This crispy air fryer pork belly recipe is a game-changer, offering all the crispy goodness of Filipino Lechon Kawali without the hassle of deep frying. The skin crisps up beautifully, while the pork belly stays tender and juicy inside. It’s the perfect dish to serve at family dinners or special occasions, as it’s both impressive and incredibly flavorful.
Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also made with less oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional methods. The rich, savory flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar combine with the crispy exterior to create a satisfying dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s easy to make in the air fryer, so you get the perfect crispy pork belly without the mess and splatter of frying!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 lbs pork belly, skin scored
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon vinegar
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1 tablespoon salt
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1 teaspoon pepper
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
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1/2 cup water
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Cooking oil spray
Directions:
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In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and five-spice powder.
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Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, making sure the meat and skin are evenly coated.
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Let the pork belly marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for more flavor.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Place the marinated pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Add the water to the bottom of the basket to prevent splattering.
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Lightly spray the pork belly skin with cooking oil to enhance crispiness.
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Cook the pork belly for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even crisp.
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Once the skin is golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Lechon Kawali?
The air fryer provides a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. It requires significantly less oil, which means that the pork belly remains juicy and tender on the inside, while the skin becomes perfectly crisp on the outside. One of the most appealing aspects of using the air fryer is that it eliminates the risk of splattering hot oil all over the kitchen, which can be dangerous. Additionally, since the air fryer uses hot circulating air, there is less oil absorption, which results in a less greasy meal. This makes the air fryer a perfect choice for preparing crispy pork belly, as it retains the authentic flavors of the Filipino Lechon Kawali while reducing the amount of oil in the recipe.
Key Steps for Achieving Perfectly Crispy Pork Belly
To achieve the perfect crispy pork belly, there are several crucial steps you need to follow. First, after simmering the pork belly with garlic, bay leaves, vinegar, and peppercorns, it is essential to allow the pork skin to dry out. This is achieved by covering the skin with salt and storing the pork belly uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. The salt draws out moisture from the skin, which is key to achieving that crisp, bubbly exterior. It’s also important to prick tiny holes in the skin to help the moisture escape, ensuring the skin gets crispy and crunchy as it cooks.
When it comes time to air fry the pork belly, make sure that you preheat the air fryer to a high temperature, around 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help to crisp up the skin and cook the pork belly evenly. The process takes about 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork belly and the desired level of crispiness. It’s important to wrap the sides and bottom of the pork belly in aluminum foil to prevent direct exposure to the heat circulating in the air fryer. The salt applied to the skin during cooking encourages the skin to bubble and pop, enhancing the texture and flavor.
The Secret Ingredient: Spiced Vinegar or Mang Tomas Lechon Sauce
No Filipino Lechon Kawali meal is complete without a flavorful dipping sauce, and this dish is no exception. Traditionally, Lechon Kawali is served with a side of spiced vinegar known as suka. The spiced vinegar typically contains cane vinegar, garlic, bird’s eye chili, and ground pepper. This tangy and spicy dip perfectly complements the richness of the crispy pork belly. If you prefer a sweeter and savory alternative, you can opt for Mang Tomas Lechon Sauce, a popular Filipino sauce made from a blend of sugar, soy sauce, and spices. Both options enhance the flavor of the pork belly and provide a balance to the rich, crispy meat.
Why This Air Fryer Recipe is Better Than Deep-Frying
The main advantage of using the air fryer for Lechon Kawali is that the meat stays juicy and tender while the skin crisps up beautifully. In traditional deep-frying, the direct contact with hot oil can sometimes result in uneven crisping, where parts of the pork belly become too hard or dry. The air fryer provides even heat circulation, ensuring a more consistent crispiness across the entire piece of pork. Additionally, the air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, making the dish a healthier option.
Perfect Pairings for Lechon Kawali
Lechon Kawali is a dish that is typically enjoyed with a side of garlic rice (sinangag) or even a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the pork. The air fryer Lechon Kawali pairs wonderfully with a simple vegetable dish like sautéed spinach or steamed bok choy. If you’re looking to make a more indulgent meal, you can also serve it alongside sizzling sisig, a popular Filipino dish made from crispy pork, onions, and chili, served on a hot platter. With its tender, flavorful meat and crispy skin, Lechon Kawali is a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations.
Healthier Alternative Without Sacrificing Flavor
One of the biggest reasons people love using the air fryer for dishes like Lechon Kawali is that it offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. While you can’t completely eliminate fat when cooking with pork belly, the air fryer reduces the need for oil and ensures that the pork belly remains less greasy. The pork belly is still rich in flavor, but the reduction in oil content makes this dish much lighter compared to the traditional deep-fried version. It’s a win-win situation where you get to enjoy the flavors of Lechon Kawali with fewer calories and less mess.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Air Fryer Lechon Kawali
Air fryer Lechon Kawali offers all the crispy, tender goodness of the traditional Filipino dish without the deep-frying mess. The combination of simmering the pork belly with traditional Filipino aromatics and then air-frying it to golden perfection results in a dish that is both flavorful and crispy. The secret to perfecting this dish lies in the drying process for the skin, the use of high heat in the air fryer, and the choice of dipping sauces to complement the rich pork. Whether you enjoy it with spiced vinegar or Mang Tomas Lechon sauce, this crispy, savory pork belly is a meal that will delight your taste buds.
If you’re looking for a healthier and more convenient way to make Lechon Kawali, then the air fryer is definitely the way to go. With minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.