How To Make Lechon Kawali In The Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide!

Indulge in the irresistible crunch and savory flavors of lechon kawali, the beloved Filipino deep-fried pork belly, with the convenience of your air fryer. This step-by-step guide will empower you to recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen, delivering crispy skin and tender meat that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork belly, skin on
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Belly: Remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. Score the skin with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch apart. This will help the skin crisp up during cooking.
2. Season the Pork: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, including the skin.
3. Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Add the pork belly to the marinade and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
5. Cook the Pork Belly: Remove the pork belly from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place it in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
6. Flip and Cook: Flip the pork belly over and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and tender.
7. Rest: Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
8. Slice and Serve: Slice the pork belly into thin strips and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Crispy Skin

• Score the skin deeply: This will allow the skin to expand and crisp up.
• Preheat the air fryer: This will create a hot environment for the pork belly to cook in, resulting in crispy skin.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave some space between the pieces of pork belly to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the pork belly in batches: If necessary, cook the pork belly in batches to prevent overcrowding.

Dipping Sauce Options

• Traditional Lechon Kawali Dipping Sauce: Combine soy sauce, vinegar, and chopped onions.
• Spicy Lechon Kawali Dipping Sauce: Add some chopped chili peppers to the traditional dipping sauce.
• Sweet Lechon Kawali Dipping Sauce: Add some brown sugar or honey to the traditional dipping sauce.

Sides to Pair with Lechon Kawali

• Steamed Rice: A classic accompaniment that perfectly absorbs the savory flavors of the pork belly.
• Fried Plantains: Sweet and crispy plantains provide a delicious contrast to the salty pork.
• Green Mango Salad: A refreshing and tangy salad that balances the richness of the pork belly.

Variations

• Crispy Pork Belly Bites: Cut the pork belly into smaller pieces and cook them for a shorter time for crispy pork belly bites.
• Lechon Kawali with Herbs: Add some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the marinade for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy Lechon Kawali: Rub the pork belly with a spicy paste made from chili peppers, garlic, and ginger.

How to Store and Reheat Lechon Kawali

• Store: Leftover lechon kawali can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, place the pork belly in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQ

1. Why is my pork belly skin not crispy?

• The skin may not have been scored deeply enough or the air fryer may not have been preheated.

2. Can I use a different type of pork belly?

• Yes, you can use pork belly with or without the skin. However, the skin will provide the most crispy texture.

3. How long can I marinate the pork belly?

• You can marinate the pork belly for as little as 4 hours or as long as overnight. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be.

4. What is the best way to slice lechon kawali?

• Use a sharp knife and slice the pork belly against the grain for the most tender slices.

5. Can I cook lechon kawali in a regular oven?

• Yes, you can cook lechon kawali in a regular oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 45-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.