If you ask me, air fryer pork belly is a total game-changer.
This Asian-inspired dish gives you the most wonderfully crispy skin on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside. The simple combination of salt and five-spice powder brings out the natural flavors of the pork.
The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air around each piece, creating that perfect crackling texture without having to deep fry or spend hours watching the oven. Plus, the excess fat drips away as it cooks.
It’s a filling main course that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for when you want something a bit special without too much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Belly
- Quick cooking time – Ready in just 30-40 minutes, this air fryer method is much faster than traditional oven-roasted pork belly that can take hours.
- Minimal ingredients – You only need pork belly and basic seasonings to create this satisfying dish – no complicated ingredient list required.
- Crispy texture – The air fryer creates perfectly crispy outer layers while keeping the inside tender and juicy – exactly what great pork belly should be.
- Low-carb friendly – With just meat and basic seasonings, this recipe fits perfectly into keto and low-carb diets, especially when using the sugar-free maple syrup option.
- Easy cleanup – Unlike traditional methods that leave greasy splatter all over your oven or stovetop, the air fryer contains all the mess and is simple to clean.
What Kind of Pork Belly Should I Use?
For the best results with air fryer pork belly, look for a piece that has a good balance of meat and fat layers – you want those distinctive stripes of lean and fat that make pork belly so special. Fresh pork belly is available at most butcher counters and Asian markets, and it’s totally fine to use either skin-on or skinless depending on your preference. When shopping, try to pick a piece that feels firm and has a pink-colored meat layer (not grey), and make sure there aren’t any strong odors. If you can only find larger pieces, don’t worry – just ask your butcher to slice it to the right thickness, or you can do it at home with a sharp knife once it’s slightly frozen, which makes cutting easier.
Options for Substitutions
While this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are some helpful substitution tips:
- Pork belly: Pork belly is really the star here and can’t be substituted if you want that signature crispy-yet-tender result. However, if you’re having trouble finding pre-sliced pork belly, you can buy a whole piece and slice it yourself – just make sure to keep the skin on.
- Sugar-free maple syrup: Don’t have sugar-free maple syrup? You can skip it entirely, or try honey, regular maple syrup, or even a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar (1 tablespoon each) for a different flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings! Chinese five spice, garlic powder, or even a simple BBQ rub can work well. Just keep the salt amount similar to ensure proper cooking.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying
The biggest mistake when cooking pork belly in an air fryer is overcrowding the basket, which prevents the hot air from circulating properly and results in uneven cooking – arrange the pieces in a single layer with small gaps between them, working in batches if needed.
Temperature control is crucial: starting with a lower temperature (around 350°F) helps render the fat properly, then increasing it to 400°F for the final few minutes creates that irresistible crispy exterior without burning.
Keep a close eye on the pork belly during the last few minutes of cooking, as the fat can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly, and remember to pat the meat completely dry before seasoning – any excess moisture will prevent that golden-brown crust from forming.
For the most tender results, let the pork belly rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking, which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you cut into it.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Pork Belly?
Since pork belly is rich and satisfying, it pairs really well with fresh, crisp sides that can balance out its richness. A simple Asian-style slaw with rice vinegar dressing or some quick-pickled vegetables can cut through the fattiness perfectly. For a filling meal, serve it over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, which will soak up all those tasty juices. You can also go the veggie route with some stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli seasoned with just a little garlic and ginger – these lighter sides help balance out the hearty pork belly.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Got leftover air fryer pork belly? Place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge – it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. The meat might firm up a bit when chilled, but don’t worry, that’s totally normal!
Freeze: If you want to save some for later, let the pork belly cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheat: To bring back that crispy exterior, pop your leftover pork belly in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. You can also warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until it’s heated through. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1500-1700
- Protein: 105-120 g
- Fat: 120-135 g
- Carbohydrates: 0-5 g
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of pork belly (sliced into pieces 1/2 inch thick and 4-5 inches long)
- 2 tablespoons optional sugar-free maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer
Begin by spraying the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
This will help prevent the pork belly from sticking to the basket during cooking, ensuring an even crisp.
Step 2: Arrange Pork Belly
Place the pork belly pieces in the basket, ensuring there is sufficient space between each piece.
This allows the hot air to circulate properly around each piece for even cooking and crispiness.
Step 3: Cook the Pork Belly
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the pork belly for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pieces and your desired level of crispiness.
Thicker pieces may require a bit more time.
To achieve an even cook and maximum crispiness, rotate and flip the pork belly pieces halfway through the cooking process.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the pork belly reaches your preferred level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer.
Drizzle each piece with syrup and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
These simple additions can enhance the flavor and provide a sweet and savory finish.