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Ah, crispy pork belly! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. And honestly, with an Airfryer, it’s crazy how easy it has become to make, even if I admit that the first time I struggled a bit with the rind. Not that it’s difficult, but well, you have to tame it a little.
What’s great is that this recipe doesn’t require a thousand ingredients. You’ll see, it’s almost a love story between the meat, some spices, a drizzle of olive oil, and the magic of the Airfryer. The kind of dish that smells like indulgence and togetherness.
I love how the rind becomes super crispy, without excess fat, and the meat stays tender as can be. A balance not always easy to achieve, especially at home. I have a little secret: scoring the rind in diamonds. It’s almost a ritual, a game of patience, but it’s totally worth it.
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And then, what’s nice is the quickness of cooking. In less than an hour, your pork belly goes from simple meat to the star of the meal. You can honestly put it on a plate with roasted vegetables or homemade mashed potatoes, and there, it’s guaranteed triumph. Well, let’s take it step by step and I’ll tell you everything.
Ingredients to make crispy pork belly in the Airfryer
- 500 g of pork belly with rind (ask your butcher to choose a piece that’s not too lean)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (no need to put a ton, just a thin layer)
- 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic (I find it enhances well without being too strong)
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika (for a nice smoky touch)
- Salt and black pepper (there, you decide according to your taste)
Some utensils that will save your life in this recipe
- A sharp knife (to score the rind in diamonds – no rushing!)
- A small bowl (to quickly mix all the spices)
- A cutting board
- A brush or a spoon (to brush the olive oil)
- An Airfryer (preferably about 3 to 5 L capacity)
- Tongs or a spatula to handle the meat
Preparing the pork belly for perfect cooking in the Airfryer
- Step 1: If the rind isn’t scored yet, take your knife and cut it in diamond shapes. I love doing this because each little square then crisps up perfectly. Watch your fingers!
- Step 2: Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Honestly, this little mix is magic, you’ll see.
- Step 3: Brush the pork belly with olive oil then massage everything with the spice mix. Insist well on the rind, it loves that.
- Step 4: Place the pork belly in the Airfryer basket, rind side up (otherwise it’s a disaster for crispiness, I’m warning you!)
Cooking in the Airfryer: the secret to perfect crispiness
- First phase: Start cooking at 200°C for 25 minutes. You’ll enjoy the moment when it’s already gently crisping. The scent is incredible.
- Second phase: Lower the temperature to 160°C and let it cook for about 25 minutes more. That’s when the meat becomes tender inside while keeping that perfect rind.
- After cooking: Take out the meat and let it rest for 5 minutes. It’s a bit like resting after a run, it allows the juices to distribute well.
Side dish suggestions to fully enjoy your pork belly
- Roasted vegetables (carrots, parsnips, small pearl onions, I love this mix)
- Homemade mashed potatoes (simple but always effective)
- Green salad with a light vinaigrette (to bring some freshness and balance the fat)
- Braised red cabbage (a classic that goes very well with pork)
- Pan-fried new potatoes (for the more gourmand)
Tips to not miss your crispy pork belly in the Airfryer
- Choose a pork belly with enough rind. The key is that it’s thick enough, otherwise it crisps less well.
- Don’t hesitate to score the rind well. This allows the fat to melt better and the skin to become incredibly crispy.
- Remember to shake or reposition the meat halfway through cooking if your Airfryer heats a bit unevenly. I do this often; it improves the cooking.
- Watch the cooking closely the first time. Every device is different, don’t rely blindly on the timer.
How to properly score the pork belly rind?
With a sharp knife, make diamond-shaped cuts without going all the way to the meat, just enough so the fat melts well and the skin becomes crispy. It’s kind of a key step.
Can you prepare pork belly in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat with spices the day before and let it marinate in the fridge. This allows the flavors to soak in well, and the cooking will be even better the next day.
What is the right temperature to cook pork belly in the Airfryer?
I recommend starting at 200°C to sear the skin well, then lowering to 160°C to finish cooking gently, ensuring crispiness and tenderness.
Can you use a device other than the Airfryer?
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Of course, pork belly can also be prepared in a traditional oven, but the Airfryer speeds up cooking and gives a lighter texture, less greasy; it’s the star of 2025 for this dish!
What to serve with crispy pork belly?
Roasted vegetables, homemade mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are perfect. You can vary according to your desires; this meat likes simple and indulgent companions.
