Transform pork into mouthwatering bites with my air fryer pork belly recipe. With a handful of simple ingredients and 25 minutes, you can air fry pork belly bites that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or warm appetizer for a crowd.
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Make the most flavorful pork dish with one of my favorite easy air fryer recipes. Air fry pork belly with brown sugar and spices for the ultimate pork belly appetizer! Serve these scrumptious bites alongside more of my favorite appetizers. Elevate your appetizer game with air fryer pork belly bites! For another juicy pork recipe, air fry thin pork chops for a quick dinner idea.
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About Air Fryer Pork Belly
Air fried pork belly combines a crispy texture with savory flavor to create the perfect bite. The inspiration for this crispy pork belly air fryer recipe came from an appetizer I enjoyed at one of my favorite restaurants.
I chose air frying as the cooking method because it cooks the pork belly faster, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet dish in a fraction of the time. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Using an air fryer requires less oil compared to traditional frying methods. As a result, the pork belly develops a deliciously crispy exterior while remaining juicy on the inside.
Initially, I intended to serve this as an appetizer, but I recreated the recipe using one pound of pork belly, which made enough for dinner. My husband loved the meal so much that he now asks for it regularly.
Ingredients
- Pork belly is a richly marbled cut of tender meat, similar to bacon. Pork belly tastes rich and savory with slightly sweet and salty notes. The fat in pork belly helps to keep the meat moist and enhances its flavor, creating a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. I buy pork belly in stripes then cut them into 1 inch cubes.
- Olive oil helps to make the pork belly crispy.
- Brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness and helps create a crispy crust on the pork belly.
- Seasonings: I use garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika as well as salt and black pepper when cooking pork belly in the air fryer.
Variations
Pork belly is a versatile cut of meat that absorbs flavors well. Whether you prefer a simple seasoning or a complex marinade, this air fryer pork belly recipe can be customized to suit any taste.
For flavor variations, try brushing the meat with your favorite BBQ sauce or soak them in an Asian marinade before cooking.
How to Cook Pork Belly in Air Fryer
Learn how to cook pork belly in air fryer with these simple steps. Get ready for the perfect bite!
Step 1: Pat dry the pork belly using paper towels. Slice pork into 1 inch cubes using a sharp knife. Place pork belly cubes into a large mixing bowl with olive oil, brown sugar and spices.
Step 2: In the mixing bowl, stir ingredients until the pork belly pieces are coated on all sides.
Step 3: Place pork belly bites into an air fryer in a single layer.
Step 4: Air fry pork belly bites, flipping halfway through, until crispy and tender. Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Serve crispy air fryer pork belly as a meal with a side dish or as an easy warm appetizer for any occasion.
Expert Tips
Pat dry. Before seasoning, pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the pork belly become crispier during cooking.
Preheat the air fryer. This ensures that the bites start cooking immediately and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the pork bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
Serving Suggestions
These air fried pork belly bites are crispy, tender, and the ultimate pork belly appetizer for any event. I like to arrange the bites on a platter with these skewers on the side for easy eating.
I also serve pork belly as the main protein of a meal. As a meal, serve pork belly over rice or noodles and with a vegetable or fresh salad. Pork belly also tastes great with breakfast food.
Recipe FAQs
Store leftover pork belly bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed pork belly for even cooking and crispy texture. If using frozen pork belly, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before air frying.
Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the pork belly helps ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Easy Air Fryer Recipes
If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!
Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
Save this Recipe!
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork belly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
- Cut pork belly into 1 inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add olive oil, brown sugar, and spices to the mixing bowl with the pork belly. Stir well to combine and coat all sides of the pork belly cubes.
- Place pork belly cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
- This recipe serves 4 people as a meal or 8 people as an appetizer.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork belly. Aim for 160°F to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Let the pork belly bites rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
Bob
Love this
Angela Lietzke
Great, thanks for letting me know!
Hank
I can’t get enough of these! I made them for dinner and had a few later which made for a really fun snack!