Get ready to elevate your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food: Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Crackling! Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, juicy pork, topped with irresistibly crispy crackling that shatters with every bite. This mouthwatering recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a game-changer for your weeknight meals. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a dish that will have your family and friends raving. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the details of this delectable recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 90 mins
Total Time: 105 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 kg pork shoulder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork shoulder. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crackling.
- Score the skin of the pork shoulder in a crisscross pattern. Make shallow cuts through the skin and fat but avoid cutting into the meat itself. This will help the fat render and the skin to crisp up nicely.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.
- Rub the olive oil all over the scored skin of the pork shoulder. This will help the seasoning adhere and promote crispiness.
- Generously season the pork shoulder with the spice mixture, making sure to rub it into the scored areas and all over the meat. Let the seasoned pork shoulder sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 5 minutes. This high temperature is essential for achieving crispy crackling.
- Once preheated, place the pork shoulder in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Make sure there is enough space around the meat for air to circulate.
- Cook the pork shoulder in the air fryer for 90 minutes. Check the pork halfway through the cooking time, and if necessary, adjust the temperature or cooking time based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the meat.
- After 90 minutes, check the crackling. It should be golden brown and crispy. If it’s not quite there, you can increase the temperature to 220°C (425°F) for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once the crackling is perfectly crispy, remove the pork shoulder from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- After resting, slice the pork shoulder and serve with the crispy crackling on top. Enjoy your delicious air fryer pork shoulder crackling with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Pat it Dry: For that perfect crackling, ensure you pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels before scoring and seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Score Smartly: When scoring the skin, make shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern without cutting into the meat. This allows the fat to render effectively, promoting a crunchy texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Rub the spice mixture thoroughly into the scored areas and all over the meat to maximize flavor.
- Preheat for Success: Always preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for at least 5 minutes before cooking. This ensures the skin starts to crisp right away.
- Monitor Cooking: Check the pork halfway through the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Adjust the temperature or time based on your air fryer model for the best results.
- Final Crisping: If the crackling isn’t quite golden brown after 90 minutes, crank up the temperature to 220°C (425°F) for an extra 5-10 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the pork shoulder to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This resting period is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- Serve with Style: Slice the pork shoulder and serve it with the crispy crackling on top, paired with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 125mg
