We’ve all experienced that disappointing feeling when you lift your eagerly-awaited pork roast out of the hot oven, only to find that the crackling is soft and chewy rather than deliciously crisp and salty. Now though, home cooks across the country are raving about a fool-proof method for achieving the perfect crispy crackle – and you can leave the oven switched off!

The secret is the air fryer, with many Australians raving over the newfangled kitchen appliance which can be used to cook a range of foods and work by circulating hot air around the food to achieve a crunchy, crispy exterior, without the need to use an excess of oil. While air fryers have been around for years, they have soared in popularity in recent months thanks to the sale of affordable options in high street stores such as Kmart, Big W and more.

This increase in popularity has even sparked the creation of a number of Facebook groups in which people share their successes – and failures – with the air fryer, along with easy recipes and tips, with other members. One such recipe that has become a huge hit, is the way to cook a perfect pork joint complete with crispy crackling.

Many people have given it a go and shared mouthwatering images of the finished product on social media, with one person writing in the ‘Share Kmart Air Fryer Recipes Australia’ group: “Pork belly at home has never been easier!”

Another said: “My first time doing pork belly in the air fryer. Following tips and suggestions from here I scored it and kept it uncovered in the fridge overnight. Before cooking, I poured boiling water over the top to soften, oiled and salted and popped it in the air fryer for 25mins at 200° then another 30mins at 160°. I let it rest for 5mins before cutting. Served with roast veg, mint jelly and apple sauce, it didn’t last long!!”

While another happy home cook wrote: “I cooked my pork belly tonight as per everyone’s suggestions and it turned out sensational, so much so that three others that tried it are going out to buy the air fryer lol. It was 1.2kilo I had to cut it up as too long, I don’t believe this made any difference to the meat. I cooked it for 25 mins at 200deg and then 25 mins at 160 deg was perfect not dry but crackle was best I have ever done.”

If you have an air fryer, here’s how you can try it yourself.

Ingredients

• Pork joint (belly, leg or shoulder)
• Oil/butter
• Garlic (optional)
• Salt

Method

1. Remove pork from packaging and score deeply. Then leave in the fridge uncovered overnight.
2. When ready to cook, remove from fridge and pour boiling water over the rind. Next rub oil, salt and garlic into the skin. Use as much as you like, depending on personal preference.
3. Place in the air fryer basket, skin side up, and cook for around 25 minutes* (depending on size of joint) at 200 degrees. Then reduce heat to 160 degrees and cook for a further 30 minutes max.
4. Allow meat to rest for five minutes before cutting and serving.

* cooking times are a guide and may vary depending on weight of joint.