Air Fryer Pork Belly is a crispy, flavorful dish with perfectly rendered fat and juicy, tender meat. Cooking pork belly in the air fryer speeds up the process while ensuring a golden, crunchy exterior without deep-frying. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for ramen or rice bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra crispy skin with minimal oil
- Faster cooking time compared to oven roasting
- Juicy, tender meat with a perfect balance of fat and crunch
- Simple ingredients with big flavors
- Great for meal prep or a delicious snack
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pork belly (skin-on)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Soy sauce or fish sauce
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Baking powder (for extra crispy skin)
Directions
- Prepare the pork belly: Pat the pork belly dry and score the skin lightly with a knife.
- Season: Rub the meat side with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and soy sauce. Avoid getting moisture on the skin.
- Dry the skin: Brush vinegar or lemon juice over the skin and sprinkle baking powder or salt for extra crispiness. Let it air-dry in the fridge for 1-2 hours (optional but recommended).
- Preheat air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Air fry: Place pork belly skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 30-40 minutes, increasing to 400°F in the last 5-10 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Rest and serve: Let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus drying time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
- Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, or miso in the marinade.
- BBQ Style: Glaze with barbecue sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Garlic Butter Glaze: Toss the pork belly with melted garlic butter before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pork belly?
Yes, but thaw completely before air frying for even cooking.
How do I get the crispiest skin?
Pat dry, season properly, and let the skin air-dry in the fridge before cooking.
Should I flip the pork belly while cooking?
No, keeping it skin-side up ensures a crispy top and tender meat.
What should I serve with air fryer pork belly?
It pairs well with rice, ramen, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh salad.
Can I marinate the pork belly overnight?
Yes, marinating enhances flavor, but avoid getting moisture on the skin.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
Can I cook this in an oven instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 45-50 minutes, finishing under the broiler for extra crispiness.
How thick should the pork belly be?
A 1-inch thickness works best for crispy yet tender results.
Can I use boneless pork belly?
Yes, boneless works well and cooks evenly in the air fryer.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb and perfect for keto diets.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Pork Belly is the ultimate crispy and juicy dish, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. With minimal effort, you get a golden, crunchy exterior and tender meat inside. Whether served as a main dish, appetizer, or topping, this easy recipe is a must-try!
PrintAir Fryer Pork Belly Recipe
This air fryer pork belly is irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s a quick and easy way to get restaurant-quality pork belly with minimal effort!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian, American
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly, skin on (cut into 1-inch cubes or strips)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pork Belly:
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels (removing moisture helps crisp the skin).
- Cut into bite-sized cubes or 1-inch strips.
-
Season the Pork:
- In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, five-spice, soy sauce, vinegar, and olive oil.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork belly pieces.
-
Air Fry the Pork Belly:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place pork belly pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 10 minutes for even crisping.
-
Check for Crispiness:
- If the skin isn’t crispy enough, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) and air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or a spicy vinegar dip.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, score the skin lightly with a knife and rub with additional salt.
- Want a sticky glaze? Toss cooked pork belly in honey garlic sauce or teriyaki sauce before serving.
- Best when served fresh! Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.