Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites only 4 ingredients!

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites only 4 ingredients!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: asian
Ingredients: 1 lb pork belly bites (1-inch squares); 3 cloves of garlic; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp peppercorn; Sauce (optional - highly recommended); 2 tbsp kewpie mayo; 1 tbsp chili oil; 1 tbsp honey

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 9 reviews

Whether you're hosting a game night, a family gathering, or simply craving a savory snack, these crispy air fryer pork belly bites will have everyone craving for more. Get ready to master the art of achieving pork belly perfection with your air fryer. The best part, you only need 4 ingredients and 20 minutes!

This 4-ingredient pork belly bites recipe is the perfect appetizer or if you’re craving pork belly for dinner. One of the best and easiest dishes I have ever created. You will definitely enjoy it!

This was inspired by my other recipes on this site like my other pork belly recipes Filipino Pork Tocino with Garlic Fried Rice. If you love this recipe, check out my other easy air fryer recipes like Air Fryer Steak Bites and Garlic Miso Chicken.

Jump to:

Why you will love this pork belly air fryer recipe
Ingredients
How to Make Pork Belly in the Air Fryer
Substitutions
Variations
Equipment
How to store and reheat air fryer pork belly bites
Top Tips for Success
FAQ
Related
What to serve with Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites only 4 ingredients!
Food safety

Why you will love this pork belly air fryer recipe

1. Unrivaled Crispiness: These air fryer pork belly bites deliver an unparalleled level of crispiness that's simply irresistible. The pork belly slices come out perfectly golden brown that crackles with each bite. Say goodbye to greasy, soggy bites – these are guaranteed to be a crispy revelation.

2. Time-Efficient Perfection: Achieving the ideal pork belly texture can be time-consuming, but not with this recipe! The air fryer significantly cuts down on cooking time compared to traditional methods without compromising on flavor or crunch. It's my favorite way to cook the perfect pork belly!

3. Customizable Flavor: Whether you’re a fan of sweet and sticky, spicy and tangy, or savory and herby flavors, you can easily customize the seasoning in this best air fryer pork belly recipe to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Pork belly

Garlic

Salt

Peppercorn

Sauce (optional - highly recommended)

Kewpie mayo

Chili oil

Honey

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Pork Belly in the Air Fryer

This pork belly air fryer recipe is so easy to make. Here are the step-by-step instructions.

Prep the pork belly. Use a pestle and mortar to make the garlic mixture paste.

Mix thoroughly. For best results, marinate for 10 minutes.

Air fry!

Make the sauce

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
Prepare the Pork Belly: Optional - remove the pork skin. Cut into 1-inch cubes using a sharp knife. Pat the pieces of pork belly dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Place the pork belly in a mixing bowl.
Season the Pork Belly: In a pestle and mortar, smash the garlic, salt, and black peppercorns until you create a paste. Combine and mix in the pork belly pieces and make sure every piece is coated with the garlic mixture.
Air Frying: Arrange the seasoned pork belly bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there's some space between the pieces for proper air circulation. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook the pork belly bites at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Add an extra 5 minutes for maximum crispiness.
Sauce (optional): In a small bowl, combine kewpie mayo, chili oil, and honey. Mix and serve with pork belly bites.
Serve: Once the pork belly bites are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Place them on a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped green onions and sauce.

Substitutions

Pork Belly: You can substitute pork belly with other cuts of pork, such as pork shoulder or pork loin. You could also consider using beef brisket if you're open to a different protein.

Garlic: If you need a garlic substitute, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic. Alternatively, you could use shallots or onion powder for a milder onion flavor.

Salt: For salt, you can use sea salt, kosher salt, or even a low-sodium soy sauce if you want a bit of a different flavor profile.

Black peppercorns: You can substitute whole peppercorns with ground black pepper. You could also use white pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.

Sauce: (optional)

Kewpie Mayo: If you don't have Kewpie mayo, you can use regular mayonnaise mixed with a bit of rice vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess. You can also add a pinch of brown sugar to mimic the slight sweetness of Kewpie mayo.

Chili Oil: If you don't have chili oil, you can make your own by infusing vegetable oil with dried chili flakes. Alternatively, you can use hot sauce or sriracha for heat and flavor.

Honey: If you're out of honey, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup as a substitute.

**Remember, those substitutions might result in slightly different flavors and textures, but they can still be delicious in their own right. Always feel free to experiment and adjust according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Variations

Spicy - Add chili pepper flakes with the garlic mixture.
Sticky - Drizzle some honey at the last minute of cooking for sticky air fryer pork belly bites
Kid-friendly - Make the kids a special sauce: kewpie mayo, sweet thai chili sauce, and ketchup - my kids love this sauce!

Equipment

Air Fryer
Pestle and mortar
Small bowl
Measuring spoons

How to store and reheat air fryer pork belly bites

Proper storing and reheating of air fryer pork belly bites can maintain their delicious crispy texture and flavor. Here's how to do it:

Storing:

Cooling: After cooking the pork belly bites in the air fryer, let them cool down slightly before storing. This helps prevent excess moisture from accumulating inside the container.

Container: Place the leftover pork belly bites in an airtight container.

Refrigeration: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. Pork belly is a fatty cut of meat, so it's important to keep it chilled to prevent spoilage.

Separation: If you have any dipping sauces or extra seasonings, it's best to store them separately to avoid making the pork belly bites soggy.

Reheating:

Air Fryer (Recommended):

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C).

Place the pork belly bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd the basket; you might need to reheat them in batches.

Reheat for about 3-5 minutes, occasionally checking to ensure they're heated through and crisp up.

Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the pork belly to avoid overcooking.

Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the pork belly bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.

Reheat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. Again, keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Best Results:

Avoid Microwaving: While it's possible to use a microwave to reheat pork belly, it's not recommended as it can make the crispy skin soggy.

Monitor Closely: Crispy texture can degrade quickly when reheating, so watch the pork belly closely to prevent overcooking.

Use High Heat: Whether using an air fryer or oven, using a higher heat setting helps to maintain that crispy crackling.

Serve Immediately: Reheated pork belly is best enjoyed immediately after reheating to maintain its crispy texture.

Remember that while reheating can help restore some of the crispy texture, it might not be as perfect as when freshly cooked. However, following these tips should help you enjoy your air fryer pork belly bites even after storing and reheating.

Top Tips for Success

Make sure you preheat the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
Pat dry the pork belly bites with kitchen paper towel.
Thoroughly coat the pork belly with the garlic mixture. Let it marinate for 10 minutes. Not necessary but highly recommended.
Keep an eye on the cooking time, as air fryers can vary. Adjust the time if needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

FAQ

How long to cook pork belly in the air fryer

Cook pork belly in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking times may vary based on thickness and desired crispiness. But the best way to check is to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Adjust time as needed for best results.

Is it better to cook pork belly fast or slow?

Slow-cooking pork belly is generally preferred as it renders the fat, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Slow cooking at low temperatures, such as in an oven or slow cooker, allows the collagen to break down, making the meat more succulent. However, faster methods like searing and air frying can create crispy textures.

What temperature do you air fry pork belly?

Cook pork belly in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

What is Pork Belly?

Pork belly is a fatty, boneless cut of meat taken from the underside of a pig. It's known for its rich flavor and layers of fat and meat. Often used in various cuisines, it can be cooked slowly for tenderness or quickly for a crispy texture.

Why cook pork belly in an air fryer?

Air frying pork belly offers a quick and convenient method to achieve crispy results. The circulating hot air helps render fat and create a crunchy exterior, while maintaining the succulent interior. It's a healthier alternative to deep frying and requires less oil.

Where can you buy pork belly?

Pork belly is available at most grocery stores, butcher shops, and meat markets. It can also be purchased online through various retailers.

Looking for other air fryer recipes like this? Try these:

What to serve with Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Air fryer pork belly bites are a delicious and indulgent treat that pairs well with various side dishes.

Here are some options to consider:

Coleslaw: A fresh and crunchy coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the rich and crispy pork belly bites. The acidity of the coleslaw also helps cut through the meat's richness.

Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables, like pickles, radishes, or kimchi, add tanginess and crunch that complements the pork belly's flavor and texture.

Steamed or braised vegetables: Serve your pork belly bites with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. The lightness of steamed veggies can balance out the richness of the meat. Try this Garlic Braised Kale.

Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the savory pork bites. Try this Sesame Cucumber Salad

Rice or Noodles: Serve the pork belly bites over steamed rice or alongside some stir-fried noodles for a more substantial meal. Try Garlic Fried Rice or my Sesame Sweet Potato Noodles.

Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces for added flavor. The 3-ingredient sauce recipe below is so good! Kewpie Mayo, Chili oil, and Honey. This very versatile Japanese-inspired Sesame Sauce is a must try too!

Grilled Corn: Grilled corn on the cob with butter and a sprinkle of spices can be a delicious and slightly smoky side dish.