Golden, blistered crackling on top with melt-in-your-mouth pork underneath. This method gives you that perfect balance of crunch and tenderness without needing a full oven roast.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 800g–1kg pork belly (skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon oil (optional, for meat side)
- 1–1½ teaspoons salt (for skin)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
🔹 Optional Seasoning (meat side only)
- Garlic powder
- Five-spice or paprika
🍳 Equipment
- Air fryer
- Paper towels
- Knife (for scoring skin)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Prep the Pork (MOST IMPORTANT)
- Pat pork belly very dry, especially the skin
- Score the skin (if not already done)
👉 Don’t cut into the meat—just the skin
✔ The drier the skin, the crispier the crackling
🔸 Step 2: Salt the Skin
- Rub salt evenly over the skin
- Lightly season the meat side with pepper + optional spices
👉 You can leave it uncovered in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) for extra dry skin
🔸 Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheat to 160°C (320°F)
🔸 Step 4: Cook Low & Slow
- Place pork belly skin side up
- Cook at 160°C (320°F) for 30–40 minutes
👉 This renders fat and tenderizes meat
🔸 Step 5: Crisp the Crackling
- Increase temperature to 200°C (400°F)
- Cook for 15–20 minutes
✔ Skin should puff up and become crispy
🔸 Step 6: Rest
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with rice or roasted veggies
- Pair with apple sauce or chili sauce
- Add to bao buns or wraps
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Crackling
✔ Dry skin = crispy crackling (critical)
✔ Don’t oil the skin—only the meat
✔ Use salt to draw out moisture
✔ If bubbling unevenly, rotate basket
✔ For extra crisp: add 2–3 more minutes at high heat
🔄 Variations
🌶️ Spicy Pork Belly
Add chili flakes or hot honey glaze
🍯 Sweet & Sticky
Brush with honey/soy glaze at the end
🧄 Garlic Herb
Season meat with garlic + rosemary
❓ FAQs
Why isn’t my crackling crispy?
Skin wasn’t dry enough or temp too low.
Can I cook a large piece?
Only if it fits with airflow—cut into smaller portions if needed.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes—air fry at 200°C for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
⚖️ Approx. Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~500–650
- Protein: ~18g
- Fat: ~50g