Are you looking for a new recipe to add to your weekly meal plan? Or something to serve for special occasions that doesnt need you to stand over it for such a long time? If you’re a fan of pork dishes, then you should definitely try cooking this Air Fryer Rolled Lechon Belly. This recipe is a game-changer – it’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make using an air fryer. No mess at definitely, hindi mapanakit!
(Okay, I lied, there are a lot of steps in this recipe and it’s a long cook but definitely worth it! It’s really best if you include it in a meal plan so you can set the non-active cooking times based on your schedule.
As a busy mom on an island, this air fryer recipe has become my go-to for easy home cooking. The air fryer does all the work so I don’t have to babysit a whole roasted pig over the coals. It saves me time and messy cleanup too. The lechon belly still gets nice and crispy outside while staying moist and tender inside.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Air frying is a healthier way of cooking compared to traditional frying. It uses hot air to cook the food, which means you can enjoy your favorite fried dishes with less oil. Plus, air frying is faster compared to cooking in the oven or stove. Did you know that 67% of Filipinos are conscious of their health and wellness? Air Fryer Rolled Lechon Belly is perfect for those who want to indulge in a crispy and flavorful meal without worrying about the excess oil. Plus, air frying is faster compared to cooking in the oven or stove. This means you can spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.
Hanabishi -my favorite air fryer
Here I used my Hanabishi Hafeo 23 S Air Fryer (that doubles as my oven). I love this because of its large capacity and its design which allows you to bake and air fry a big batch naturally. Being able to make a big batch of fries or chicken wings in one batch is a huge time saver. No Air Fryer yet? Check out my Air Fryer Reviews here.
With this Hanabishi air fryer dish, you won’t have to worry about sourcing hard-to-find ingredients. You can find everything you need in your local grocery store. Plus, the recipe only requires a few pieces of kitchen equipment, which makes the preparation process a breeze.
The best thing about this air fryer recipe is that it’s easy to prepare, even for those who are not kitchen-savvy. The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need to have exceptional cooking skills to get it right. It’s a bit long but the steps are actually simple. Plus, you can add your own twist to the recipe to make it your own. With this Hanabishi Air Fryer Rolled Lechon Belly, you can showcase your cooking skills while using new tech to make it easier in the kitchen. Less stress and hassle of complicated recipes!
Air Fryer Rolled Lechon Belly is a versatile dish that you can serve on any occasion. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a potluck party, this dish will surely impress your guests. Plus, you can pair it with different side dishes to complement its flavors. You can also cook it in advance and use it to top your Kare Kare, complement your Chopsuey, transform leftovers into Paksiw or even Pinakbet. It’s just delicious as a stand-alone or if you pair it with other dishes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg pork belly, skin-on and boneless
- 1/2 cup lemongrass, chopped
- 1/2 cup garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp annatto powder
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Lay the pork belly flat on a cutting board, skin-side down.
- Arrange the lemongrass, garlic, onion in the middle.
- Roll the pork belly tightly, with the skin facing out. Secure the roll with kitchen twine.
- Place the pork belly in a large pot. Add salt, patis, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Pour enough water to cover.
- Bring to a boil then simmer until tender, about 2 hours. (It's faster and cheaper to use pressure cooker or instant pot so you can cut your cooking time in half.)
- Set aside and cool for a minimum of 4 hours in the refrigerator (overnight if you have time)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190C).
- Cook the rolled lechon belly in the air fryer for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Meanwhile, prepare anatto oil by cooking the annato powder in oil for a few minutes in low to medium fire.
- Take lechon belly out and brush with annato oil.
- Cook the lechon belly again in high setting for about 30-45 minutes.
- For an extra crunch you can heat up oil until boiling and pour it on the cooked lechon belly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to use a pork belly that’s boneless and skin-on. This will give you the best results.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also cook this dish in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and cook for 1 hour.
- To make the skin extra crispy, pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like vinegar or Mang Tomas lechon sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Air Fryer Rolled Lechon Belly is a game-changer for busy moms who want to serve a homemade meal that’s easy to prepare, healthy, and delicious. So go ahead, try it out, and let me know how it turns out. Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be mapanakit, and with Air Fryer Rolled Lechon Belly, you can make a homemade meal that’s sure to impress.
