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December 10, 2024
If you’re a fan of crispy and succulent pork belly, then lechon kawali is the perfect dish for you. Traditionally, this Filipino dish is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. However, with the help of an air fryer, you can achieve the same delicious results with less oil and mess.
Lechon kawali is made from pork belly that is first boiled until tender, then air fried to achieve that coveted crispy skin. The result is a dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving some indulgent comfort food, this recipe is a must-try.
To cook lechon kawali in an air fryer, start by boiling the pork belly until it is fork-tender. This will help to render out the excess fat and ensure that the meat remains juicy. Once boiled, the pork belly is air fried at a high temperature to create that crispy skin. The air fryer not only cuts down on the amount of oil used but also helps to evenly distribute the heat, resulting in a perfectly cooked piece of lechon kawali every single time.
So, if you’re looking for a healthier and more convenient way to cook lechon kawali, look no further than your air fryer. This recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for that crispy, flavorful pork belly that you love. Just make sure to prepare some vinegar dipping sauce to complete the traditional lechon kawali experience. Enjoy!
Prepare the ingredients
To cook lechon kawali in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Make sure to prepare all the ingredients before starting the cooking process. This will help you cook the lechon kawali efficiently and without any interruptions.
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you can proceed to the next step, which is marinating the pork belly.
Season and marinate the pork belly
Preparing the pork belly is an essential step in cooking lechon kawali in an air fryer. By seasoning and marinating the meat, you ensure that it absorbs all the flavors and becomes tender and juicy.
Gather the ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork belly, skin on
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Steps to season and marinate the pork belly:
- Using a sharp knife, score the pork belly skin in a diamond pattern. This helps the meat absorb the flavors and ensures a crispy skin after cooking.
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and sugar.
- Rub the marinade mixture all over the pork belly, including the scored skin. Make sure to coat the meat evenly.
- Place the pork belly in a resealable plastic bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
Tip: For an even more flavorful result, you can add other herbs and spices to the marinade, such as bay leaves or lemongrass.
In the next section, we will discuss how to cook the marinated pork belly in an air fryer to achieve that crispy and delicious lechon kawali.
Preheat the air fryer
Before cooking the lechon kawali, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer ensures that it reaches the desired cooking temperature, allowing for even and consistent cooking of the lechon kawali.
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
To preheat the air fryer, simply set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for 5 minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the lechon kawali properly.
Step 2: Preparing the lechon kawali
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the lechon kawali by seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired spices or herbs. Make sure to season the meat evenly on all sides to enhance the flavor.
Note: You can also marinate the lechon kawali overnight for a more intense flavor. However, this step is optional.
Once the air fryer is preheated and the lechon kawali is seasoned, you’re ready to start cooking!
Cook the lechon kawali in the air fryer
Once your lechon kawali has been prepared and marinated, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Take the marinated lechon kawali out of the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help to achieve a crispy skin.
- Place the lechon kawali in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the lechon kawali in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time. This will help to ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides.
- Check the lechon kawali for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the meat with a meat thermometer. It should register at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure that it is fully cooked.
- Once the lechon kawali is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Place it on a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Now that your lechon kawali is cooked and ready, serve it with steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this delicious and crispy Filipino dish made in the air fryer!
Prepare the lechon sauce
In addition to the crispy and succulent lechon kawali, the lechon sauce is an essential accompaniment that completes the dish. This sweet and savory sauce perfectly complements the richness of the pork belly.
To prepare the lechon sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pork liver | 100g |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Onion | 1 medium-sized |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Here’s how you can prepare the lechon sauce:
- Boil the pork liver until tender. Once cooked, let it cool and then dice it into small pieces.
- In a pan, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add the diced pork liver and cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add water and continue simmering until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.
Once the lechon sauce is ready, you can serve it alongside your deliciously crispy lechon kawali. Enjoy!
Serve and Enjoy
Once your lechon kawali is done cooking in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious Filipino dish. Here’s how you can present and serve your lechon kawali:
1. Plating
Transfer the cooked lechon kawali onto a serving plate or platter. Arrange the crispy pork pieces in an appetizing way, making sure to display their golden brown color and crunchy texture. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal.
2. Dipping Sauces
Lechon kawali is traditionally served with dipping sauces to add flavor and enhance the taste of the dish. You can prepare a variety of sauces to offer your guests, such as spicy vinegar, soy sauce with calamansi or lemon juice, or liver sauce. Place small bowls or ramekins filled with the different dipping sauces on the side of the serving plate.
| Dipping Sauces | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Spicy Vinegar | 1/2 cup vinegar, 1 chili pepper (siling labuyo), 1 clove garlic (minced), salt to taste |
| Soy Sauce with Calamansi | 1/4 cup soy sauce, juice of 1-2 calamansi or lemon, 1 clove garlic (minced), pepper to taste |
| Liver Sauce | 1/2 cup liver spread, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 onion (minced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), salt and pepper to taste |
3. Accompaniments
To complete the meal, you can serve lechon kawali with steamed white rice and a side of atchara (pickled green papaya) or ensaladang talong (grilled eggplant salad). These side dishes provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and crispy pork.
Now that you have your perfectly cooked lechon kawali, flavorful dipping sauces, and accompaniments, it’s time to sit down, enjoy the meal, and savor the flavors of this classic Filipino dish. Serve it during special occasions or gatherings with loved ones for a truly memorable dining experience.
FAQ
What is lechon kawali?
Lechon kawali is a popular Filipino dish made from pork belly that is simmered until tender and then deep-fried until crispy.
Can you cook lechon kawali in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook lechon kawali in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it requires less oil.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to when cooking lechon kawali?
You should set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) when cooking lechon kawali. This high temperature helps to achieve a crispy and golden-brown exterior.
How long does it take to cook lechon kawali in an air fryer?
Cooking lechon kawali in an air fryer usually takes about 20-25 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork belly pieces.
How do I ensure that the lechon kawali is cooked through in the air fryer?
To ensure that the lechon kawali is cooked through in the air fryer, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C) to be considered safe to eat.
What is lechon kawali?
Lechon kawali is a Filipino dish made of crispy fried pork belly. It is a popular dish in the Philippines and is often served during special occasions and gatherings.
Can I cook lechon kawali in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook lechon kawali in an air fryer. Using an air fryer can help achieve a crispy texture while reducing the amount of oil used compared to traditional deep frying methods.