Here’s an irresistible Air-Fryer Pork Belly recipe that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Must-Try Air-Fryer Pork Belly Goodness
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 1-2 hours (or overnight)
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly:
- 1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin-on, cut into strips or cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon five-spice powder (optional, for Asian-style)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sesame oil)
For Extra Crispiness:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (helps with crisping)
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Spicy vinegar dip (vinegar + chopped chili + garlic)
- Honey garlic sauce
- Hoisin or sweet chili sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
- Pat the pork belly dry using paper towels—this helps achieve crispiness.
- Score the skin lightly with a sharp knife (if using skin-on pork) to help it crisp up.
- Cut into strips or bite-sized cubes for faster cooking and more crispy edges.
📌 Tip: Keeping the skin dry is crucial for the best crispiness.
Step 2: Season and Marinate
- In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, five-spice, soy sauce, vinegar, and oil.
- Add the pork belly and rub the seasoning mixture all over.
- Sprinkle baking powder on the skin side (for extra crunch).
- Let marinate for 1-2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
📌 Tip: Marinating longer enhances flavor but isn’t required if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Air-Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the pork belly pieces skin-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air-fry for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
📌 Tip: If the skin isn’t crispy enough, air-fry for an extra 3-5 minutes at 400°F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Let the pork belly rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine rice with a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Tacos: Use crispy pork belly as a filling with slaw and spicy mayo.
- Bao Buns: Stuff into steamed buns with hoisin sauce and cucumber.
- Salads: Add to a fresh salad for extra crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air-fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked pork belly for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
This Air-Fryer Pork Belly is a game-changer—crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavors. It’s easy, fast, and absolutely addictive. Try it today! 😋🔥
