Cuban fried pork belly, known as chicharrones, is an iconic dish in Cuban culture made by cutting thick strips of pork belly and then deep-frying them to crispy perfection. The crackling skin yields to reveal tender, flavorful meat underneath. Chicharrones are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, and they're the epitome of savory goodness. With their rich flavor and cultural significance, chicharrones offer a delicious window into the heart of Cuban cuisine.
Cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes. 2 lbs should give you about 10-12 pieces. Season and rub the pork belly cubes with salt. Set aside.
In a deep nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly cubes and reduce the heat to medium-low. This will be more of a shallow fry with enough oil so the pork doesn’t stick to the pot. The pork will render a lot of its own fat so no need to add more oil. Be careful while you’re frying because the hot oil will splatter and pop. Use a splatter screen to prevent any burns.
Cook the pork belly pieces for 30 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes.
Increase the heat to HIGH and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, while stirring, until crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.
Transfer the chicharrones to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Season with salt to taste.
Allow to cool slightly. Serve the crispy pork cracklings with lime wedges.
Notes
For more tips & tricks, scroll up and read the blog post.To use the air fryer:
Prepare the pork belly as directed. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the pork belly in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can affect the crispiness. You may need to cook in batches.
Cook for about 15-20 minutes at 300ºF. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them. After 20 minutes, flip them over.
Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will help achieve the desired crispiness. Periodically check for doneness. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Season with salt and serve. Transfer the air fryer chicharrones to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Season with salt to taste. Allow to cool slightly. Serve the crispy pork cracklings with lime wedges.