Why you should make air fryer pork rib roast with crackling
Cooking an pork rib roast with crackling ensures the heat reaches the fat quickly for a consistent crunch. The smaller space of the keeps the meat juicy while the outside crisps up beautifully. It saves energy compared to heating a large oven and takes less time to reach the right temperature. This technique is simple for anyone who wants a traditional roast without the stress of monitoring oven settings.
How to cook air fryer pork rib roast with crackling
Prepare the meat: Take the roast out of the fridge and pat the skin dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern without cutting into the meat. Rub olive oil all over the pork rib roast and then massage plenty of salt into the scores.
Initial roasting: Place the pork into the basket with the skin side facing upwards. Set the temperature to 200C and cook for 20 minutes to start the crackling process. This high heat is essential for getting the skin to puff up and become crispy.
Main cooking: Reduce the temperature to 180C and continue cooking for another 40 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 70C for a safe result. This slower cooking time keeps the meat tender and prevents the crackling from burning.
Resting: Remove the pork rib roast from the and place it on a warm plate. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before carving between the ribs. Resting allows the juices to redistribute so the roast stays moist when you serve it.
Tips to make air fryer pork rib roast with crackling even better
Make sure the skin is as dry as possible before you start cooking the pork rib roast with crackling. If you have time, leave the pork uncovered in the fridge for a few hours to help the skin dry out even more. Adding plenty of salt is the secret to drawing out moisture and creating those bubbles on the surface. Try not to crowd the basket so the air can flow freely around the meat.
If the crackling is not quite ready when the meat is done, you can cook it for a few extra minutes at high heat. Always rest the meat away from any steam to keep the skin from becoming soft. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to avoid overcooking the roast and keeping the meat juicy.
You can find more inspiration in
air fryer chicken breast,
air fryer pork loin roast or
air fryer fish cakes.