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There’s something truly transformative about the sound of pork belly sizzling away in an air fryer. Not only does it bring back memories of family gatherings, but it also promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. I stumbled across this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly recipe during one of those weeks when takeout just wasn’t cutting it—my cravings were too bold for bland fast food.

With its rich flavors, tender pork, and a gloriously crispy crackle that celebrates the essence of traditional Chinese roast pork, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen. The best part? It’s so easy that even the busiest weeknight dinners can be graced with a touch of elegance. Perfect for impressing your guests or indulging in a hearty meal on your own, this recipe elevates comfort food into a delightful culinary adventure—all while using minimal effort. So, grab your air fryer and let’s dive into this mouthwatering journey!

Why is Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly a Must-Try?

Flavor Explosion: Every bite bursts with rich, savory goodness that beautifully mirrors the classic dish.

Crispy Delight: The air fryer ensures that iconic crackling skin without the need for complicated techniques.

Time-Saving: Forget the hours of roasting—this recipe is ready in about an hour!

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or serving guests; it never fails to impress.

Versatility: Use it in various dishes, from bowls to sandwiches, to amp up your meal game.

Elevate your cooking with this impressive yet easy recipe that’ll have you feeling like a pro in your kitchen!

Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Ingredients

For the Pork
• Pork Belly – Look for a center cut, skin-on slab to achieve that tender and rich flavor.
• Shaoxing Wine – Adds depth and a hint of sweetness; dry sherry works as a fantastic substitute!

For the Seasoning
• Five-Spice Powder – This key seasoning introduces warmth and complexity to the dish; no direct substitutes, but a mix of cinnamon, star anise, and ginger can be used.
• Salt – Essential for flavor; opt for kosher salt for both the meat and the skin.
• White Pepper – Offers a mild heat and unique aroma; you can switch it out for black pepper if desired.
• Garlic Powder – Infuses savory depth; fresh garlic can be used instead, but cooking time may vary.
• Sugar – Balances flavors and aids in achieving a beautifully caramelized skin; any granulated sugar will do.

For Crispiness
• Rice Vinegar – This is used to brush over the skin to help get that irresistible crispiness; apple cider vinegar can serve as a substitute.
• Kosher Salt (for skin) – A thick layer helps create a perfect crispy texture; ensure even distribution for the best results.

Bring the amazing flavors of Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly to your table with these simple ingredients!

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly

Prepare Pork: Pat the pork belly skin dry with paper towels. Using a fork or meat tenderizer, poke small holes in the skin—be careful not to pierce the meat underneath. This helps render fat for maximum crispiness.
Score Meat: Flip the pork belly so the skin side is facing up. Score the meat side in 1-inch strips, ensuring you don’t cut through to the skin. This step helps the seasoning penetrate the meat beautifully.
Season: In a mixing bowl, combine five-spice powder, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper. Rub this mixture generously into the meat, avoiding the skin to keep it crisp.
Wrap and Prepare Skin: Tightly wrap the seasoned pork in foil. Lightly brush the skin with rice vinegar, then generously pack kosher salt over it to help achieve that perfect crackling texture.
Bake at Low Temp: Place the pork belly in the air fryer set to 250°F (121°C) and cook for 30 minutes. After this low-temp cooking, carefully remove the salt and any residue from the skin.
Finish at High Temp: Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C). Lightly brush the skin with cooking oil and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Broil for a few extra minutes if you desire even more crunch!
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.

Optional: Serve with a drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Variations

Customize your dish with these delightful twists that enhance the rich flavors and textures of your crispy pork belly!

Dairy-Free: Replace any butter it might need with olive oil or avocado oil for a healthy alternative.
Feel free to keep things light and wholesome—these swaps maintain the dish’s integrity.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate chili flakes or Szechuan pepper into the seasoning for heat and flavor depth.
A touch of spice will awaken your taste buds and make every bite feel like a culinary adventure!
Sweet & Savory: Glaze the pork with hoisin sauce during the last few minutes for a sweet, sticky finish.
This addition cleverly mimics traditional Chinese flavors while adding a finger-licking sweetness.
Herbaceous Infusion: Introduce fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions as a garnish after cooking for a vibrant freshness.
This not only elevates the visual appeal but also adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pork belly.
Garlic Lovers’ Upgrade: Swap garlic powder for roasted garlic for a deeper, more aromatic undertone.
The sweet, caramelized notes of roasted garlic can take this dish from extraordinary to unforgettable!
Crispy Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for an added layer of texture and flavor.
These little gems enhance the crunchiness while bringing a nutty flavor that complements the pork beautifully.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Make sure your sauces and seasonings are labeled gluten-free to keep this dish inclusive for all diets.
You can enjoy a traditional flavor without compromising dietary restrictions!
Zesty Citrus: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the marinade for a refreshing, bright contrast to the savory meat.
This lively twist adds a citrusy brightness that balances the richness and makes it stand out during family meals!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly?

Imagine a meal that tingles your taste buds and leaves you craving for more. The delightful crunch and succulent flavor of crispy pork belly deserves an equally delicious accompaniment.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice acts as the perfect canvas, absorbing flavorful juices while balancing the richness of the pork.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Crisp and vibrant, this veggie dish adds a refreshing crunch and provides essential nutrients, making it a wonderful contrast.
Sweet and Sour Sauce: A tangy dip elevates the dish, cutting through the richness of the pork belly for a delightful flavor explosion.
Chinese Cucumber Salad: The cool, crunchy cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil bring a fresh element that lightens the meal.
Soy Sauce for Dipping: A simple drizzle of soy sauce enhances the savory notes, offering a simple yet classic pairing.
Chili Oil: For a spicy kick, drizzle this aromatic oil over your pork belly, adding depth and warmth to every bite.

When you combine these sides with the Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly, you create a meal that’s not just satisfying but also unforgettable, inviting family and friends to gather around the table.

Expert Tips for Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly

Dry Skin is Key: Ensure your pork belly skin is thoroughly dried with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving that golden, crackly finish without any sogginess.
Perfect Hole Poking: When poking holes in the skin, do so gently and avoid piercing the meat. This technique helps render fat effectively for maximum crispiness.
Refrigerate for Crispiness: If you notice moisture on the skin, consider air drying the pork belly uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. This boosts the crunch factor significantly.
Timing Matters: Keep an eye on the cooking time at high temperatures; every air fryer is different, so check the skin regularly to avoid overcooking.
Baste for Extra Crunch: For an enhanced crispy skin, lightly baste the skin with a small amount of cooking oil during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Enjoy making your Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly even more delicious with these helpful tips!

Make Ahead Options

These Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly preparations are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy crispy, tender pork with minimal fuss! You can season and wrap the pork belly up to 24 hours in advance; simply keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, poke the skin and score the meat ahead of time to save effort later. When you’re ready to cook, place the wrapped pork in the air fryer at low temperature to start the slow process, then increase the heat for that perfect crispy finish. Resting the pork after cooking ensures it remains just as delicious and juicy when served!

Storage Tips for Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to maintain that crispy texture.
Freezer: Wrap the pork belly tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Defrosting: When ready to enjoy, defrost the Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly in the fridge overnight for the best flavor retention.
Reheating: For the ultimate crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes prior to serving!

Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Recipe FAQs

What type of pork belly should I choose for the best results?
Look for a center-cut, skin-on slab of pork belly to ensure you get that perfect balance of tender meat and crunchy skin. The quality of the pork belly plays a big role in the final taste, so sourcing it from a reliable butcher or grocery store can make a wonderful difference!

How should I store leftovers from the Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat and maintain the dish’s crispy texture, pop the slices back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This quick reheating method revives that delicious crunch!

Can I freeze the Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly? How?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap portions of the pork belly tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat following the earlier advice for crispy perfection.

What should I do if the skin isn’t crispy?
If you find your pork belly skin isn’t achieving that desired crispiness, don’t worry! Make sure it is thoroughly dried before cooking, as excess moisture can lead to sogginess. If you still have issues, consider refrigerating the skin uncovered for a few hours to air dry before cooking. And during reheating, a little basting with oil can work wonders for added crunch.

Are there any dietary considerations for Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly?
This recipe serves well for gluten-free diets as it doesn’t require any gluten-containing ingredients. However, keep in mind that pork belly is high in fat and calories, so those watching their dietary intake should enjoy it in moderation. Always check with guests for any potential pork allergies when serving.

How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?
Feeling adventurous? Consider adding chili flakes or sesame oil to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick! Also, feel free to improvise with different spice blends based on your taste preferences—your creativity will only elevate this already glorious dish!