How to Make Crispy Pata in an Air Fryer

Crispy pata is a traditional Philippine dish made with pork pata (hock) coated with various spices and deep-fried. Making this dish in an air fryer is just as easy and produces a light and crunchy texture. With just a few simple steps, you can make a delicious plate of crispy pata in your air fryer in no time!

What You Will Need

To make crispy pata in an air fryer, you will need: a whole pork pata (hock), garlic, black pepper, anise powder, onion powder, a teaspoon of oil or cooking spray, your air fryer, and a baster (optional).

Before you begin, make sure to thaw the pork pata completely. This will ensure that the pata cooks evenly and that the skin gets nice and crispy. Once the pata is thawed, pat it dry with a paper towel and season it with the garlic, black pepper, anise powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasonings into the pata and then lightly brush it with oil or cooking spray. Place the pata in the air fryer and cook it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If desired, use a baster to baste the pata with oil or cooking spray during the cooking process to ensure even crispiness.

Preparing the Pata

Before putting the pork pata in the air fryer, you need to prepare it. Start by removing any dirt or hairs from the skin of the pata. Then, trim off any excess fat and remove the large tendon found at the edge of the bone. Next, season the pork with garlic, black pepper, anise powder, and onion powder.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Once your pata is prepared, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). While the fryer is preheating, you can lightly brush the pork with oil or cooking spray for an extra crunchy crust. For best results, use a baster to apply the oil.

It is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the pork. This will ensure that the pork cooks evenly and that the outside is crispy. Additionally, preheating the air fryer will help to reduce the cooking time, so that the pork is cooked to perfection.

Frying the Pata

Place the seasoned pork pata in the preheated air fryer and cook for 20 minutes. After 9 minutes, turn the pork over so that both sides cook evenly. During cooking, keep an eye on the temperature. If it rises above 400°F (200°C), lower it slightly by opening the basket lid.

Once the pork pata is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the pork to become more tender. Serve the pork pata with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Finishing Touches

When the pork is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate. Letting your crispy pata rest helps to retain its juicy texture. Finally, enjoy the crispy pork with a side of steamed vegetables and a lime wedge.

For an extra kick of flavor, you can also sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, over the pork before serving. Additionally, you can also add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist. Enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Crispy Pata in an Air Fryer

Here are a few helpful tips for getting the best results when making crispy pata in an air fryer:

Before frying the pork, rub it with black pepper for a more flavorful crust.
For extra crunch, brush the pata with oil. Use a baster to apply the oil so that it is distributed evenly.
Turn the pata over halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are cooked evenly.
If the temperature rises above 400°F (200°C), open the basket lid to allow steam to escape and reduce the temperature.
Let the pork rest after cooking to preserve its juicy texture.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If your crispy pata doesn’t come out correctly, here are some common troubleshooting tips:

If your pork is too soft and not crisping up, preheat the air fryer for a few additional minutes.
If your pork is too dry, use more oil or cooking spray when brushing it before frying.
If your pork turns out too dark or burnt, reduce the cooking temperature and/or time.