Making crispy Chicharrón (crispy pork skin) in the Air Fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve that crunchy, flavorful snack with less oil. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pork belly or pork skin (with or without fat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pork skin:
- If you are using pork belly, remove any excess fat if you want less fat in your chicharrón, but leaving some fat will add flavor and crispiness.
- Cut the pork skin into small, bite-sized pieces or strips. If using pork belly, cut into smaller chunks.
- If the skin has hairs, make sure to burn them off by holding it over a flame briefly or scraping them off.
2. Season the pork skin:
- Pat the pork skin dry with paper towels. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get in the Air Fryer.
- Drizzle the pork skin with olive oil (optional for extra crispiness) and toss it in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other seasonings of your choice. Make sure the pieces are evenly coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Air fry the chicharrón:
- Place the seasoned pork pieces in the Air Fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer for the best crispiness. Depending on the size of your Air Fryer, you might need to do this in batches.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- If the pork skin is still not as crispy as you’d like, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check periodically to prevent burning.
5. Serve:
- Once the chicharrón is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the Air Fryer and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Optionally, squeeze lime juice over the crispy chicharrón before serving for an added tang.
Tips:
- For extra crunch: If your pork skin isn’t crispy enough, you can cook it for longer or even brush it lightly with a bit of oil and cook it a few minutes longer to enhance crispness.
- Air circulation: Don’t overcrowd the basket; give the pieces room to allow the hot air to circulate and make the chicharrón crispier.
- Seasoning: You can also add chili powder, cumin, or other spices to your seasoning mix for more flavor.
Enjoy your crispy Chicharrón from the Air Fryer—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or topping for tacos, salads, or bowls!