Craving that satisfying crunch of Crispy Roast Pork Belly, also known as Thịt Heo Quay? You can ditch the traditional oven and achieve that crackling perfection with the help of your trusty air fryer! This recipe delivers restaurant-worthy results, right in your own kitchen, and in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients for roast pork
- 1kg pork belly
- Ginger, purple onion, lemon
- Spices: Seasoning powder, sugar, garlic powder, five-spice powder, chili powder, pepper, salt
Prepare pork
Put the meat in a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of salt to deodorize. Shave off the fur, rinse with water and boil the skin.
Peel the ginger and purple onion and smash them slightly. Prepare a pot of water, add ginger and garlic. When the water boils, add the meat and boil for about 5 minutes, then take it out and let it drain completely (be careful to leave the skin underneath and the water to cover half of the meat). When the meat is dry, use a knife to cut the meat into lines about 1cm long so the meat can cook easily.
The Secret to the Crackle
The key to achieving that irresistible crackling sound and texture lies in the skin.
Put in a bowl half a tablespoon of seasoning powder, half a tablespoon of sugar, half a tablespoon of garlic powder, half a tablespoon of five-spice powder, half a tablespoon of pepper, half a teaspoon of chili powder and a teaspoon of salt, mix the spices well. Squeeze lemon into the remaining salt and stir well.
Season the meat with spices. Be sure to brush each notch evenly so that the meat absorbs the spices evenly. Turn the meat over and use a fork to sear the skin. Brush the lemon salt onto the surface of the skin and marinate for about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, apply the second layer. Then, let the skin dry and continue marinating for 1 hour.
Air Frying
The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air around the pork belly, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior. Here’s a general guideline for the air frying process:
- Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature (around 350°F).
- Use a piece of foil to wrap around the meat. Put the meat in the fryer, bake at 350 degrees F for the first time and bake for 30 minutes.
- Then, take the meat out of the foil, put it in the pot and continue baking at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.
- Take the meat out of the oil-free fryer and cut into bite-sized pieces. You can decorate with additional basil leaves.
Tips for Success
- Dry is the Way to Go: For maximum crispiness, ensure the pork belly skin is completely dry before air frying. Pat it down with paper towels after marinating and again after flipping.
- Patience is Key: Resist the urge to peek constantly. Let the air fryer work its magic and avoid opening the basket frequently, as this can disrupt the airflow and hinder the crisping process.
- Resting for Flavor: Once cooked, let the pork belly rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat.
With this recipe and a little air fryer magic, you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese Roast Pork Belly anytime you crave it. Serve it with dipping sauce, pickled vegetables, and rice for a complete and delicious meal.