Crispy Delight: Irresistible Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites Recipe

Crispy and succulent air fryer pork belly bites promise a mouthwatering adventure for meat enthusiasts.

Juicy chunks of pork melt in your mouth with incredible tenderness.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender interior.

Small kitchen appliances can now create restaurant-quality dishes without extensive cooking skills.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum flavor in these delectable morsels.

Fat renders beautifully, creating a golden-brown crust that crackles with each bite.

You’ll want to make these irresistible bites for your next gathering or snack craving.

Air Fryer Pork Belly with a Twist

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace salt with herbs like rosemary and thyme, and use a sodium-free seasoning blend to reduce overall salt content while maintaining flavor complexity.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for those who enjoy a warming, intense heat in their pork belly bites.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Keep the original recipe as is, since pork belly is naturally high in fat and low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Herb-Infused Rendition: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro into the seasoning mix for a fresh, aromatic profile that brightens the rich pork flavor.

FAQs

• Why pat the pork belly dry before seasoning?

Patting the pork belly dry helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispier exterior by removing excess moisture that could prevent proper browning.

• Can I use a different cut of pork?

Pork belly works best for this recipe due to its high fat content, which creates a crispy texture. Other cuts like pork shoulder might not achieve the same level of crispiness.

• How do I know when the pork belly bites are fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown color and crispy exterior. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure the pork is safe to eat.

• What makes these pork belly bites so flavorful?

The combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper creates a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.

What Makes Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites So Crispy

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosions: These air fryer pork belly bites deliver maximum taste with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality appetizers.
• Super Fast Meal Prep: From start to finish, you'll have delicious bites ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for spontaneous gatherings, game day snacks, or quick weeknight protein options.
• Versatile Party Crowd-Pleaser: These bite-sized treats work wonderfully as appetizers, game day snacks, or protein-packed additions to salads and rice bowls, ensuring everyone at the table stays happy and satisfied.

Pork Belly Bites Air Fryer Mix

• Pork Belly: Rich cut perfect for crispy bites, best when fresh and with good fat marbling, select skin-on or skinless based on preference.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and creates crispy exterior, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelization and subtle sweetness, light or dark brown sugar works.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep savory flavor, ensures even seasoning distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp spicy note, freshly ground preferred for stronger taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky depth and rich color, can substitute with regular paprika.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, kosher or sea salt recommended for better taste.

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites Prep Steps

Step 1: Season the Meat

Pat the pork belly cubes completely dry using paper towels.

• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Salt

Gently toss the pork belly cubes until every piece gets thoroughly coated with the seasoning blend.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F.

Allow the appliance to preheat for a couple minutes before cooking.

Step 3: Arrange Pork Pieces

Carefully place seasoned pork belly pieces inside the air fryer basket.

Spread them in a single layer without overcrowding.

This ensures each piece gets perfectly crispy and golden.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Air fry the pork belly for 18-20 minutes.

Midway through cooking, pause and shake the basket to promote even browning and crispiness.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove pork belly bites from the air fryer.

Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the exterior to become extra crisp.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or as a delectable main course.

Crispy Prep for Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

• Choose pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
• Pat pork belly cubes completely dry before seasoning to achieve extra crunchiness and prevent steaming.
• Arrange pieces in a single layer with small gaps between them to ensure even air circulation and consistent browning.
• Experiment with spice blends like Chinese five-spice, BBQ rub, or Cajun seasoning to transform the flavor profile.
• If experiencing excessive grease, place a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer basket to absorb drippings and prevent smoking.

How to Keep Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites Fresh

• Store leftover pork belly bites in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and quality.
• Warm bites at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. This method restores crispiness and prevents soggy texture.
• Quick reheating works best at 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Typically takes 1-2 minutes total for even warming.
• Wrap cooled bites tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

What Goes With Pork Belly Bites

• Pair Flavor-Packed Crispy Pork Belly Bites with
• Refresh with Citrus Cocktails: Bright, zesty margaritas or gin-based cocktails with lemon and lime cut through the rich, fatty pork, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Match with Tangy Dipping Sauces: Whip up a quick honey-mustard or sweet chili sauce that complements the caramelized sugar and smoky spices in the pork belly bites.
• Complement with Crisp Side Salads: Create a light arugula salad with quick pickled red onions and a sharp vinaigrette to contrast the meat's richness and provide a fresh, acidic counterpoint.
• Enhance with Craft Beer Pairings: Choose hoppy IPAs or amber ales that can stand up to the bold, intense flavors of the seasoned pork belly, cleansing the palate between bites.

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden air fryer pork belly bites deliver mouthwatering Korean-inspired flavor in minutes. Succulent pork pieces glazed with sweet and spicy sauce promise a delectable bite that will satisfy cravings instantly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) pork belly, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Oil:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to a scorching 400°F (200°C), allowing it to reach the optimal temperature for crispy pork belly bites.
2. Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by whisking together olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Meticulously dry the pork belly cubes using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve maximum crispiness.
4. Gently tumble the pork belly cubes into the seasoning mixture, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly and evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend.
5. Carefully arrange the seasoned pork belly pieces in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, potentially cooking in multiple batches to maintain optimal spacing.
6. Initiate the cooking process, air frying for 18-20 minutes and midway through, vigorously shake the basket to promote uniform browning and crispness.
7. Once the pork belly bites transform into golden-brown, crispy delights, carefully extract them from the air fryer and allow a brief resting period.
8. Present the succulent bites alongside your preferred dipping sauce or integrate them into a show-stopping main course, ready to delight eager diners.

Notes

• Ensure pork belly cubes are thoroughly dried to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of crisping.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Chinese five-spice or Cajun seasoning for varied flavor profiles.
• Cut pork belly into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and texture throughout.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation, which creates crispy exterior and prevents soggy results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg