You’ll Need
For the Pork Belly
700g pork belly, skin scored
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp bourbon
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
For the Smoked Apple Purée
2 Braeburn apples, peeled, cored and diced
20g butter
50ml apple juice
50ml double cream
½ tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of sea salt
To Serve
Buttered Savoy cabbage
Charred Tenderstem broccoli
Crispy sage leaves
Optional but Dangerous
Black pudding crumb
Crispy pancetta shards
Black truffle shavings
Pickled apple ribbons
Method
Preheat your air fryer to 170°C.
Pat the pork belly completely dry with kitchen paper.
Rub all over with the olive oil, sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, making sure the seasoning gets into the scored skin.
Place the pork belly into an air fryer-safe roasting dish.
Cover tightly with foil.
Air fry at 170°C for 1 hour 30 minutes, until the meat is beautifully tender.
Meanwhile, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika and thyme in a small bowl.
Remove the foil from the pork.
Brush generously with the maple-bourbon glaze.
Increase the air fryer temperature to 200°C.
Cook uncovered for 18–22 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 5 minutes, until the skin becomes crisp and the glaze turns thick, sticky and deeply caramelised.
Meanwhile, place the diced apples, butter and apple juice into a small saucepan.
Cook gently for 10–12 minutes until the apples become completely soft.
Stir in the smoked paprika, double cream and a pinch of sea salt.
Blend until completely smooth and silky.
Allow the pork belly to rest for 8 minutes before slicing into generous portions.
Spread the smoked apple purée onto warm serving plates.
Arrange the sliced pork belly on top.
Serve alongside buttered Savoy cabbage and charred Tenderstem broccoli.
Finish with crispy sage leaves and, if using, black pudding crumb, pickled apple ribbons or black truffle shavings.