Smoked pork jowl cooked in the air fryer is a rich, fatty, and flavorful dish that delivers the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. This high-protein, zero-carb meal is packed with savory goodness, making it an ideal choice for those sticking to a meat-based diet.
With minimal prep and effortless air fryer cooking, you’ll have a perfectly crispy and satisfying meal in no time.
Why Pork Jowl Is Perfect for the Carnivore Diet
Pork jowl is a highly underrated cut that’s packed with fat and rich flavor. Since the carnivore diet thrives on animal-based foods, pork jowl offers an ideal balance of protein and fat, making it an excellent option for energy and satiety.
The skin crisps up beautifully in an air fryer, delivering a crunchy texture without the need for extra carbs or additives.
Tips for Achieving the Crispiest Skin
The key to a great pork jowl recipe is ensuring that the skin gets perfectly crispy while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Here are some essential tips:
- Pat the skin dry before cooking to remove excess moisture for better crisping.
- Use tallow or clarified butter to enhance the richness and help the skin develop a golden crunch.
- Cook skin-side up to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp up the outer layer evenly.
- Baste in the final minutes to add extra fat and create the perfect crispy finish.
- Let it rest before slicing to keep the juices locked in, ensuring a tender bite.
Variations for Extra Flavor
While the base recipe sticks to strict carnivore ingredients, you can enhance it with additional flavors that align with a flexible carnivore approach.
- Garlic Butter Jowl – Add garlic powder to the tallow before basting for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
- Cheesy Jowl – Sprinkle shredded cheese over the jowl during the final minute for a crispy, melted topping.
- Spiced Jowl – Use a pinch of smoked salt or black pepper to enhance the smoky profile of the pork.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This crispy pork jowl can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other carnivore-friendly sides to create a well-rounded meal. Some excellent pairings include:
- Bone broth – A warm, nutrient-rich broth complements the fatty richness of the jowl.
- Eggs – Serve with a side of soft-boiled or scrambled eggs for added protein.
- Bacon-wrapped liver – A powerhouse of nutrition, this pairing enhances the overall nutrient density of the meal.
- Carnivore cheese crisps – Add some extra crunch without breaking your dietary guidelines.
Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for the Carnivore Diet
Cooking pork jowl in the air fryer isn’t just about convenience—it transforms the texture and flavor in ways that other cooking methods can’t match. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, reduces excess grease, and delivers a crispy skin without the need for deep frying.
- Faster cooking time compared to roasting or pan-frying.
- Minimal cleanup since the air fryer contains most of the grease.
- Consistently crispy results without needing excessive oil or added carbs.
Whether you’re deep into the carnivore lifestyle or just experimenting with new air fryer recipes, this smoked pork jowl dish is a must-try.
Smoked Pork Jowl with Crispy Skin Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- 4-quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked pork jowl skin-on
- 2 tbsp tallow or clarified butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare the pork jowl: Rub the pork jowl with 1 tablespoon of melted tallow or clarified butter, ensuring the skin is well-coated.
- Cook the pork jowl: Place the pork jowl in the air fryer basket (skin side up). Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The skin should be crispy, and the internal temperature of the pork should reach 160°F.
- Crisp the skin further: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, baste the pork jowl with the remaining tablespoon of tallow to enhance crispiness.
- Rest and serve: Let the pork jowl rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Variations (Flexible Carnivore Diet):
- Garlic Butter Jowl: Add garlic powder to the tallow before basting for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheesy Jowl: Sprinkle shredded cheese on the pork jowl during the last minute of cooking for a cheesy crust.
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.