Air Fryer Pork Belly
This simple air fryer pork belly recipe is great for making and enjoying this indulgent snack. It’s meaty, crispy, smothered in a sticky, salty marinade that sets the flavors off perfectly!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthier Option: Pork belly isn’t healthy, but making it in the air fryer over the traditional frying method might make you feel better about indulging in this amazing snack.
Perfect Crisp: Crispy pork belly is the key to its deliciousness. Using an air fryer will get it crispy on all sides!
Easy to Make: This air fryer method is quick and simple. Once your pork belly has had time to marinate, it will only take 15 minutes to have these ready to devour!
Ingredients Needed to Make Air Fryer Pork Belly
Pick up some pork belly from your local grocery store and make these crispy pork belly nuggets. You should have everything else in your pantry. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.
Pork Belly: The main protein that is perfect for absorbing flavor and having the perfect crisp from the air fryer.
Soy Sauce: Gives the marinade a nice salty umami flavor.
Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the marinade stick to the pork belly.
Brown Sugar: Provides a sweet, sticky depth of flavor.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds is a sauce that is both sweet and tangy.
Sesame Oil: Gives the marinade an earthy, nutty flavor.
Ground Ginger: The best complement to salty pork with its refreshing bit of spice.
Minced Garlic: Always gives the best savory flavor that is unmatched!
Rice Vinegar: Helps tenderize the meat and balance the flavors.
Garnish: Sesame seeds and sliced green onion.
How to Make the Best Crispy Pork Belly
This recipe comes together quickly and easily. The air fryer doesn’t take much time to cook these delectable pieces of pork belly perfectly crispy. Woo, that was a mouthful! Follow my instructions to get these yummies in your mouth!
Cut the Pork Belly: Using a sharp knife, cut the pork belly into 1-inch bite-size pieces.
Whisk the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, hoisin, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and vinegar, then whisk to combine.
Marinate: Add the pork belly pieces to the bowl with the marinade, then stir to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Air Fry: Place the marinated pork belly pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry the pork belly at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. Open to shake or flip the pieces every few minutes. This will ensure they get crispy all over! Increase the time or temperature if needed to help crisp the pieces to your liking.
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Tips and Variations
Here are some of my best tips and variations for you to make this recipe turn out how you like!
Temperature: The safe cooking temperature of pork belly is when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flavor Variations: Instead of my Asian-inspired marinade, you cold marinate and baste your pork belly bites in my BBQ sauce or katsu sauce.
Serving ideas: Serve these air fryer pork belly bites on their own, as an appetizer, or over rice or noodles for a full meal! This recipe is also incredible inside my bao buns recipe!
Make it Spicy: Season or garnish with red pepper flakes or serve with a drizzle of sriracha sauce!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Heating leftovers in the air fryer is one of my favorite ways to use my air fryer. It heats and perfectly crisps these air fryer pork belly and is way faster than the oven!
In the Refrigerator: Allow the leftover pork belly to cool, and then place it in an airtight container.
In the Freezer: To freeze cooked and cooled air fryer pork belly, wrap it in plastic wrap first, then freeze it in an airtight container or sealed bag for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or air fryer, but the air fryer way is my favorite! Place the pork belly piece in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated thoroughly.