Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites will be your new go-to for a flavorful, meaty treat! They’re incredibly delicious and come together in just 20 minutes with a perfect crispy exterior and tender, juicy inside. Perfect for any meal or snack time!
If you love this recipe, check out Teriyaki Pork Bites or Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends next!
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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
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and cooking time make this perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile: They can be used in dishes like salads, tacos, and rice bowls.
- Deliciously Juicy: The air fryer locks in flavors, ensuring juicy and flavorful bites every time.
What Is Pork Belly?
Pork belly is a rich, fatty cut from the underside of a pig. Known for its succulent texture and deep flavor, it’s a favorite in many Asian dishes, such as Sticky Chinese Pork Belly and Korean-style Pork Belly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Pork belly. I bought skinless pork belly slices at Costco, which I then diced into 1-inch sections. You can also buy a slab of pork belly and dice it into 1-inch cubes.
- Olive oil helps the seasonings stick and makes the meat super crispy. You can also use avocado oil or canola oil.
- 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 also add some cayenne pepper for a bit of heat if you like.
How To Make Air Fryer Pork Belly
- Prep the Pork Belly: Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Season: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chili powder. Toss the pork belly cubes in olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Marinate: Place seasoned pork in a large Ziploc bag or covered container. Refrigerate for 2-8 hours to let flavors meld.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange pork belly in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temp should be 145°F).
Pro Tip: If the cubes are touching, it's okay. The meat will shrink as it cooks, resulting in more space between it.
- Rest and Serve: Let the cooked pork belly rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sweet chili, hoisin, or BBQ sauce.
Variations to Try
- Asian-Inspired: Marinate in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or a spicy seasoning blend.
- Teriyaki Style: Toss in teriyaki sauce for a sticky glaze.
- Korean-Inspired: Use gochujang, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a Korean twist.
- Maple-Glazed: Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet flavor.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can then be reheated in the air fryer until hot and crispy.
Jeri's Tips
- Cook the pork belly in a single layer in the air fryer; don't pile it on top of each other. Cook in batches if needed.
- Flip the pork belly halfway through cooking to ensure it crisps up evenly on all sides.
- If you like your pork belly extra crispy, cook it an extra minute or two.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Experiment with different spices and herbs.
Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch, but you will need to cook it in batches.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these crispy pork belly bites with:
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
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- Jeri
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
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
Instructions
- Prep the Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Season: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and black pepper. Toss the pork belly cubes in olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Marinate: Place the seasoned pork in a large Ziploc bag or covered container. Refrigerate for 2-8 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F.
- Air Fry: Arrange the pork belly in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temp should be 145°F). Cook in batches if necessary.
- Rest and Serve: Let the cooked pork belly rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like sweet chili, hoisin, or BBQ sauce.
Recipe Notes:
- Crispier Bites: For extra crispy pork belly, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
- Alternative Seasoning: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or a sweet and spicy blend.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving Ideas: These bites are great in tacos, rice bowls, or even as a topping for salads.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
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