Description
Crispy air fryer pork belly promises a delightful culinary journey through succulent layers of flavor. Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, this dish brings restaurant-quality crunch to home kitchens with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) pork belly, skin on (cut into 1-inch cubes or strips)
Spice Blend:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice (optional, for extra flavor)
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Meticulously blot the pork belly with clean kitchen towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring optimal skin crispness. Slice the meat into uniform bite-sized cubes or slender strips for consistent cooking.
- Create a robust marinade by combining aromatic spices and liquid seasonings in a mixing vessel. Massage the fragrant blend thoroughly into each pork belly piece, guaranteeing complete flavor penetration.
- Activate the air fryer and calibrate the temperature to 400F (200C), allowing the appliance to reach optimal heat for approximately three minutes. Arrange the seasoned pork belly pieces in a strategic single layer within the basket, positioning the skin facing upward to promote maximum crackling.
- Initiate the cooking process, rotating and redistributing the meat every ten minutes to promote even browning and prevent potential sticking. Monitor the progression of color and texture during the 25-30 minute cooking duration.
- Should the skin require additional crisping, elevate the temperature to 425F (220C) and extend cooking for an additional three to five minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Once achieved, extract the pork belly and allow a brief resting period to stabilize internal temperatures and redistribute juices. Plate alongside complementary condiments such as sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or a zesty vinegar-based dipping accompaniment.
Notes
- Ensure the pork belly is thoroughly dried to achieve that coveted crispy skin, using paper towels to remove excess moisture completely.
- Experiment with different spice blends by adjusting the seasoning mix to match your flavor preferences or cultural cuisine styles.
- Create a healthier version by trimming excess fat and using a light hand with oil, making the dish more diet-friendly without sacrificing taste.
- Prevent overcrowding in the air fryer basket by cooking in batches, allowing hot air to circulate and create an even, golden-brown crispy exterior on each piece.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 375 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg