This traditional Spanish starter, known as torreznos, originates from the province of Soria and has spread across the country. It is made from pork belly cut into portions and fried until the edges turn crisp. Cooking torreznos in a fryer, especially an air fryer, uses less oil, resulting in a lighter, crispier bite. Here is a practical guide to making torreznos at home with an air fryer.
How to make torreznos in an air fryer
To prepare torreznos in an air fryer, gather these ingredients:
- 500 g lard, cut into thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Sweet paprika or chili powder (optional)
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Easy torreznos recipe in air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- While it heats, cut the bacon into strips about 1 cm thick and then into pieces 3 to 4 cm long.
- Place the bacon pieces in a bowl and drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil. Toss well so every piece is lightly coated.
- Spread the bacon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not crowd the pieces; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry the torreznos for 15 to 20 minutes until tender, golden, and crisp. Turn the pieces halfway through so they brown evenly.
- Remove the torreznos and lay them on paper towels to blot excess oil.
- Season with salt and, if desired, a light dusting of sweet or hot paprika to taste.
The air fryer offers a way to cook torreznos with less oil while delivering a satisfyingly crispy texture. Enjoy them hot as a starter or as part of a larger meal. Torreznos pair wonderfully with a cold beverage, making them a popular option for sharing with friends.
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The trick to making torreznos crispier in the air fryer
The key to extra crisp torreznos lies in matching the cooking time to the specific air fryer model and the user’s preferred level of crunch. Different fryers vary in heat distribution, so it helps to check progress a bit earlier and adjust as needed. If they seem close to the desired crisp, give them another minute to reach maximum crunch without burning. A light misdirection in time can push the results from perfectly crisp to just a touch dry, so it’s fine to practice a little to dial in the ideal texture.