Christmas is the perfect time for a show-stopping main dish. Pork belly is rich, comforting, and deeply festive. When cooked right, it offers tender meat and crackling that shatters with every bite. This air fryer Christmas pork belly delivers exactly that. Best of all, it does so with less mess and more control.
The secret lies in the overnight-dried crackling. First, drying the skin removes moisture. As a result, the crackling becomes incredibly crisp. Then, the air fryer circulates hot air evenly. This ensures golden skin and juicy layers underneath. Moreover, the method saves time compared to oven roasting. It also keeps the kitchen cooler during busy holidays.
This recipe is ideal for Christmas lunch or dinner. It feels indulgent yet simple. You can prep most of it the day before. Therefore, stress stays low on the big day. Serve it with roast potatoes, apples, or winter vegetables. Add gravy or apple sauce for balance.
If you want a festive centerpiece with guaranteed crunch, this recipe is for you. Let’s make Christmas pork belly the easy way, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg pork belly, skin on
- 2 teaspoons fine salt (for drying)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels.
- Score the skin using a sharp knife. Avoid cutting into the meat.
- Rub fine salt only on the skin.
- Place the pork uncovered in the fridge overnight. Skin side up.
- The next day, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
- Brush oil on the meat side only.
- Season the meat with pepper, garlic, onion powder, and herbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- Place pork in the basket, skin side up.
- Cook for 20 minutes to start the crackling.
- Reduce heat to 180°C (355°F).
- Cook for another 30–40 minutes until tender.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How to Prepare
Preparation starts the day before. First, dry the skin very well. This step is crucial. Moisture prevents crisp crackling. Next, score the skin evenly. This allows fat to render. Then, salt the skin lightly and refrigerate uncovered overnight.
On cooking day, let the pork come to room temperature. This helps even cooking. Season only the meat, not the skin. Oil should never touch the skin. Otherwise, crackling may blister unevenly.
During air frying, heat hits the skin first. Therefore, high heat is essential at the beginning. Later, lower heat cooks the meat gently. Always rest the pork after cooking. This locks in juices. Finally, slice carefully to keep the crackling intact.
Preparation Time
- Skin drying: 12–24 hours (overnight, hands-off)
- Active prep time: 15 minutes
- Air fryer cooking time: 50–60 minutes
- Resting time: 10 minutes
- Total time (excluding drying): about 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings
- Serves 4–6 people
FAQs
1. Why dry pork belly skin overnight?
Drying removes moisture. This guarantees crispy crackling.
2. Can I skip the overnight step?
You can, but crackling will be less crisp.
3. Should I add oil to the skin?
No. Oil prevents proper blistering.
4. What if the crackling is not crispy enough?
Increase heat to 200°C for 5 more minutes.
5. Can I season the skin?
Only use salt. Other seasonings may burn.
6. Do all air fryers cook the same?
No. Check early and adjust time if needed.
Conclusion
This air fryer Christmas pork belly proves that festive food can be simple. With smart preparation, incredible results follow. The overnight-dried crackling is the true hero. It transforms pork belly into a holiday centerpiece. Meanwhile, the air fryer ensures even heat and consistent crunch.
What makes this recipe special is its balance. The meat stays juicy. The skin turns glass-like and crisp. At the same time, the process remains approachable. You do most of the work the day before. Therefore, Christmas day stays relaxed and joyful.
This dish pairs beautifully with classic sides. Think roast vegetables, apples, or creamy mash. It also works well with fresh salads for contrast. Leftovers, if any, are fantastic in sandwiches or wraps.
If you want a reliable and impressive Christmas main, this recipe delivers. It respects tradition while embracing modern cooking. Once you try it, it may become your new holiday favorite. Enjoy the crunch, enjoy the flavor, and enjoy a stress-free Christmas meal. 🎄
