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Crispy Pork Belly Bites

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

These pork belly bites are seasoned with garlic and brown sugar, then air fried until crispy. A simpler, cleaner alternative to deep frying.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:12:27 GMT
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A close-up of deliciously caramelized cubes of pork belly garnished with chopped herbs. Pin it
A close-up of deliciously caramelized cubes of pork belly garnished with chopped herbs. | recipesbyclare.com

These Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites combine three winning elements - minimal prep, maximum flavor, and that irresistible crispy texture. After testing different methods, I found the air fryer creates the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and tender interior.

Smart and Simple

Using the air fryer means we get all that delicious pork belly crunch without the mess of deep frying. The even heat circulation creates perfectly crispy bites every time. Plus cleanup is a breeze.

What You'll Need

  • Pork Belly: 1 1/2 pounds, fresh and cut into 1-inch cubes. Ensure even sizing for consistent cooking.
  • Seasoning Blend: Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for a smoky, savory flavor.
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil or neutral cooking oil to lightly coat the pork belly pieces for better seasoning adherence.

Let's Cook

Prep Your Pork
Dry those cubes well and season them generously.
Get Ready to Cook
Preheat that air fryer it makes all the difference.
Air Fry to Perfection
Cook in a single layer shaking halfway for even crispiness.
Check for Doneness
Look for that golden brown color and proper temperature.
Time to Enjoy
Serve them up while they're hot and crispy.
A close-up of a dark, glazed dish featuring small, caramelized pieces of pork belly garnished with chopped green onions, served on a round black plate. Pin it
A close-up of a dark, glazed dish featuring small, caramelized pieces of pork belly garnished with chopped green onions, served on a round black plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Why Pork Belly

There's something special about pork belly that rich well marbled meat turns absolutely heavenly when cooked right. Each bite gives you that perfect contrast between crispy exterior and tender center.

No Air Fryer No Problem

Your oven works great too just adjust the cooking time and flip them halfway through. The results are still delicious just keep an eye on them to get that perfect crispiness.

A close-up of golden-brown, crispy fried pork belly cubes garnished with chopped green onions on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown, crispy fried pork belly cubes garnished with chopped green onions on a plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why pat the pork belly dry?
Patting dry helps the seasoning stick better and ensures crispier results. Excess moisture can steam rather than crisp the meat.
→ Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes, these can be cooked in a regular oven. See the original post for specific oven instructions.
→ How do I know when they're done?
The pieces should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Internal temperature should reach 145°F for food safety.
→ Can I use different seasonings?
Yes, adjust seasonings to taste. Try adding chili powder for heat or Chinese five spice for an Asian twist.
→ Why shake during cooking?
Shaking ensures even cooking and helps all sides get crispy. Don't skip this step for best results.

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Seasoned chunks of pork belly cooked until crispy in an air fryer. Less mess than deep frying with equally delicious results.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (15 pieces)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1½ pounds pork belly, patted dry, cut in 1-inch pieces.
02 3 tablespoons canola oil.
03 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
05 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
06 1 teaspoon pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

Step 02

Mix oil, brown sugar and seasonings in bowl. Coat pork pieces.

Step 03

Place pork in single layer in air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.

Step 04

Air fry 18-20 minutes, shaking occasionally until crispy.

Notes

  1. Pat meat dry for best results.
  2. Work in batches if needed.
  3. Can be made in oven.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g