If you’re a fan of crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, this Air Fryer Pork Belly recipe will quickly become a favorite. The air fryer offers a convenient way to achieve that perfect crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. No need for a complicated setup—just simple ingredients and a little patience as you let the air fryer work its magic.
Pork belly is a rich and flavorful cut of meat, but getting it just right can be tricky. With the air fryer, you can get that crispy, golden exterior without the hassle of deep frying. This method is not only easier but healthier too, as it requires less oil, and the result is irresistibly delicious.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Pork Belly: The star of the dish, pork belly is a rich, fatty cut of meat that becomes tender and juicy when cooked properly. For the best results, use a piece of pork belly with an even layer of fat and meat. This balance ensures both the crispiness on the outside and the tender, juicy interior.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps in creating a golden, crispy exterior. It’s also a healthy fat, adding flavor and moisture to the pork belly as it cooks.
Garlic Powder: A key seasoning that adds a savory depth to the flavor profile of the pork belly. The garlic powder infuses the meat with aromatic richness that perfectly complements its richness.
Onion Powder: A mild, slightly sweet flavor enhancer that pairs beautifully with garlic powder. Onion powder gives the pork belly an extra layer of savory goodness.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors in the pork belly. Salt helps to season the meat evenly, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the pork belly without overwhelming it.
Five-Spice Powder (Optional): A warm, aromatic spice mix that adds complexity to the flavor of the pork belly. It’s optional, but it can elevate the dish with a hint of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients List
- 1 to 1.5 pounds of pork belly, skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Belly
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Start by patting the pork belly dry with paper towels. This will help to ensure the skin crisps up beautifully. If the pork belly has a thick layer of skin, score the skin in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife—this will allow the fat to render properly and create that crispy texture.
Step 2: Season the Pork Belly
Rub the pork belly with olive oil, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, generously sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and five-spice powder (if using) over both sides of the pork belly. Massage the seasoning into the meat and skin for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Air Fry the Pork Belly
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the pork belly into the air fryer basket, skin side up. Air fry for about 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pork belly. Halfway through, check on the pork belly, and if needed, flip it over to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Crisp the Skin
After 25 minutes, check the pork belly for crispiness. If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently. Once the skin is golden and crispy, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice the pork belly into 1-inch thick pieces. The skin should be crispy, and the meat inside should be tender and juicy. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Pat the Pork Belly Dry: Make sure to dry the skin well with paper towels. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get.
- Use the Right Cut of Pork Belly: Choose a piece of pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. Too much fat can make it greasy, while too little may not result in the desired tenderness.
- Scoring the Skin: Scoring the skin helps the fat render more evenly and allows for a crispier texture. Just be careful not to cut too deep into the meat.
- Season Well: Don’t be afraid to go heavy on the seasoning. Pork belly is a fatty cut, and a generous seasoning helps balance out the richness.
- Check Frequently: Pork belly can burn quickly, especially if you’re cooking it at high temperatures. Keep an eye on it, especially during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe with boneless pork belly?
A: Yes, you can use boneless pork belly, but the cooking time may be slightly shorter since there’s less fat and bone to cook through. Make sure to monitor the crispiness of the skin.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover air fryer pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp the skin.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the pork belly on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. You can also use a broiler for the last few minutes to get the skin extra crispy.
Q: How do I know when the pork belly is cooked through?
A: The pork belly should reach an internal temperature of 180°F (82°C) for optimal tenderness. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Pork Belly—crispy, juicy, and absolutely delicious!