Air fryer pork rinds are a healthier alternative to the traditional frying method, while maintaining their irresistible crunchiness and flavor. These pork rinds are crispy and tasty, with much less fat than those fried traditionally. They are perfect for serving to guests or as a snack with a beer and feijoada. Here is a simple recipe for making crispy pork rinds in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 500 g pork belly (with skin)
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a spicy touch)
- 1/4 cup water (to help loosen fat)
Instructions
- Prepare the pork belly:
- Start by cutting the pork belly into small pieces (about 3x3 cm). Make sure the skin is clean and dry. If necessary, trim off any excess fat.
- Seasoning:
- In a large bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Rub the seasoning mixture over the pork belly, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Add water:
- Place the seasoned pieces in a bowl and add the water. Stir well to ensure the seasonings adhere to the meat and that the water helps to release some of the fat.
- Preheat the airfryer:
- Preheat the airfryer to 200°C for about 5 minutes.
- To cook:
- Place the pork belly pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Cook at 200°C for about 20-25 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through to ensure even crispiness. The time may vary depending on the size of the pieces and the model of your air fryer.
- Check for crispiness:
- After the cooking time, check to see if the pork rinds are crispy. If necessary, you can cook for an additional 5 minutes to achieve the desired texture.
- Drain and serve:
- Remove the pork rinds from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat. Serve hot.
Additional Tips
- Drying the skin: Make sure the pork belly skin is very dry before seasoning for crispier cracklings.
- Storage: Pork rinds are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To recreate the crispiness, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
- Side dishes: Serve the pork rinds with sauces, pickles or as an appetizer at a barbecue.
