Air Fryer Pork Belly: Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistible

Pork belly is a versatile cut of meat that’s beloved for its rich flavor and perfect balance of fat and meat. When cooked correctly, it becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. While traditional methods like roasting or frying can be time-consuming and messy, the air fryer offers a quicker, cleaner, and equally delicious alternative. In this article, we’ll explore how to make the perfect air fryer pork belly, along with a few mouthwatering recipes to try at home.

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Why Use an Air Fryer for Pork Belly?

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for their ability to cook food quickly while achieving a crispy texture without excessive oil. For pork belly, the air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking, rendering the fat perfectly and creating a crackling-like crust. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to deep frying, as it requires minimal oil.

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Essential Tips for Air Fryer Pork Belly

1. Choose the Right Cut: Look for pork belly with even layers of fat and meat. A good ratio is 50% meat and 50% fat.
2. Dry the Skin: Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
3. Score the Skin: Use a sharp knife to score the skin in a crisscross pattern. This helps the fat render and the skin crisp up.
4. Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and other seasonings. The fat in pork belly can handle bold flavors.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
6. Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the pork belly, which can prevent it from crisping up.

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Basic Air Fryer Pork Belly Recipe

This simple recipe is perfect for beginners and yields crispy, juicy pork belly every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin on
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Score the skin with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern, about 1/4 inch deep.
2. Season: Rub the pork belly evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure to get the seasoning into the scored cuts.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
4. Cook: Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Crisp the Skin: Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.

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Honey Glazed Air Fryer Pork Belly

For a sweet and savory twist, try this honey-glazed pork belly recipe. The glaze caramelizes in the air fryer, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin on
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly dry and score the skin. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
4. Cook: Place the pork belly in the air fryer, skin side up. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 20 minutes.
5. Glaze: Brush the pork belly with the honey glaze and cook for another 10-15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes.
6. Crisp the Skin: Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 5-10 minutes until the skin is crispy and the glaze is caramelized.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the pork belly rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with any remaining glaze.

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Spicy Korean-Style Air Fryer Pork Belly

This recipe is inspired by Korean cuisine, featuring a spicy, tangy marinade that pairs perfectly with the richness of pork belly.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin on
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly dry and score the skin.
2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
3. Marinate: Rub the marinade all over the pork belly, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
5. Cook: Place the pork belly in the air fryer, skin side up. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Crisp the Skin: Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 5-10 minutes until the skin is crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve: Slice the pork belly and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed rice and kimchi.

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Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

These bite-sized pieces are perfect for appetizers or snacks. They’re crispy, flavorful, and incredibly addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

1. Season the Pork Belly: In a bowl, toss the pork belly cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes.
3. Cook: Place the pork belly cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Serve: Remove the pork belly bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as BBQ, ranch, or sriracha mayo.

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Air Fryer Pork Belly with Apple Slaw

This recipe pairs crispy pork belly with a refreshing apple slaw for a balanced and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin on
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Apple Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pork Belly: Follow the basic air fryer pork belly recipe (see above) to cook the pork belly.
2. Make the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and apple slices. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and apples, tossing to coat.
3. Serve: Slice the pork belly and serve it alongside the apple slaw.

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Conclusion

Air fryer pork belly is a game-changer for anyone who loves this indulgent cut of meat. With its ability to deliver crispy, juicy results in a fraction of the time, the air fryer is the perfect tool for cooking pork belly. Whether you prefer it simple, sweet, spicy, or bite-sized, there’s a recipe here for everyone. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality pork belly at home