Craving that crispy, flavorful Filipino Lechon Kawali but don't want the hassle of deep-frying? Well, guys, you've come to the right place! This air fryer Filipino pork belly recipe is a game-changer. It's ridiculously easy, faster than traditional methods, and delivers that unbelievably crunchy skin we all dream about. Plus, it's a bit healthier since we're skipping the vat of oil. Seriously, what's not to love?

Why Air Fry Pork Belly?

Okay, let's get real for a second. Traditionally, Lechon Kawali involves deep-frying pork belly until it's golden brown and the skin is puffed up to crispy perfection. While undeniably delicious, it's also a bit of a production. It requires a lot of oil, careful monitoring, and let's be honest, it can be a little messy. That's where the air fryer swoops in to save the day!

The air fryer offers a fantastic alternative for several reasons:

• Less Oil: You use significantly less oil compared to deep-frying, making it a healthier option without sacrificing that crave-worthy crispiness.
• Faster Cooking: Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food faster, so you can enjoy your Lechon Kawali in less time.
• Easy Cleanup: No more dealing with large amounts of used oil. Cleaning an air fryer is a breeze!
• Consistent Results: Air fryers circulate hot air evenly, ensuring that the pork belly cooks thoroughly and the skin gets crispy all over.

Basically, using an air fryer to make Filipino pork belly is a win-win situation. You get all the flavor and texture you love, with less effort and less guilt. So, ditch the deep fryer and embrace the air fryer revolution!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather our ingredients. Luckily, you probably have most of these in your pantry already. Here's what you'll need to make this amazing air fryer Filipino pork belly:

• Pork Belly: The star of the show! Aim for a piece that's about 1-2 inches thick, with a good balance of meat and fat. About 2-3 pounds is a good amount for a family meal.
• Soy Sauce: This adds a savory, umami flavor that's essential to Filipino cuisine. Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce, depending on your preference.
• Vinegar: Vinegar provides a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the pork. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well.
• Garlic: Loads of it! Garlic is a flavor powerhouse in Filipino cooking. Mince it finely for the best results.
• Black Peppercorns: Freshly cracked black peppercorns add a subtle heat and aroma.
• Bay Leaves: These fragrant leaves infuse the pork with a delicate herbal flavor.
• Salt: To enhance all the other flavors and season the pork properly.
• Cooking Oil: Just a little bit to lightly coat the air fryer basket and the pork belly.

Optional:

• Fish Sauce (Patis): For an extra layer of umami flavor, add a splash of fish sauce to the marinade.
• Sugar: A pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors and promote browning.
• Chili Flakes: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.

Make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing air fryer Filipino pork belly you've ever tasted:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and salt. If using, add the fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes.
2. Marinate the Pork Belly: Place the pork belly in the marinade and make sure it's well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
4. Arrange the Pork Belly: Place the marinated pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Make sure it's in a single layer and not overcrowded.
5. Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 20-25 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Rest and Slice: Once the pork belly is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork belly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Some popular choices include soy sauce with vinegar and chili, or a traditional Filipino sawsawan made with vinegar, garlic, onions, and chili.

Tips for the Perfect Crispy Pork Belly

Want to take your air fryer Filipino pork belly to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to ensure crispy perfection every time:

• Score the Skin: Before marinating, score the pork belly skin with a sharp knife or box cutter. This will help the fat render out and allow the skin to crisp up more easily. Be careful not to cut too deep into the meat.
• Pat the Skin Dry: Before placing the pork belly in the air fryer, pat the skin dry with paper towels. This will remove excess moisture and promote crisping.
• Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure the pork belly is in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will prevent the hot air from circulating properly and the skin won't get as crispy.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the pork belly is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
• Air Fry in Batches: If you're cooking a large amount of pork belly, air fry it in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your specific model. Keep a close eye on the pork belly and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer Filipino pork belly is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

• With Rice: The classic Filipino way! Serve it with steamed white rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
• With Atchara: Atchara is a pickled papaya salad that provides a tangy and refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork belly.
• As Pulutan: Serve it as a pulutan (appetizer) with your favorite Filipino beer or other alcoholic beverages.
• In Tacos: Get creative and use it as a filling for tacos with your favorite toppings.
• In Sandwiches: Add it to sandwiches or sliders for a delicious and flavorful lunch.

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some variations on this air fryer Filipino pork belly recipe:

• Spicy Pork Belly: Add more chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the marinade for a spicier kick.
• Sweet and Sour Pork Belly: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar and a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade for a sweet and sour flavor.
• Lemon Garlic Pork Belly: Add lemon zest and juice to the marinade for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Five-Spice Pork Belly: Add a teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder to the marinade for a warm and aromatic flavor.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! A simple, easy, and delicious air fryer Filipino pork belly recipe that will have you ditching the deep fryer for good. With its crispy skin, flavorful meat, and minimal effort, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking, guys!