The lechon belly is a traditional Filipino dish that is loved by many for its succulent and crispy skin, and tender meat. However, reheating lechon belly can be a bit tricky, as you want to maintain the crispy skin without drying out the meat. One great way to reheat lechon belly is by using an air fryer. In this quick and easy guide, we will show you how to reheat lechon belly in an air fryer, so you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime you want!
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
What You’ll Need
Before you start reheating your lechon belly in the air fryer, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Lechon belly
- Air fryer
- Aluminum foil
- Food thermometer
- Sauce or gravy (optional)
Preparing the Lechon Belly for Reheating
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
The first step in reheating lechon belly in an air fryer is to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and let it preheat for a few minutes while you prepare the lechon belly.
Step 2: Wrap the Lechon Belly in Aluminum Foil
To prevent the lechon belly from drying out while it reheats, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Make sure the foil is securely wrapped around the meat to lock in the moisture.
Step 3: Place the Lechon Belly in the Air Fryer
Once the air fryer is preheated and the lechon belly is wrapped in aluminum foil, carefully place the meat in the air fryer basket. Make sure the lechon belly is not touching the sides of the basket or the heating element to ensure even reheating.
Reheating the Lechon Belly
Step 4: Set the Time and Temperature
Now that the lechon belly is in the air fryer, it’s time to set the temperature and cooking time. For reheating lechon belly, we recommend setting the temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) and the cooking time to 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Monitor the Internal Temperature
While the lechon belly is reheating in the air fryer, it’s important to monitor the internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe temperature. Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it doesn’t touch any bones.
The safe internal temperature for reheating cooked pork is 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). Once the lechon belly reaches this temperature, you can remove it from the air fryer and proceed to the next step.
Step 6: Crisping the Skin
One unique feature of an air fryer is its ability to crisp the skin of meats. To achieve that coveted crispy lechon belly skin, carefully remove the foil from the meat after it has reached the desired internal temperature.
Return the unwrapped lechon belly to the air fryer basket, and increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Cook the lechon belly for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Serving and Enjoying Your Reheated Lechon Belly
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once the lechon belly is done reheating and the skin is crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
After the lechon belly has rested, it’s time to slice and serve! Use a sharp knife to carve thin slices of meat, ensuring each slice has a portion of the crispy skin. Serve the reheated lechon belly with your choice of sauce or gravy, if desired, and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Reheated Lechon Belly
Here are some additional tips and tricks to ensure you get the best results when reheating lechon belly in an air fryer:
- Make sure the lechon belly is fully thawed before reheating it in the air fryer. If the meat is frozen, it won’t reheat evenly and may result in overcooked or undercooked portions.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also use an oven to reheat lechon belly. Simply follow the same steps of wrapping the meat in foil and setting the temperature and cooking time accordingly.
- If the lechon belly starts to dry out during the reheating process, you can baste it with some of its own juices or a bit of melted butter to add moisture.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can marinate the lechon belly in your favorite seasonings or sauces before reheating it.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can enjoy perfectly reheated lechon belly that retains its crispy skin and juicy meat. Whether you have leftovers from a special occasion or just want to satisfy your lechon belly cravings, the air fryer is a convenient and effective way to reheat this beloved Filipino dish. So go ahead and give it a try!