Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Filipino Lechon Kawali)

Enjoy this traditional Filipino dish at home without all the mess.

The traditional deep-fried pork belly is transformed into a guilt-free delight.

INGREDIENTS: pork belly slab garlic bay leaves black peppercorns salt apple cider vinegar

To start, bring water to a gentle boil in a medium stock pot. Add salt, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Once the water begins to boil rigorously, gently add the pork belly slab, skin side up. Skim the scum and turn pork belly slab after every 10 minutes.

Carefully remove pork after 45 minutes to 1 hour or when the pork belly slab is fork-tender. Add more water halfway through, if needed. Cool for 30 minutes or more. Place in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Refrigerate overnight.

Next day, preheat the air fryer and gently transfer pork belly slab onto the air fryer basket or tray, skin side up. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Lightly brush pork skin with apple cider vinegar.

Slowly insert the air fryer basket or tray into the pre-heated air fryer at 400°F (205°C). Air fry pork belly slab for 30 minutes. Brush pork skin with the remaining apple cider vinegar at the last 10 minutes.

Remove pork belly slab once crisp and golden. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Chop the pork into bite-sized pieces and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

Get The Full Printable Recipe with Tips and Variations.