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Dominican Chicharrón de Cerdo (Fried Pork Belly)

Dominican Chicharrón de Cerdo (Fried Pork Belly)

Chicharron de Cerdo is a Dominican classic — crispy fried pork belly seasoned with garlic, oregano, and love. Whether you're making it on the stovetop or in the air fryer, this recipe brings bold island flavor straight to your table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: Caribbean, Dominican
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs skin-on pork belly cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar or lime juice
  • teaspoons salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dominican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon adobo seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup oil for frying
  • 2 limes for serving

Method
 

  1. Place pork belly chunks in a large pot. Add water, vinegar or lime juice, salt, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, adobo, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium. Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the water has fully evaporated and the pork begins to fry in its own rendered fat.
  3. Once the water is gone, continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, turning pieces occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  4. Remove from the pot and place on a wire rack — not paper towels — to maintain crispiness. Squeeze fresh lime over the top and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Method
  1. After completing Steps 1-2 above, remove pork from pot once water has evaporated and meat is cooked through. Pat completely dry.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray basket and pork lightly with cooking oil.
  3. Air fry for 20 minutes, shake the basket, then continue for another 15-20 minutes until golden, crispy, and puffed.
  4. Transfer to a wire rack. Squeeze fresh lime over the top and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 21gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 495mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to crisp back up.

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