Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly (Filipino Lechon Kawali) is an absolute treat that brings the crispy, savory goodness of traditional Filipino Lechon Kawali without the need for deep frying. The air fryer helps achieve the perfect crunch with less oil and effort, making this a healthier yet equally delicious version of the classic Filipino dish.
Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe to make Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly, reminiscent of Lechon Kawali!
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly – Filipino Lechon Kawali
Ingredients:
1.5 to 2 lbs pork belly (preferably with skin on)
1 tablespoon salt (for seasoning and skin)
1 tablespoon pepper (freshly ground for better flavor)
4-5 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating)
1 tablespoon vinegar (for marinating)
Water (for boiling the pork)
Oil spray (for air fryer)
Optional dipping sauce:
Soy sauce
Vinegar
Chili peppers (sliced)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Belly
- Start by cutting the pork belly into pieces. You can leave it whole, but cutting it into smaller pieces (about 2-3 inches) will make it cook more evenly and create crispier edges. If you prefer, you can score the skin of the pork belly (make shallow cuts), but this step is optional.
2. Boil the Pork Belly
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In a large pot, add the pork belly, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon pepper, smashed garlic, bay leaves, soy sauce, and vinegar.
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Cover with water and bring the pot to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 40-50 minutes, or until the pork belly becomes tender.
- Tip: To ensure extra-crispy skin, make sure the pork belly is cooked until tender but not falling apart. You want it soft on the inside and a little firm on the outside.
3. Dry the Pork Belly
- After boiling, drain the pork belly pieces and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Pat the skin dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get in the air fryer. You can also leave the pork belly uncovered in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) to let the skin dry out more, which will further enhance crispiness.
4. Air Fry the Pork Belly
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the pork belly with oil on all sides to help it crisp up. If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Place the pork belly pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not stacked on top of each other for maximum crispiness.
- Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pork belly halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork belly pieces and the type of air fryer you use. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know it’s done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the meat is fully cooked.
5. Rest the Pork Belly
- Once done, remove the pork belly pieces from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and maintain that crispy texture.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the crispy pork belly into smaller pieces if needed, and serve it hot with a side of steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce.
- For the dipping sauce: Combine soy sauce, vinegar, and sliced chili peppers in a small bowl to add some tang and heat.
Why Make Lechon Kawali in the Air Fryer?
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer circulates hot air around the pork belly, ensuring that the skin becomes extra crispy while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
- Healthier Option: Traditional Lechon Kawali involves deep frying in oil, but using the air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Convenient and Fast: Unlike deep frying, the air fryer eliminates the need for messy oil splattering and reduces cooking time. It’s also easier to clean afterward!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Pork Belly:
- Dry the Skin: The drier the skin, the crispier it will get. After boiling, make sure to dry the skin thoroughly with paper towels. You can even leave the pork belly uncovered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- Score the Skin: Scoring the skin allows the fat to render out during cooking and gives you that perfect crispy texture.
- Season Well: Make sure to season both the meat and the skin. A well-seasoned pork belly enhances the overall flavor.
- Use the Right Cut of Pork Belly: Choose pork belly with skin on and an even fat-to-meat ratio. The skin needs to be thick enough to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Rice: Lechon Kawali is often served with a side of steamed rice to balance out the richness of the pork. It’s the perfect pairing!
- Vegetables: Serve with sautéed vegetables like kale, bok choy, or a fresh side salad to balance the richness.
- Dipping Sauce: In the Philippines, Lechon Kawali is often enjoyed with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and sliced chili peppers. For an extra tang, you can add a dash of lime or calamansi.
Final Thoughts on Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly – Filipino Lechon Kawali
If you’re craving the crispy goodness of Filipino Lechon Kawali but want a healthier version, this Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly recipe is the way to go. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve that perfect golden, crispy skin without the need for deep frying.
This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it for dinner, at a celebration, or sharing it with friends. Once you taste the perfect crunch of this air fryer Lechon Kawali, you’ll be hooked and want to make it over and over again!
Enjoy this delicious Filipino classic with your favorite sides and dipping sauce for an unforgettable meal. Happy cooking! 😋