Air-Fried Crispy Roast Pork (氣炸煱脆皮燒肉)
Making 氣炸煱脆皮燒肉, or Air-Fried Crispy Roast Pork, is a fantastic way to achieve that coveted crispy skin and tender meat without the hassle of traditional roasting methods. The air fryer circulates hot air around the pork, cooking it evenly and crisping up the skin to perfection. Here’s a simple recipe to create delicious crispy roast pork at home using an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 500 g pork belly
- 1 tablespoon salt for the skin
- 1 teaspoon baking soda optional, for the skin
For the Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Belly:
- Score the skin of the pork belly with shallow, diagonal cuts, ensuring not to cut into the meat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, five-spice powder, Shaoxing wine, minced garlic, sugar, and salt to create the marinade.
- Rub the marinade onto the meat side of the pork belly only, avoiding the skin. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Skin:
- Remove the pork from the refrigerator and pat the skin dry with paper towels. The drier the skin, the crispier it will be.
- If using, rub the baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt onto the skin. Baking soda helps to break down the skin, making it puff up and become crispy when cooked.
Air-Fry the Pork:
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- Place the pork belly skin-side up in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a rack, you can use it to press the skin down for an even crispier result.
- Cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and crisp. The exact time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the pork belly.
Let it Rest:
- Once cooked, let the pork belly rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps to retain its juices, making the meat tender and flavorful.
- Serve:
- Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve. Enjoy the contrast between the crispy skin and the tender, flavorful meat beneath.
