Liempo
Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to cook the pork liempo. Remove the pork from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Place the pork in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Give some space between each piece for better air circulation and to achieve that perfect crunch.
Close the air fryer and cook the pork liempo for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your meat. Flip the pork halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on the pork to prevent it from burning.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Pork Liempo
– If you want your pork liempo to have a bit of a kick, you can add some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
– For extra flavor, you can also add some herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika to the marinade.
– If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a little bit of brown sugar or honey to the marinade.
– If your air fryer has a temperature control option, you can lower the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and cook the pork for a longer time to achieve a more tender result.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the pork liempo is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help retain the juiciness of the meat.
Serve the succulent and crispy pork liempo with steamed rice, atchara (pickled papaya), and a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chopped onions. The combination of flavors will surely satisfy your taste buds.
In conclusion, cooking pork liempo in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy alternative to traditional grilling or roasting methods. The air fryer delivers wonderfully crispy and flavorful results that will impress your family and friends. With this simple and easy recipe, you can enjoy the deliciousness of pork liempo in no time. So, give it a try and savor the delightful taste of this Filipino favorite. Happy cooking!