How to Air Fry Pork Belly Filipino Style: A Culinary Journey to Crispy Perfection

Pork belly, a succulent and flavorful cut of meat, holds a special place in Filipino cuisine. Traditionally prepared through deep frying, Lechon Kawali, as it’s known in the Philippines, tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. However, with the advent of air fryers, home cooks can now indulge in this delectable dish without the added guilt of excess oil. This comprehensive guide will take you through the steps of air frying pork belly Filipino style, ensuring a crispy, flavorful, and healthier version of this beloved dish.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Lechon Kawali

To recreate this Filipino classic in your air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Pork belly: 5 pounds, cut into 3-inch thick cubes
• Dried bay leaves: 2 pieces
• Cracked black pepper: 1 tablespoon
• Red onion: 1/2, halved
• Garlic: 5 cloves
• Sea salt: 3 tablespoons
• Water: 6 cups

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Frying Pork Belly

1. Prepare the Pork: In a large pot, combine the pork belly, bay leaves, black pepper, red onion, garlic, and salt. Stir to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.

2. Boil the Pork: Pour 6 cups of water into the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and continue boiling for 45-60 minutes, or until the pork is fork tender.

3. Drain and Dry the Pork: Remove the pork belly from the pot and place it on a chopping board lined with paper towels. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

5. Air Fry the Pork Belly: Place the pork belly cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for another 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Mang Tomas sauce or spiced vinegar. Pair it with piping hot rice for a complete Filipino dining experience.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Lechon Kawali

• Choose the Right Cut: For optimal results, select pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. Avoid leaner cuts, as they may dry out during the air frying process.

• Cut Evenly: Cutting the pork belly into uniform cubes ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will hinder air circulation, resulting in soggy rather than crispy pork belly. Cook the pork in batches if necessary.

• Flip for Even Browning: Flipping the pork belly halfway through the cooking time ensures even browning and prevents one side from burning while the other remains pale.

• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the pork belly and the specific air fryer model. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Air frying pork belly Filipino style is a culinary adventure that combines the flavors of traditional Lechon Kawali with the convenience and health benefits of air frying. By following these step-by-step instructions and incorporating the provided tips, you can recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen, impressing your family and friends with your culinary prowess. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and embark on a journey to crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free Filipino indulgence.