Description
How to make crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites with tender meat and golden skin that are ready in under 30 minutes for an irresistible snack.
Ingredients
- Base/Main components:
- 2 lbs boneless, skin-on pork belly
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Seasonings/Spices:
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Flavor builders:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Finishing/Toppings:
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly dry, then score the skin in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat. Cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes for your Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. This ensures maximum crispiness.
- Season Dry: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to create a uniform seasoning blend. This dry rub will infuse deep flavor into the pork.
- Coat & Toss: Drizzle the cubed pork belly with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle the dry seasoning blend over the pork, tossing thoroughly until every Air Fryer Pork Belly Bite is evenly seasoned.
- Air Fry First: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange pork belly in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 15 minutes to render the fat and start the crisping process.
- Glaze & Crisp: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ground ginger. Toss the partially cooked Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites with this glaze. Return to air fryer, increase temperature to 400°F (200°C), and cook for another 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the crispy pork belly bites to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a final touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your irresistible snack!
Notes
Ensure two-stage air frying temperatures and single-layer arrangement for ultimate crispiness and proper fat rendering.
Store cooled pork belly bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; reheat in the air fryer.
Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free option; coconut aminos also work but alter the flavor slightly.
Serve these crispy bites warm, straight from the air fryer, ideally with sriracha mayo or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Prep ahead by scoring, cubing, and dry seasoning pork belly; refrigerate up to 24 hours, then cook and glaze before serving.
**Allergy Information:** Soy, Gluten, Sesame