These crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites are a simple and delicious appetizer or snack, perfect for any occasion. In just 20 minutes and with only four ingredients, you can achieve perfectly golden, crispy pork belly. The air fryer method helps you cut down cooking time while preserving the irresistible crispiness and flavor of pork belly.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon peppercorn

• Sauce (optional, but recommended):

  • 2 tablespoons Kewpie mayo

  • 1 tablespoon chili oil

  • 1 tablespoon honey

Directions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Pork Belly: Optionally, remove the skin from the pork belly. Cut into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry with paper towels for maximum crispiness.

3. Season the Pork Belly: In a pestle and mortar, smash the garlic, salt, and black peppercorns into a paste. Mix this garlic paste with the pork belly pieces until they are fully coated.

4. Air Frying: Arrange the pork belly bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave space between pieces for optimal air circulation. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, add an additional 5 minutes.

5. Make the Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, combine Kewpie mayo, chili oil, and honey. Stir well to mix.

6. Serve: Once the pork belly bites are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a platter. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and serve with the sauce.

Nutrients

The nutritional values for Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites are approximate and can vary based on portion size and the use of the optional sauce. The pork belly is rich in protein and fats, while the sauce adds some sweetness and creaminess. Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (without sauce):

• Calories: 220-250 kcal

• Total Fat: 20-22 grams

  • Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams

• Cholesterol: 40-45 mg

• Sodium: 600-700 mg

• Carbohydrates: 1-3 grams

  • Dietary Fiber: 0 grams

  • Sugars: 1-2 grams

• Protein: 14-16 grams

• Calcium: 10-15 mg

• Iron: 1-2 mg

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Pork Belly?

Pork belly is typically a slow-cooked dish, often requiring hours of roasting to get that perfect crispy texture. However, using an air fryer speeds up the process significantly, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious cut of meat. The air fryer’s circulating hot air helps to crisp the pork belly pieces without the need for deep frying, resulting in a healthier alternative while still maintaining that crave-worthy crunch.

The air fryer method also ensures that the pork belly’s fat renders efficiently, creating tender, juicy bites with a golden, crispy exterior. The result is a perfectly balanced dish that combines rich pork flavor with a satisfying texture in just 20 minutes. This cooking technique also minimizes mess, making it much easier to clean up afterward compared to traditional frying or oven-roasting methods.

Preparing the Pork Belly for Cooking

To get the best results when making Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites, proper preparation is key. Start by cutting the pork belly into 1-inch cubes. This size allows for even cooking and helps each piece achieve that crispy texture you’re looking for. If the pork belly has skin, you may want to remove it before cooking, as the skin can sometimes become chewy rather than crispy in the air fryer. However, leaving the skin on can also result in a different texture if you prefer it.

Patting the pork belly cubes dry with paper towels is a critical step. The moisture left on the surface of the pork can prevent the fat from rendering properly and may result in soggy pork belly rather than crispy bites. Ensuring that each piece is dry will help to achieve that coveted golden-brown crispiness.

The Flavorful Garlic Paste

Seasoning the pork belly is an essential step in enhancing its natural flavor. In this recipe, the pork belly is coated in a simple yet effective garlic paste made from smashed garlic, salt, and black peppercorns. Using a pestle and mortar to create the paste helps to release the full flavor of the garlic and combine it well with the salt and pepper, ensuring that the seasoning adheres to the pork belly evenly.

The garlic adds a savory depth to the pork, while the salt and pepper provide the necessary seasoning to balance the rich, fatty flavor of the meat. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of garlic or add additional spices to suit your taste. The garlic paste method is also a great way to infuse flavor into the pork belly without overwhelming it with too much seasoning.

Air Frying the Pork Belly Bites

The air fryer really shines when it comes to cooking pork belly, as it allows for the fat to render beautifully, resulting in crispy, golden pork bites. After seasoning the pork belly cubes with the garlic paste, it’s time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. It’s important to place the pork belly cubes in a single layer, ensuring that there is enough space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. This will help each bite cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.

Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15 minutes. During this time, you’ll notice the pork belly pieces becoming golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, flip the pork belly cubes halfway through the cooking time. If you like your pork belly bites extra crispy, you can add an additional 5 minutes of cooking time, but be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

One of the best things about using the air fryer is that you can adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of crispiness, making it easy to cater to different tastes. Whether you like your pork belly slightly crispy or extra crunchy, the air fryer ensures that you get the perfect texture every time.

Optional Sauce: A Sweet and Spicy Kick

While the pork belly bites are flavorful on their own, adding a dipping sauce can elevate the dish to new heights. The sauce in this recipe combines Kewpie mayo, chili oil, and honey, creating a perfect balance of creaminess, heat, and sweetness. Kewpie mayo, a Japanese mayonnaise, is known for its rich and umami-packed flavor, making it the ideal base for a dipping sauce. The chili oil adds a touch of spice, while the honey provides a natural sweetness that complements the savory pork belly.

To make the sauce, simply combine 2 tablespoons of Kewpie mayo, 1 tablespoon of chili oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a small bowl. Stir well to combine, and adjust the amount of chili oil or honey to suit your personal preference. This sauce is optional, but highly recommended for adding an extra layer of flavor and making the dish even more enjoyable.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a platter. To add a touch of freshness, you can garnish the pork belly bites with chopped green onions. The garnish not only adds a pop of color but also brings a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the pork belly.

Serve the crispy pork belly bites immediately, alongside the dipping sauce for extra flavor. These bites are perfect as an appetizer or a snack, but they can also be enjoyed as part of a larger meal. Whether you’re serving them as finger food at a party or enjoying them on a cozy night in, these pork belly bites are sure to be a hit.

Nutritional Benefits

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites offer a rich source of protein and healthy fats. Each serving provides approximately 14-16 grams of protein, which is important for muscle building and repair, as well as 20-22 grams of fat, which is essential for overall health. The addition of garlic and the optional dipping sauce provides some extra flavor and nutrients, including small amounts of calcium and iron.

The pork belly itself is a high-fat cut of meat, which contributes to the crispy, flavorful bites. While the pork belly can be considered indulgent, using the air fryer method allows for a healthier version of this dish, as less fat is retained during cooking compared to deep frying.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that combines the savory richness of pork belly with the crispiness that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a delicious snack, these bites are sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, you can create a mouthwatering appetizer or snack without any hassle.

The air fryer method not only cuts down on cooking time but also preserves the irresistible crispiness and flavor of the pork belly, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a healthier version of this indulgent dish. With the added option of a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, these pork belly bites offer endless possibilities for customization and flavor.

So next time you’re in the mood for something crispy, savory, and satisfying, give these Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites a try. They’re sure to become your new favorite go-to snack!