Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Dry the Skin: Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. The drier the skin, the better the crackling will be.
- Score the Skin: Using a sharp knife, carefully score the skin of the pork in a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the fat.
- Season: Rub the entire pork roast with olive oil. Mix salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl and rub this mixture all over the pork, ensuring you get it into the scores on the skin. For extra flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the pork starts cooking immediately and helps the skin to start crackling.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
- Place in Air Fryer: Place the pork roast into the air fryer basket, skin side up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the roast to fit.
- Cook: Cook at 390°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook for another 40-50 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the roast, so adjust accordingly. The pork is done when an internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Rest the Pork
- Rest: Once cooked, let the pork rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice and Serve: Slice the pork roast into portions, ensuring each piece has a portion of the crispy crackling.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfect Crackling
- Dry Skin: The key to crispy crackling is ensuring the skin is as dry as possible before cooking.
- Salt: Salt draws moisture out of the skin, helping it to become crispy. Don’t be shy with the salt on the skin.
- High Heat: Starting the cooking process at a higher temperature helps to start the crackling process before lowering the temperature to cook the meat through.
Conclusion
Using an air fryer to prepare roast pork with crispy crackling is a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional roasting methods. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a deliciously moist pork roast with perfectly crispy crackling, all with the ease and speed of air frying. Enjoy your meal!