Air Fryer Pork Belly (Crispy Bites)

Make the most flavorful pork dish with one of my favorite easy air fryer recipes. Air fry pork belly with brown sugar and spices for the ultimate pork belly appetizer! Serve these scrumptious bites alongside more of my favorite appetizers. Elevate your appetizer game with air fryer pork belly bites! For another juicy pork recipe, air fry thin pork chops for a quick dinner idea.

Ingredients

• Pork belly is a richly marbled cut of tender meat, similar to bacon. Pork belly tastes rich and savory with slightly sweet and salty notes. The fat in pork belly helps to keep the meat moist and enhances its flavor, creating a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. I buy pork belly in stripes then cut them into 1 inch cubes.
• Olive oil helps to make the pork belly crispy.
• Brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness and helps create a crispy crust on the pork belly.
• Seasonings: I use garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika as well as salt and black pepper when cooking pork belly in the air fryer.

Variations

Pork belly is a versatile cut of meat that absorbs flavors well. Whether you prefer a simple seasoning or a complex marinade, this air fryer pork belly recipe can be customized to suit any taste.

For flavor variations, try brushing the meat with your favorite BBQ sauce or soak them in an Asian marinade before cooking.

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Serve crispy air fryer pork belly as a meal with a side dish or as an easy warm appetizer for any occasion.

Expert Tips

Pat dry. Before seasoning, pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the pork belly become crispier during cooking.

Preheat the air fryer. This ensures that the bites start cooking immediately and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the pork bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.

These air fried pork belly bites are crispy, tender, and the ultimate pork belly appetizer for any event. I like to arrange the bites on a platter with these skewers on the side for easy eating.

I also serve pork belly as the main protein of a meal. As a meal, serve pork belly over rice or noodles and with a vegetable or fresh salad. Pork belly also tastes great with breakfast food.

Store leftover pork belly bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

It's best to use fresh or fully thawed pork belly for even cooking and crispy texture. If using frozen pork belly, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before air frying.

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the pork belly helps ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

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If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!