Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
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.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 648kcal
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. If it has not already been precut, use a sharp knife to cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Season: In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chili powder. Drizzle pork belly with olive oil, then toss in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
- Marinate (Optional): For deeper flavor, place seasoned pork belly in a covered container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for 2-8 hours.
- Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook: Arrange seasoned pork belly in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time. The pork belly is done when golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Rest: Let the pork belly bites rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to redistribute the juices.
- Serve: Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a larger dish.
Notes
Air Fryer Tips for Success
- For maximum crispiness, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Every air fryer cooks slightly differently. If using a model different from an Instant Pot Vortex air fryer, check the doneness a few minutes early.
- If you prefer extra crispy pork belly, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Flavor Variations
- Asian-Inspired: Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon ginger powder, and 1 tablespoon honey to the seasoning mix.
- Spicy: Increase chili powder or add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
- Herb-Forward: Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary to the seasoning.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy.
Nutrition
Calories: 648kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 31g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 226IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
