Roast pork with crackling in the air fryer is a beloved Danish classic that tempts the taste buds with its crispy crackling and juicy meat. Traditionally, this dish is prepared in an oven, but with an air fryer the process can be both faster and easily produce crispy crackling, without compromising on the familiar good flavour. Here are the 3 classic variations: roast pork sandwich, smørrebrød (Danish open-faced sandwich), and a classic serving with red cabbage.
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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of Contents:
Why make roast pork in the air fryer?
Using an air fryer to cook roast pork offers several advantages. The primary benefit is the time saved, as the air fryer can achieve the same crispy results in less time than a traditional oven. On top of that, the air fryer requires less oil, which makes the dish healthier. The constant circulation of hot air in the air fryer ensures even cooking and perfectly crispy crackling.
What does roast pork taste like?
Roast pork is characterised by its rich, juicy pork flavour combined with the salted, crunchy crackling that adds a pleasant texture. When the roast pork is cooked correctly, it offers a harmonious balance between the tender meat and the crispy crackling. This makes it a favourite at many Danish dinner tables.
Tips for getting crispy crackling every time.
To ensure extra crispy crackling on your roast pork in the air fryer, pour boiling water over the rind before cooking. This helps open up the rind and makes it more receptive to salt, which draws out the moisture and ensures a crunchy, crispy finish. After pouring boiling water over the rind, dry it thoroughly, then rub plenty of coarse salt into the scored lines. This little trick can make a big difference and give you perfectly crispy crackling every time!
You can enhance the flavour of your roast pork in the air fryer by placing bay leaves and whole cloves between the rinds before cooking. The bay leaves and cloves will release their aromatic oils during cooking, infusing the meat with a lovely aroma in the kitchen and a distinct, spiced flavour profile.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
What dishes can you make from roast pork?
- Classic serving: Roast pork served with brown gravy, boiled potatoes, caramelised potatoes, and red cabbage is a timeless Danish dinner. It brings nostalgia and warmth to the dining table.
- Roast pork sandwich: Thin slices of roast pork in a freshly baked bun with remoulade, cucumber salad, and perhaps a little red cabbage. This creates a delicious sandwich that can be enjoyed for both lunch and dinner.
- Danish smørrebrød: On a slice of rye bread, place a layer of roast pork topped with red cabbage and optionally a slice of orange or a pickled cucumber. This makes a colourful and inviting open-faced sandwich.
Ribbensteg and flæskesteg are both Danish pork roasts with crackling, but ribbensteg is cut from the rib area and is typically juicier and fattier, while flæskesteg usually comes from the loin and is leaner.
To achieve crispy crackling, score the rind thoroughly without cutting into the meat, rub it well with salt, and make sure to preheat to a high temperature, typically around 200°C.
The ribbensteg sits along the pig’s ribs, hence the name, and is part of the side or rib cage.
Conclusion on roast pork in the air fryer
Cooking roast pork in the air fryer is an effective way to enjoy this Danish classic. With a shorter cooking time and without compromising on flavour, the air fryer method offers a modern twist on a traditional pork dish.
Recipe
Roast Pork with Crackling in the Air Fryer
Cooking Guide
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Airfryer size
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How to make it
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.(Pre-program it, or let it run for a couple of minutes before cooking)
- Score the rind on 1 kg pork roast with rind at 1 cm intervals with a sharp knife.Make sure to cut only into the rind, not into the meat.
- Rub the roast well with 2 tbsp Coarse salt and 1 tbsp Black pepper.
- Place the roast in the air fryer basket with the rind side up.
- Roast the pork in the air fryer at 200°C for about 40 minutes.Click here to start the online kitchen timerCheck with a meat thermometer that the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 75°C.
- Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before carving.
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Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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