Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly

This hearty air fryer pork belly recipe transforms an intimidating cut of meat into irresistible, crispy bites with minimal effort. The air fryer works magic on pork belly, rendering the fat perfectly while creating a caramelized exterior that's impossible to resist.

I first made these pork belly bites for a game day gathering last fall, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now they've become my secret weapon whenever I need an impressive appetizer that doesn't keep me stuck in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Pork belly: Cut into 1-inch pieces - selecting a piece with good meat to fat ratio ensures the perfect texture
• Canola oil: Helps achieve that golden crispy exterior without burning
• Brown sugar: Creates beautiful caramelization and balances the richness
• Garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor that permeates throughout
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while helping create crispy texture
• Black pepper: Provides subtle heat that complements the rich pork

How To Make Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Prepare the air fryer:

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This step is crucial as starting with a hot air fryer ensures immediate searing of the exterior, which helps lock in moisture and begins the fat rendering process properly.

Create the seasoning mixture:

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the canola oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it forms a consistent paste. This mixture not only flavors the pork belly but also helps conduct heat evenly across the surface of each piece.

Season the pork belly:

Add your dried pork belly pieces to the bowl and toss them gently until each piece is completely coated with the seasoning mixture. Take your time here to ensure even coverage, as this is where all your flavor comes from.

Arrange in air fryer:

Carefully place the seasoned pork belly pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding as this will prevent proper air circulation and result in steaming rather than crisping. Work in batches if necessary depending on your air fryer size.

Cook to perfection:

Air fry the pork belly for 18-20 minutes, pausing every 6-7 minutes to shake the basket and flip the pieces. This ensures even browning and helps render the fat consistently. The pieces are done when they turn a deep golden brown with crispy edges.

Serve immediately:

Remove the pork belly bites from the air fryer and serve them while still hot and at their crispiest. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and tender interior is best enjoyed fresh from the fryer.

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Brown sugar might seem like an unusual ingredient for pork, but it's actually my secret weapon in this recipe. Not only does it balance the richness, but it also creates those irresistible caramelized edges that make these bites so addictive. My husband, who typically avoids fatty cuts of meat, requests these at least twice a month now.

Selecting Perfect Pork Belly

When shopping for pork belly, look for pieces with a good balance of fat and meat layers. While the fat renders down beautifully, too much can make the bites overly rich. Ideally, find a piece with alternating layers of fat and meat that's about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Ask your butcher to remove the skin if it's still attached, as it won't crisp properly in the air fryer with this method.

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Storage and Reheating

These pork belly bites maintain their quality surprisingly well when stored properly. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible as this makes them chewy rather than crispy. For meal prep, you can season the pork belly ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

While these pork belly bites are delicious on their own, they truly shine when paired with complementary flavors. Serve them with a simple dipping sauce like maple syrup mixed with a touch of sriracha for a sweet heat combination. They make an excellent addition to rice bowls, ramen, or even chopped into salads for a protein boost. For an Asian twist, try tossing the hot bites in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar immediately after cooking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pork belly turns out less crispy than desired, it may be due to overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Always arrange in a single layer with space between pieces. If the exterior browns too quickly before the interior is tender, lower the temperature to 375°F and extend the cooking time by 5-7 minutes. For extra crispy results, pat the pork belly exceptionally dry before seasoning and consider refrigerating the cut pieces uncovered for 2 hours to remove surface moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the pork belly gets crispy?

Pat the pork belly pieces dry before seasoning, and cook in a single layer to allow proper air circulation in the air fryer. Also, make sure to flip the pieces during cooking for even crisping.

→ Can I use other seasonings for pork belly bites?

Yes, you can experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or a touch of cayenne to suit your taste preferences.

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating the air fryer to 400°F ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy texture.

→ How do I prevent the pork belly from sticking to the basket?

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray or ensure the pork belly pieces are evenly coated with oil before cooking.

→ Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat leftover pork belly bites in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed and crispy.