Perfect Pork Belly Air Fryer Recipe – Crispy, Juicy, Easy and Delicious

The pork belly air fryer recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. To make this dish, start by selecting fresh pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. Score the skin lightly and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite spices or a marinade of soy sauce and honey for extra flavor. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), place the pork belly skin-side up in the basket, and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping. The result is a perfectly golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat beneath. This method is quicker and healthier than traditional frying, thanks to the reduced oil usage. Perfect as a main course or a snack, this Pork Belly Air Fryer Recipe is sure to impress at your next meal or gathering.

Perfect Pork Belly Air Fryer Recipe – Crispy, Juicy, Easy and Delicious

Pork belly is a rich, flavorful cut of meat known for its tender, juicy texture and mouth-watering crispy skin. It has grown in popularity in recent years as an indulgent yet simple dish to prepare at home. While traditionally roasted in an oven or pan-fried, the air fryer offers a modern and convenient way to achieve perfectly crispy pork belly with minimal effort. The air fryer utilizes hot circulating air to cook the pork belly, allowing it to crisp up beautifully on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this air fryer pork belly recipe will deliver the best results with a crispy crust, flavorful meat, and a quick prep time.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 35 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 per serving (estimate, based on standard portion sizes)

Cuisines: American, Asian
Course: Main Course, Appetizer

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Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork belly (skin on, preferably with a layer of fat)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil of choice)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for a savory umami kick)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional for garnish)

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife (for scoring the pork belly skin)
• Tongs or a spatula
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Paper towels (for drying the pork belly)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

1. Score the skin: Start by patting the pork belly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Use a sharp knife to carefully score the skin of the pork belly in a criss-cross pattern, making sure not to cut too deeply into the fat layer beneath the skin. This will help the fat render properly and allow the skin to crisp up.
2. Season the Pork Belly: Rub the pork belly all over with olive oil, making sure to cover the skin and meat evenly. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and any optional ingredients (soy sauce and honey). Rub this seasoning mixture generously over both the skin and the meat, making sure it gets into the scored cuts.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the pork belly will cook evenly and crisp up quickly once placed inside.

Step 3: Cook the Pork Belly

1. Place the seasoned pork belly into the air fryer basket, skin side up. Make sure the pieces don’t overlap to allow for maximum airflow, which is key to getting a crispy result.
2. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the pork belly for about 25–30 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, check the pork belly. If it’s browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prevent burning. You may also want to flip the pork belly halfway through the cooking time for more even crispiness, but this is optional depending on your air fryer’s performance.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

The pork belly is done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). This ensures that the fat has rendered properly and that the meat is tender. If you have a meat thermometer, use it to check the internal temperature. If you don’t have one, simply pierce the meat with a knife—if it’s fork-tender and the skin is crispy, it’s ready.

Step 5: Rest the Pork Belly

Once the pork belly is cooked, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring it remains tender and moist. Resting also helps the skin remain crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces or serve in larger chunks, depending on your preference. Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an added flavor boost, and serve it alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

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Nutrition:

While pork belly is undeniably indulgent, it’s packed with protein and healthy fats when cooked properly. The nutritional breakdown per serving (1/4 of the recipe) is approximately:

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g (from honey, if used)

This recipe is keto-friendly and low-carb, thanks to the high-fat, high-protein content. However, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to the richness of the pork belly.

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Why Choose the Air Fryer for Pork Belly?

The air fryer is an excellent appliance for cooking pork belly for several reasons:

• Crispy Texture: The rapid hot air circulation of the air fryer helps to render the fat from the pork belly, resulting in beautifully crispy skin without the need for deep frying or lengthy roasting.
• Even Cooking: The air fryer ensures that the pork belly cooks evenly from all sides, producing consistently tender and juicy meat inside.
• Faster Cooking: Compared to traditional methods like roasting or slow cooking, the air fryer can cut down cooking time by as much as 50%. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Less Mess: Air frying pork belly means no need to deal with splattering oil or fat. The air fryer contains the mess, making clean-up much easier.

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Serving Suggestions:

Pork belly can be enjoyed in various ways, and you can pair it with a wide range of sides and condiments:

• Sauces: A tangy apple cider vinegar sauce or a soy-based dipping sauce can complement the rich flavors of the pork belly.
• Sides: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes pair beautifully with the savory richness of pork belly. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh green salad.
• Appetizer: Cut the pork belly into smaller pieces and serve it as a crispy appetizer with a spicy dipping sauce or a drizzle of honey for contrast.

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Conclusion:

This pork belly air fryer recipe is perfect for anyone looking to cook a quick and delicious meal with minimal effort. By following simple steps and using the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy, flavorful pork belly that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy the tender, juicy meat and crispy skin in every bite!