Air-Fryer Pork Belly Goodness: Crispy, Juicy, and Effortless

Pork belly is a decadent cut of meat known for its rich layers of fat and tender meat. When cooked properly, it becomes irresistibly crispy on the outside while remaining melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. The air fryer makes this process easier than ever, delivering perfect results with minimal effort.

In this article, we’ll cover three delicious air-fryer pork belly recipes: Classic Crispy Pork Belly, Honey-Glazed Pork Belly Bites, and Spicy Korean-Inspired Pork Belly. Each recipe includes precise cooking times and temperatures to ensure success.

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1. Classic Crispy Air-Fryer Pork Belly

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ optional drying time)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin-on

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Pork Belly

1. Dry the Skin (Optional but Recommended):

   • Pat the pork belly skin completely dry with paper towels.

   • For extra crispiness, leave it uncovered in the fridge for 1–2 hours (or overnight) to dry out the skin.

2. Score the Skin:

   • Use a sharp knife to lightly score the skin in a crosshatch pattern (about ¼-inch deep). This helps render the fat and crisp up the skin.

3. Season:

   • Rub salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika all over the pork belly, including the skin.

Step 2: Air Fry

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.

2. Place the pork belly skin-side up in the air fryer basket.

3. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy.

   • Pro Tip: If the skin isn’t crispy enough, blast it at 400°F (200°C) for an extra 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Rest & Serve

• Let the pork belly rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

• Serve with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

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2. Honey-Glazed Pork Belly Bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ginger, grated

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Pork Belly

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

2. Add pork belly cubes and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Air Fry

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place pork belly cubes in the air fryer in a single layer.

3. Cook for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

   • Optional: Brush with extra glaze halfway through for extra stickiness.

Step 3: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

• Serve as an appetizer or over rice for a full meal.

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3. Spicy Korean-Inspired Air-Fryer Pork Belly

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating time)
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork belly, sliced into thin strips

• 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ginger, grated

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

• Green onions, sliced

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Pork Belly

1. In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

2. Add pork belly strips and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for best flavor).

Step 2: Air Fry

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).

2. Place pork belly strips in the air fryer in a single layer.

3. Cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and slightly charred.

Step 3: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

• Serve with lettuce wraps, kimchi, and steamed rice.

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Why Air-Fryer Pork Belly Works So Well

• Faster Cooking: The air fryer crisps the pork belly in half the time of an oven.

• Less Mess: No splattering oil like with pan-frying.

• Perfect Texture: The circulating hot air ensures even crisping without drying out the meat.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Classic Crispy Pork Belly: Pair with apple sauce, mashed potatoes, or a tangy slaw.

• Honey-Glazed Bites: Great as a party snack or with fried rice.

• Korean-Inspired Pork Belly: Serve with ssamjang (dipping sauce), grilled veggies, or in bao buns.

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Final Tips for the Best Air-Fryer Pork Belly

✅ Pat the Skin Dry – The drier the skin, the crispier the result.
✅ Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches if needed for even crisping.
✅ Adjust Cooking Time – Thicker cuts may need an extra 2–3 minutes.
✅ Let It Rest – Allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

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Conclusion

Air-fryer pork belly is a game-changer—easy, quick, and consistently delicious. Whether you prefer the classic crispy version, sweet honey-glazed bites, or spicy Korean-style, these recipes guarantee mouthwatering results every time.

Which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

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Enjoy your air-fryer pork belly adventure! 🍖🔥