Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly

This air fryer pork belly bites recipe transforms a traditionally indulgent cut into crispy, flavorful morsels with significantly less oil than deep frying. The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory garlic creates an irresistible coating that caramelizes perfectly in the air fryer.

I discovered this cooking technique during a weekend when I was craving something crispy but didn't want the hassle of deep frying. My family now requests these pork belly bites almost weekly as both an appetizer and a protein for rice bowls.

Ingredients

• Pork belly: Select a piece with good meat to fat ratio for the best flavor and texture
• Canola oil: Helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior while handling high heat well
• Brown sugar: Creates beautiful caramelization and balances the richness of the pork
• Garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor without burning like fresh garlic might
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps create a crispy exterior
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the sweet and savory elements

How To Make Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Warm your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for creating crispy exteriors. This typically takes about 3 minutes depending on your model.

Create The Seasoning Mixture:

Combine the oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until thoroughly blended. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the pork while also promoting crispiness.

Coat The Pork Belly:

Add your dried and cut pork belly pieces to the seasoning mixture ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Use your hands or tongs to toss the pieces for even coverage.

Arrange In Air Fryer:

Place the seasoned pork belly pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket making sure not to overcrowd. Air needs to circulate around each piece for maximum crispiness.

Air Fry To Perfection:

Cook for 18 to 20 minutes stopping once or twice to shake the basket and flip the pieces. Look for a deep golden brown color and crispy exterior with tender meat inside.

Serve Immediately:

For maximum crispiness enjoy these bites right after cooking when they're still warm and at their textural best.

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The brown sugar in this recipe is my secret weapon. I discovered its transformative power accidentally when I ran out of my usual honey glaze. The sugar creates a beautiful caramelization that my children now say makes these bites taste like candy for dinner, though much more sophisticated.

Storage And Reheating

These pork belly bites keep remarkably well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. The air fryer reheating method preserves the texture much better than microwave reheating, which tends to make them rubbery.

Customizing Your Flavors

While the basic recipe provides excellent results, you can easily adapt the flavor profile. For an Asian-inspired version, add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of five-spice powder to the coating mix. For a spicy version, incorporate a teaspoon of cayenne or chili powder. A maple version works wonderfully by substituting the brown sugar with real maple syrup. The versatility of pork belly allows it to pair beautifully with countless flavor combinations.

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Serving Suggestions

These crispy pork belly bites shine in so many contexts. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like sweet chili or hoisin. Add them to ramen or rice bowls for a protein boost with incredible texture contrast. They also make an outstanding topping for salads, offering rich flavor and satisfying crunch against fresh vegetables. For a complete meal, pair them with steamed vegetables and rice for a balanced plate that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Pork Belly

If your pork belly isn't getting crispy enough, try cutting the pieces slightly smaller to increase surface area. Also, make sure you're not overcrowding the air fryer basket as proper air circulation is essential for developing that perfect crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What size should the pork belly pieces be for air frying?

The pork belly should be cut into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

→ Why is it important to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating ensures that the pork belly begins cooking evenly and crisps up properly from the start.

→ Can I substitute another oil for canola oil?

Yes, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable oil or avocado oil as a substitute.

→ How do I prevent the pork belly from sticking in the air fryer?

Ensure the pork belly is well coated in oil and lay the pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the basket.

→ Can I make these pork belly bites ahead of time?

You can prepare the pork belly bites ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

→ How long should I shake or flip the pieces during cooking?

Shake or flip the pork belly pieces every 5-7 minutes to ensure even crisping on all sides.