Crunchy Perfection: Mastering Lechon Kawali in Your Air Fryer

Do you want to enjoy the crispy and flavorful goodness of lechon kawali without the hassle of deep-frying? Look no further because we have just the solution for you – cooking lechon kawali in an air fryer! This traditional Filipino dish has been a staple in many households, but it can be a tedious and messy process to prepare. With the help of an air fryer, we will show you an easy and efficient way to cook this mouth-watering dish. So, get ready to elevate your cooking game and indulge in perfectly crispy lechon kawali with this step-by-step guide on how to cook lechon kawali in an air fryer.

The Origin of Lechon Kawali

Lechon Kawali is a popular Filipino dish that is loved for its crispy skin and succulent meat. It is a dish that is often served during special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and fiestas. But do you know where this dish originated from?

The origins of Lechon Kawali can be traced back to Spain. It is believed that the Spaniards introduced this dish to the Philippines during their colonization in the 16th century. Lechon, which means roasted pig, is a common dish in many Spanish-speaking countries. However, the Filipinos put their own twist on this traditional Spanish dish by deep frying it instead of roasting it. This cooking method resulted in a crispier skin and juicier meat, making it a hit among the locals.

Over time, Lechon Kawali has become ingrained in the Filipino culture and has evolved into different variations across different regions in the Philippines. In some areas, they add herbs and spices to the pork belly before frying, while others infuse it with vinegar or soy sauce for added flavor. Regardless of its variations, one thing remains constant – the delicious and indulgent taste of Lechon Kawali.

What You’ll Need

To cook Lechon Kawali in an air fryer, you’ll need just a few ingredients – pork belly, salt, pepper, oil, and water. Pork belly is commonly used for this dish as it has just the right amount of fat which results in crispy skin and tender meat.

When choosing your pork belly, make sure to get a piece with an even layer of fat and lean meat as this will give you the best results. Some people also prefer to use boneless pork loin or pork shoulder for a leaner option.

In addition to ingredients, you’ll need an air fryer with a temperature control setting and a basket that can comfortably fit the pork belly. It’s essential to have an air fryer that can maintain a consistent temperature to achieve that perfect crispy skin.

The Preparation Process

To achieve the perfect Lechon Kawali in an air fryer, you need to prepare the pork belly properly. Here’s how:

Step 1: Remove Excess Moisture

Place the pork belly on a cutting board with the skin side down. Using paper towels, pat dry the pork belly to remove any excess moisture. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so it’s crucial to dry out the pork belly before cooking.

Step 2: Score and Season

Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern. This process allows for even cooking and helps render out more fat. After scoring, season both sides of the pork belly generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your air fryer is hot enough to produce that crispy skin we all love.

The Cooking Process

Now that your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook your Lechon Kawali! Follow these steps:

Step 1: Brush Oil on Basket

Brush some oil on the basket of your air fryer. This will help prevent any sticking when you place your pork belly inside.

Step 2: Place Pork Belly in Basket

Carefully place your seasoned pork belly in the basket, skin side down. Make sure it fits comfortably without being jammed as this could affect its cooking process.

Step 3: Cook for 30 Minutes

Set your air fryer temperature to 375°F and timer for 30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the pork belly over and continue cooking until the time is up.

Step 4: Increase Temperature and Cook for an Additional 10 Minutes

After 30 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 10 minutes. This process will help achieve that perfectly crispy skin.

Step 5: Drain Excess Fat

Once done, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. During this time, make sure to drain any excess fat from the basket to avoid any unpleasant smells in your kitchen.

Serving Lechon Kawali

Lechon Kawali is best served hot with steamed rice and a side of spicy vinegar or soy sauce. You can also add your favorite veggies such as cucumbers, tomatoes, or green onions as a refreshing side dish.

To enhance its flavor, some people enjoy dipping their Lechon Kawali in garlic sauce made with crushed garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar. Whichever way you prefer to enjoy your Lechon Kawali, one thing is for sure – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion

Cooking Lechon Kawali in

What is Lechon Kawali?

Lechon Kawali is a popular Filipino dish that translates to “crispy roasted pork.” It is typically made with a whole pork belly that has been boiled and then deep-fried. The result is a succulent and crispy dish that is usually served during special occasions or as a special treat for the family. Lately, this traditional dish has garnered more attention due to the rise in popularity of air fryers. With an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture without using as much oil as traditional deep frying methods. In this article, we will guide you on how to cook Lechon Kawali in an air fryer.

Preparing the Pork Belly

The first step in cooking Lechon Kawali in an air fryer is preparing the pork belly. Start by choosing a good cut of pork belly with an even distribution of meat and fat. Cut it into manageable sized pieces, around 2 inches by 3 inches, and make sure to remove any excessive fat or skin. Next, you will need to boil the pork belly with some aromatics such as garlic, onion, salt and pepper until thoroughly cooked.

Drying the Pork Belly

Once your pork belly is fully cooked, take it out of the pot and let it cool down for a bit before placing it on a rack over paper towels or kitchen towels to drain any excess water. You can also pat it dry with paper towels if needed. Drying the pork belly will help achieve a crispier texture when cooking it in the air fryer.

The Secret Ingredients

Apart from the basic seasonings used during boiling, there are two secret ingredients that many Filipinos swear by when cooking Lechon Kawali – lemongrass and bay leaves. Adding these two ingredients in the boiling process will add a unique flavor and aroma to your pork belly. Some also like to rub their boiled pork belly with a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar before air frying.

Setting Up the Air Fryer

To begin cooking your Lechon Kawali, preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that the food cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides. While waiting for the fryer to heat up, coat the pork belly with a thin layer of oil using either a brush or cooking spray. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil or any other type of oil you prefer.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Now comes the tricky part – getting the right cooking time and temperature for your air fryer. Every air fryer may have slightly different settings so it may require some trial and error. For Lechon Kawali, we recommend starting with a cook time of 15-20 minutes at 380°F. Check on it every few minutes to ensure that it is not overcooking or burning. You can also flip or shake the pieces halfway through for even cooking.

Tips for Achieving a Crispy Lechon Kawali

Here are some extra tips that might come in handy when cooking Lechon Kawali in an air fryer:

• If your air fryer has multiple trays, make sure not to overcrowd them as this will affect the air circulation and result in unevenly cooked food.
• Adding baking powder or corn starch to your pork belly before air frying can help achieve an extra crispy skin.
• If you prefer a darker color on your Lechon Kawali, try brushing some soy sauce on top before placing it in the air fryer.
• If you have a probe thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the pork belly to ensure that it is fully cooked before removing it from the air fryer.

Serving and Pairing with Dipping Sauces

Once your Lechon Kawali is done cooking, take it out of the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep your pork belly moist. You can serve Lechon Kawali with a side of rice, pickled vegetables, or any other Filipino dishes. It also pairs well with dipping sauces such as spicy vinegar, soy sauce with calamansi, or mang tomas sauce.

Variations of Lechon Kawali

Lechon Kawali also has variations such as Bagnet (from Ilocos region) and Chicharon (from Pampanga). The cooking process for these dishes is almost similar to Lechon Kawali but they may differ in seasonings used. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add more depth to your dish.

In conclusion,

1) Can I use an air fryer to cook lechon kawali?
Yes, you absolutely can! An air fryer is a great way to achieve crispy and delicious lechon kawali without using a lot of oil.

2) What temperature and time should I set my air fryer to when cooking lechon kawali?
The recommended temperature is 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. However, make sure to check the doneness of the meat before removing from the air fryer.

3) Do I need to put oil in the air fryer when cooking lechon kawali?
No, you do not need to add any oil since the pork belly already has its own fat. Just make sure to pat dry the pork belly before placing it in the air fryer.

4) How do I achieve that crispy skin on my lechon kawali when using an air fryer?
To achieve a crispy skin, make sure the pork belly is thoroughly dry before placing it in the air fryer. You can also rub some baking powder on the skin and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking.

5) Can I marinate my pork belly before cooking it in the air fryer?
Yes, you can marinate your pork belly with your desired seasonings or spices before cooking it in the air fryer. Just make sure to pat dry and remove any excess marinade before placing it in the air fryer.

6) How do I clean my air fryer after cooking lechon kawali?
Make sure to let the air fryer cool down before cleaning it. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer. You can also detach and wash the basket and pan with warm soapy water.

In conclusion, cooking lechon kawali in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to achieve crispy and flavorful pork belly. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily recreate this Filipino favorite dish at home. The air fryer’s rapid cooking time and ability to cook with little to no oil provide a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-frying method. Additionally, experimenting with different seasonings and dipping sauces can elevate the flavors of the dish even further.

One key takeaway from this process is the importance of properly preparing and seasoning the pork belly before cooking. This guarantees that each bite is not only crispy but also bursting with flavor. Another valuable insight is that using an air fryer can open up endless possibilities for cooking a variety of dishes in a healthier way.

Furthermore, this method of cooking lechon kawali allows for easier cleanup as well as less preparation time compared to traditional methods. It also eliminates the risk of hot oil splatters, making it a safer option for those who are not comfortable with deep-frying.

Overall, learning how to cook lechon kawali in an air fryer provides the perfect balance between convenience, health, and flavor. With some experimentation and creativity, you can easily customize this dish according to your