How do you get good pork crackling?

Achieving Crispy, Delicious Pork Crackling:

1. Start with the Right Cut:

* Skin on: Choose cuts with a thick layer of skin, like pork belly, shoulder, or loin.

* Fat content: Aim for cuts with a good amount of fat underneath the skin, as this contributes to the crackling.

2. Score and Salt:

* Score the skin: Use a sharp knife or scoring tool to make deep, criss-cross cuts through the skin without piercing the meat.

* Salt generously: Rub the skin generously with salt, both on the surface and in the cuts. This draws out moisture and helps the skin become crispy.

* Let it rest: Allow the pork to sit in the fridge uncovered for at least 2-4 hours (or overnight) to dry out the skin further.

3. Cooking Methods:

* Roasting: Roast the pork in a preheated oven at a high temperature (400°F / 200°C) for a period of time.

* Slow roasting: For a more tender pork, lower the oven temperature to 325°F / 160°C and roast for a longer duration.

* Air Fryer: For quicker results, use an air fryer and follow the manufacturer's instructions for pork.

* Pan-frying: If using a smaller cut, you can achieve excellent crackling by pan-frying the pork with the skin side down on medium heat until crispy.

4. Tips for Crispy Crackling:

* Avoid overcrowding: Ensure the pork has enough space in the oven to circulate heat around it.

* Basting: During roasting, avoid basting the pork with liquids, as this can soften the skin.

* High heat: Increase the oven temperature towards the end of cooking to ensure the skin reaches a crispy state.

* Rest the pork: After cooking, let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute and the crackling to firm up.

5. Dealing with Soft Crackling:

* Re-crisp: If your crackling isn't crispy enough, you can re-crisp it by placing it under a hot grill or in a very hot oven for a few minutes.

Important Note: While the above steps will help you achieve delicious crackling, individual ovens and techniques vary. Experiment and adjust the time and temperature to achieve your desired results.