This air fryer pork belly is the perfect bite-sized appetizer for game day. It’s tender, flavorful, and ultra crispy thanks to the air fryer.

Air Fryer Pork Belly

So, if you’re looking for an easy way to eat 2 pounds of pork belly, this recipe is it! In all seriousness though, this crispy air fryer pork belly is so incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful. It’s definitely a recipe that keeps people coming back for more.

Thanks to the caramelized brown sugar, the exterior has a delicious crunchy bite. Then the homemade seasoning blend has so much depth of flavor from the cumin, onion powder, and soy sauce.

It’s a super easy recipe from start to finish. I love to serve these tender little bites as a game day appetizer alongside our popular dry rub chicken wings.

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Ingredients

Pork Belly: Pork belly is a rich, fatty cut from the underside of the pig. For this recipe, look for a piece with the skin already removed (or ask your butcher to do it).

Olive Oil: This helps the seasonings stick to the pork belly. Feel free to use avocado oil if you like.

Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds some sweetness to balance out the other flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of pork. It also caramelizes as it cooks, which creates the most incredible coating.

Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, savory element that creates so much depth of flavor. You can also use Tamari or coconut aminos if that’s what you have on hand.

Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper, and Cumin: Onion powder is aromatic and lightly sweet, salt enhances the other flavors, the slight heat in pepper balances out the sweet and savory flavors, and cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs so well with pork. Smoked paprika is a great addition if you want to add a smoky flavor. If you like a bit of heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.

How To Cook Air Fryer Pork Belly

Season: Add the pork belly pieces to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce, then sprinkle over the brown sugar and seasonings. Toss until every piece is evenly coated. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)

Preheat and Cook: Get your air fryer ready by preheating it. Arrange the pork belly in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece so the hot air can circulate.

Cook in batches if needed. Air fry, shaking the basket a couple of times throughout, until your desired level of crispiness is reached and the pork is cooked through with the fat rendered.

Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and repeat with any remaining pork. Serve and enjoy! See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times,  and helpful tips, etc.

Pro Tips For Perfect Pork Belly In The Air Fryer

• Cut into Even Pieces: Try to cut the pork pieces cut to the same size to make sure they cook evenly and finish cooking at the same time.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Keep the pork belly pieces in a single layer as much as you can. It’s OK if they overlap a bit because you shake them often, but they won’t get crispy if it’s overcrowded. 

How Long Does Pork Belly Take In The Air Fryer?

At 375F, pork belly pieces cut to about 1 inch will take approximately 12 to 20 minutes total in the air fryer. That can definitely vary depending on the size of your pieces and how crispy you like them though. The best way to know that they’re done is by checking the internal temperature. The fat should be fully rendered, which happens around 195F-205F.

Why Is My Crispy Pork Belly Not Crispy?

If it’s not getting crispy, the pieces are probably overcrowded in the air fryer basket. When the pieces are too close together in the air fryer, the hot air can’t circulate around them. Instead of crisping, they end up steaming, which means you end up with soft edges instead of crispy edges.

Does Pork Belly Get More Tender the More You Cook It?

Yes and no. It does need to cook to a higher internal temperature than most pork to give the fat a chance to fully render. Cooking it to an internal temperature of 195F-205F is the sweet spot. If you cook it past that, it will start drying out though. 

How Do You Keep Pork From Drying Out In An Air Fryer?

The key to tender pork is to not overcook it. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is the best way to know when to stop cooking the pork at exactly the right moment.

Are You Supposed To Eat The Fat On Pork Belly?

Yes! The fat is literally the best part and the whole point of cooking pork belly. The fat on pork belly renders down until it’s silky, flavorful, and almost buttery in texture. It’s super tender, rich, and delicious.

How To Reheat Pork Belly In An Air Fryer

Place the leftover pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer and heat at 350F for about 3 to 5 minutes, checking halfway through.

Storing Leftovers

Let the leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the air fryer.

Keep In Touch

I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime

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Dinner Recipes

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other dinner recipes. Some reader favorites are:

• Pork Belly Strips
• Instant Pot Pork Loin
• Chicken Meatloaf
• Slow Cooker Country Style Pork Ribs
• Baked Country Style Ribs
• Pork Steaks
• Pork Ribeye Roast
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Air frying pork belly is super delicious and such a quick pork belly recipe!