Name: Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1½ pounds pork belly (skin removed); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper

These crispy air fryer pork belly bites have the perfect combination of crackling exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior and are ready in just 20 minutes! Whether served with dipping sauces or added to your favorite dishes, they'll disappear faster than you can make them.

Crispy pork belly bites in the air fryer basket, garnished with green onion.

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As a seasoned recipe developer who's developed dozens and dozens of air fryer recipes, I'm excited to share this quick recipe for perfect pork belly every time. The combination of the savory spices and high-heat cooking creates textures and flavors that rival any restaurant.

If you love this air fryer pork belly recipe, you'll also want to try Teriyaki Pork Bites or Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends next!

Reader Review

Here’s what readers on Pinterest are saying:

"Came out so good. I made banh mi bowls by adding cilantro, jalapenos, pickled carrots and cucumbers. AMAZING!!!"

- Jendayi

Ingredients for Recipe

Air fryer pork belly bites ingredients measured and and placed on a wooden table.

Before we get to the step-by-step instructions, a few notes about the ingredients and useful substitutions:

Pork belly. I use skinless pork belly slices from Costco, cut into 1-inch cubes. The rich fat content creates incredible flavor and juiciness when air-fried. If you can only find whole pork belly, slice it into even pieces with a sharp knife.
Olive oil. It helps the seasonings adhere to the meat while promoting that beautiful, crispy texture we're after. You can substitute avocado oil if you prefer.
Pork belly rub. You can use your favorite homemade dry rub or make your own. My Homemade Chicken Rub and Pork Rub are great options as well. But I wanted something a little different, so I made my own pork belly rub, which consists of kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. You could add some cayenne pepper for some heat if you like.

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card below.

How To Make Pork Belly Bites in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prep the Pork Belly

Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes.

Diced pork belly in a stainless steel bowl.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Combine brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chili powder in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the pork belly cubes with olive oil, then toss them in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.

The pork belly bites in a stainless steel bowl, topped with the dry rub.

Seasoned pork belly bites in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Marinate (Optional)

For deeper flavor, place the seasoned pork belly in a covered container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for 2-8 hours. This step is optional but recommended if time allows.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't worry if they touch slightly—they'll shrink as they cook.

Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The pork belly is done when the exterior is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Seasoned pork belly bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Flip the pork belly bites halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the cooked pork belly bites rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum flavor.

The crispy pork belly bites on a white serving platter and garnished with green onion.

Dipping Sauces That Pair Perfectly

These versatile pork belly bites are delicious with various sauces like:

Sweet chili sauce for a spicy-sweet kick.
Peanut Hoisin Sauce for Asian-inspired flavor.
BBQ sauce for classic smoky notes.
Soy sauce mixed with honey and garlic for umami flavor.

Creative Ways to Serve Air Fryer Pork Belly

Beyond enjoying these as an appetizer, try:

Asian-Inspired Bowls: Serve over White Rice with vegetables and soy sauce.
Loaded Salads: Add to fresh greens for a protein boost.
Tacos or Burritos: Use as a flavorful filling with your favorite toppings.
Ramen or Noodles: Top your soup or noodle dishes for added protein.
Grain Bowls: Combine with quinoa or farro and roasted vegetables.

Can I make air fryer pork belly bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the pork belly cubes up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. You can also store leftover cooked pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat it in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 380°F to restore crispiness.

What's the best way to check if pork belly is cooked properly?

Use an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 145°F. Visually, the exterior should be golden brown and crispy, while the interior remains juicy.

Can I use these same instructions for other air fryer models?

Absolutely! While I use an Instant Pot Vortex air fryer, this recipe works in any model. However, the cooking times may vary slightly between different brands and sizes, so it's a good idea to check doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe states.

Reader Review

Ingredients for Recipe