Ground Pork Air Fryer Recipe: Cocoa Pork Delight

You are welcome to use any pork cuts. But, here I am using minced pork belly for several reasons:

• Fat content and flavor: Because it is generally high in fat content. It adds moisture and richness to ground pork. It creates a different mouthfeel from other cuts.

• Juicy and Tender: Pork belly added juiciness and tenderness compared to leaner cuts. It prevents our patties from drying out while cooking in the air fryer.  

Dark chocolate (20grams)

Use dark chocolate, that is a higher percentage of cocoa. If a high-sugar one is used, the taste might taste sweet. Choose dark chocolate that is above 70% in cocoa. 

Here, I am using Lindt 85% dark chocolate. Lindt is a famous brand; it should be readily available in supermarkets or online stores. Feel free to omit the cocoa if you just want to make a regular ground pork recipe.

Additional Ingredients

Salt (1/4 teaspoon)

• Do not go over half a teaspoon. Otherwise, it will be very salty.

Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon) 

Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)

Onion Powder (1 teaspoon)

Paprika (1 teaspoon)

Olive oil (1 tablespoon)

• It adds a subtle fruity and slightly peppery note that complements the other seasonings and ingredients in the recipe. It will enhance the overall taste profile. Feel free to include it if you have.

• If you use a learner cut of ground pork, I advise putting in olive or any oil of your choice.

• Fat or oil is vital in cooking. It gives us flavor and prevents our meat becomes too dry. Don’t believe me? Put beef fat into lean pork; it will taste like beef instead of pork. 

Preparation

I. Buying, Pulsing, or Chopping the pork

• Ground pork is readily available at the supermarket or with the butcher.

• However, you could use a food processor to pulse the meat or quickly chop the pork into tiny pieces.

II. Grate or chop the Dark Chocolate

• Grate the cocoa. Or, if you don’t have a grater, use a knife to chop it.
  
  
  
  

III. Mixing and seasoning the ground pork

• Mix the ground pork, cocoa powder, and other seasonings in a bowl.

• Use clean hands to mix the ingredients together. Ensure the cocoa powder and other seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the ground pork.

IV. Shape and knead the pork mixture

• Knead the minced meat into any shape you like. I am making a burger patty about 1 inch thick. You can also shape it into a meatball or a roll.

V. Tips for Ensuring Even Distribution and Thorough Seasoning

• Taste and adjust: 
  
  If you cook for a big meal or party. Before cooking the ground pork, it’s a good idea to take a small portion of the mixture and cook it as a test sample. This lets you taste and adjust the seasoning before proceeding with the entire batch.

Cooking the Ground Pork Air Fryer Recipe

1. Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at 180°C (350°F)
   
   
2. Place the ground pork on a tray or air fryer basket.
   
   
3. Air fry the ground pork at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes or become golden brown. Flip the patty halfway. For my meat, I flipped after 8 minutes. 
   
   
   
   

Side notes: It took me another 6 minutes to air fryer the other sides. It depends on the size and the thickness of the meat. Monitoring the cooking process and adjusting as needed.

Flavor Profile and Taste 

Unique texture

The texture will be different with cocoa added. It is more like a beef patty. Because it is mixed with the color of cocoa, You can easily trick people into thinking this is a beef patty.

Full of Flavor 

Dark chocolate has a uniquely deep and complex taste, with mixed bitterness and richness. Adding it to ground pork creates a contrasting and complementary element, making the dish even better.

The Magic of Cocoa

Dark chocolate is produced from cocoa beans, which naturally contain cocoa solids. When mixed with ground pork, these cocoa solids give the dish a chocolatey flavor. It’s like a subtle hint of cocoa that makes the whole dish taste even better.

Keeps It Moist and Tender

Dark chocolate contains cocoa butter, which adds moisture and helps the ground pork stay juicy and tender while cooking. It makes the final dish really delicious and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings 

• Burger bun: There you go, you have a unique burger not sold anywhere. 

• Potatoes or fluffy rice: These mild flavors of potatoes and rice will allow the cocoa pork’s rich taste to shine.

• Roasted Vegetables

• Fresh Greens (Salads)

• Red Wine Pairing: Pour a glass of red wine, and enjoy. This is 100% romantic mixed with dark chocolate cocoa pork.

Other Recipes Using Ground Pork and Air Fryer

• If you want more ideas about cooking ground pork, here is another one, “Lu Rou Fan.” 

• For quick and easy air fryer recipes, even though they sound unusual, I am sure you will like the “Honey Crispy Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Raw Garlic” and “BBQ-inspired Pork Belly Strips.”

• How about a pork snack air fryer recipe?

Well. We are here at the end. I hope you found some valuable tips on cooking the ground pork air fryer recipe. I am sure you will surprise your friends and families with a dish made of meat and chocolate.