Simple Air Fryer Pork Belly

Crispy, golden perfection—this Air Fryer Pork Belly is the ultimate indulgence with minimal effort!

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email and we’ll send you this recipe so you can come back to it later! 😊

Using just a few simple ingredients, you’ll achieve irresistibly crunchy skin and tender, juicy meat.

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love Making It

  • Crispy & Juicy Every Time – The air fryer guarantees ultra-crispy skin while keeping the meat tender.
  • Easy & Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and a foolproof method make this great for all skill levels.
  • No Deep Frying Required – Achieve restaurant-quality pork belly with less oil and mess.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a festive meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound skin-on pork belly – Choose fresh pork belly with a good balance of fat and meat. Avoid frozen pork belly, as it won’t crisp up properly. Buying from a butcher is recommended for the best quality.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt – Helps season the meat and draws out moisture for extra crispy skin. Use coarse sea salt for better absorption.
  • Olive oil spray – Prevents sticking and helps with even crisping. You can substitute avocado oil or any neutral, high-smoke-point oil.

Free

MINESTRONE COOKBOOK

Grab your FREE cookbook with our
10 Favorite Minestrone Soup Recipes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

Pat the pork belly completely dry with paper towels. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get. If you have time, leave it uncovered in the fridge for at least an hour before cooking to remove extra moisture.

Step 2: Score the Skin

Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts across the surface of the pork belly, about ½ inch apart. Be careful not to cut too deep into the fat. This step helps the skin crisp evenly and allows the salt to penetrate better.

Step 3: Season the Pork Belly

Rub sea salt generously all over the skin, ensuring it gets into the scored lines. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

Step 5: Air Fry in Two Stages

Place the pork belly skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes to render the fat and start crisping the skin.

Increase the heat to 220°C (430°F) and cook for another 10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crackling. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender. Use a sharp knife to cut into bite-sized pieces and serve immediately.

FAQs

Can I make this in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes! Roast the pork belly in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 40–50 minutes, finishing under the broiler for extra crispiness.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the skin. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the skin soggy.

Leave a Comment

Get Exclusive Easy Peasy Recipes!

Join my newsletter for exclusive, handpicked recipes delivered to your inbox every week

You won’t receive any spam and can unsubscribe at anytime.