Description
Experience the ultimate in crispy, juicy pork belly with this easy air fryer recipe. Perfectly balanced between tender meat and crackling skin, this pork belly is seasoned to perfection and cooked in the air fryer to achieve maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, slicing it for tacos, or adding it to a salad, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality experience to your home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pork belly (cut into 1-inch cubes or strips)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt (for crispy skin)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for enhanced flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a savory touch)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for smoky color and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, helps with extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Prep the Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly pieces dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps in achieving crispier skin.
- Score the Skin: Using a sharp knife, score the pork belly skin lightly in a crisscross pattern. This will allow the fat to render and the skin to crisp up.
- Season: Rub salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly on each pork belly piece. Optionally, add a small amount of olive oil for an extra crispy finish.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Cook: Place the seasoned pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pork belly rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Scoring the Skin: Make sure to score the skin lightly to prevent cutting too deep into the meat.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the pork belly pieces. Adjust as needed to achieve the desired crispiness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice, add to tacos, or slice thinly for a salad topping.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: lunch
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 15g