Air Fryer Pork Belly: Crispy, succulent, and unbelievably easy to make! Have you ever craved that melt-in-your-mouth texture of perfectly rendered pork belly, but dreaded the long hours and messy cleanup traditionally involved? Well, fret no more! This air fryer method delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time, making it a weeknight-friendly indulgence you won’t be able to resist.
Pork belly, a cut derived from the underside of the pig, has a rich history in cuisines around the world. From the siu yuk of Cantonese cuisine to the pancetta of Italy, cultures have long appreciated the unique flavor and texture that pork belly offers. The beauty of this cut lies in its perfect balance of fat and meat, which, when cooked properly, creates an unparalleled culinary experience.
People adore pork belly for its incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. The crispy skin provides a delightful crunch, while the tender meat practically melts in your mouth. And now, with the magic of the air fryer, achieving this perfect balance is easier than ever before. This Air Fryer Pork Belly recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly convenient. Say goodbye to splattering oil and hours of oven-watching. Get ready to enjoy crispy, flavorful pork belly with minimal effort!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Pork Belly, skin on or off (your preference!)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Ginger Powder
- 1/2 tsp Five Spice Powder
- 1/2 tsp White Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 1 tsp Salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
Preparing the Pork Belly:
Alright, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our pork belly. This is a crucial step to ensure we get that crispy, delicious result we’re after. Don’t skip it!
- Score the Pork Belly (Skin-On): If you’re using pork belly with the skin on, this is a MUST. Use a sharp knife or a box cutter (carefully!) to score the skin in a crosshatch pattern. Make sure you only cut through the skin and fat layer, not into the meat. This allows the fat to render properly and creates those amazing crispy bubbles. The closer the scores, the crispier it will be. Aim for about 1/4 inch spacing. If you bought skinless pork belly, skip to step 2.
- Dry the Pork Belly: This is super important! Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the pork belly dry on all sides. The drier the pork belly, the crispier it will get in the air fryer. Don’t be shy really get in there and soak up any excess moisture. I usually go through a few paper towels at this stage.
- Cut into Cubes (Optional): You can cook the pork belly as one large piece, or you can cut it into 1-2 inch cubes. Cubing it will result in more surface area for crisping, and it also cooks a bit faster. I personally prefer cubes, but it’s totally up to you!
Marinating the Pork Belly:
Now for the flavor! This marinade is simple but packed with umami and aromatic spices. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking that’s the beauty of cooking!
- Combine the Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, five spice powder, white pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Marinate the Pork Belly: Place the dried pork belly (cubes or whole piece) into the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands (or tongs) to ensure that every piece is thoroughly coated. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
- Let it Marinate (Minimum 30 Minutes): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pork belly to a resealable bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, you can marinate it for several hours or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Air Frying the Pork Belly:
This is where the magic happens! The air fryer is going to work its wonders and transform that marinated pork belly into crispy, golden-brown perfection. Make sure your air fryer is clean before starting.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is nice and hot when you add the pork belly, which helps with crisping.
- Arrange the Pork Belly in the Air Fryer Basket: Remove the pork belly from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Arrange the pork belly in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the pork belly won’t crisp up properly. If necessary, cook in batches. Overcrowding will steam the pork belly instead of frying it.
- Air Fry for 15-20 Minutes: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping the pork belly halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your pork belly pieces and your air fryer. Keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed. You’re looking for a deep golden-brown color and crispy skin (if using skin-on pork belly).
- Increase Heat for Extra Crisp (Optional): If you want even crispier skin, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
- Check for Doneness: The pork belly is done when it’s cooked through and the skin is crispy (if using skin-on). The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Resting and Serving:
Almost there! A little resting time helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork belly.
- Rest the Pork Belly: Once the pork belly is cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork belly.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve the air fryer pork belly hot. It’s delicious on its own as an appetizer or snack, or you can use it in a variety of dishes.
Serving Suggestions:
Here are some ideas on how to enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer pork belly:
- As an Appetizer: Serve the pork belly cubes with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or a simple soy sauce and sesame oil mixture.
- In Banh Mi: Add the crispy pork belly to a banh mi sandwich for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- With Rice: Serve the pork belly over steamed rice with some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- In Ramen: Top your ramen with slices of air fryer pork belly for a decadent and flavorful addition.
- In Tacos: Use the pork belly as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite salsa and toppings.
- As a Salad Topping: Crumble the pork belly over a salad for a crispy and savory element.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Pork Belly:
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your air fryer pork belly turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is the most important tip! Overcrowding the basket will steam the pork belly instead of frying it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Dry the Pork Belly Thoroughly: The drier the pork belly, the crispier it will get. Use paper towels to pat it dry on all sides before marinating.
- Score the Skin Properly: If using skin-on pork belly, make sure to score the skin deeply enough to allow the fat to render properly.
- Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your pork belly pieces. Keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the pork belly is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different marinades and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Clean Your Air Fryer: Pork belly can release a lot of fat during cooking. Make sure to clean your air fryer thoroughly after each use to prevent smoke and odors.
Storing Leftover Air Fryer Pork Belly:
If you have any leftover air fryer pork belly (which is unlikely!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can air fry it again for a few minutes until heated through and crispy, or you can microwave it. However, air frying is the best way to retain the crispiness.
Variations:
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try:
- Spicy Pork Belly: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the marinade for a spicier kick.
- Honey Garlic Pork Belly: Add honey
Conclusion:
Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because you’re intrigued by the magic of perfectly crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. And trust me, this Air Fryer Pork Belly recipe delivers on that promise and then some! It’s not just about the ease of using your air fryer; it’s about achieving restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of the perfectly rendered fat and the unbelievably crispy skin is simply irresistible. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.
Why is this a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously simple. Forget babysitting a stovetop or constantly checking an oven. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, ensuring even cooking and that coveted crackling texture. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! But beyond the convenience, it’s the flavor that truly shines. The pork belly becomes incredibly tender, practically dissolving in your mouth, while the skin transforms into a shatteringly crisp masterpiece. It’s a textural and flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
Now, let’s talk serving suggestions. This Air Fryer Pork Belly is incredibly versatile. For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve it with steamed rice and some quick-pickled vegetables for a delightful Asian-inspired feast. Imagine the savory pork belly paired with the tangy crunch of pickled cucumbers or carrots pure perfection! Or, elevate your tacos by using this crispy pork belly as the star ingredient. Top with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for a truly unforgettable taco experience.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and marinades. A simple dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works wonders. Or, try marinating the pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey for a sweet and savory twist. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your seasoning blend. The possibilities are endless! You could even cube the cooked pork belly and toss it into a stir-fry for added richness and flavor.
Another fantastic variation is to use this Air Fryer Pork Belly as a topping for ramen. Imagine those perfectly crispy cubes nestled amongst the noodles and broth a truly decadent and satisfying meal. Or, get creative and use it as a component in a gourmet sandwich. Picture this: crispy pork belly, tangy slaw, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce, all nestled between two slices of toasted bread. Are you drooling yet?
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! It’s a game-changer, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of cooking pork belly; the air fryer makes it incredibly easy and foolproof. So, go ahead, grab a slab of pork belly, fire up your air fryer, and prepare to be amazed.
And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of Air Fryer Pork Belly enthusiasts and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Pork Belly: Crispy Perfection in Minutes
Crispy, flavorful air fryer pork belly, marinated in aromatic spices. Perfect as an appetizer, in banh mi, or served with rice.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Pork Belly, skin on or off
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Ginger Powder
- 1/2 tsp Five Spice Powder
- 1/2 tsp White Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Belly: If using skin-on pork belly, score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, cutting through the skin and fat layer only. Pat the pork belly dry on all sides with paper towels. Cut into 1-2 inch cubes (optional).
- Marinate the Pork Belly: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, five spice powder, white pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Place the pork belly in the bowl and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Air Fry the Pork Belly: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Remove pork belly from marinade, letting excess drip off. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
- Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from air fryer and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot as an appetizer, in banh mi, with rice, or in other dishes.
Notes
- Scoring the skin is crucial for crispy skin-on pork belly.
- Drying the pork belly thoroughly is essential for crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer and the size of the pork belly.
- Experiment with different marinades and spices to customize the flavor.
- Clean your air fryer after each use.
