Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites are flavorful, seasoned pieces of pork belly that are cooked crispy in an air fryer with less oil and mess compared to deep-frying. Try my Bacon Chicken Bites for another bite-sized appetizer packed with flavor. Or, try the Maple Mustard Pork Belly Bites for a fun twist!
Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
Air-fried foods are lower in fat than deep-fried foods, which is one good reason to give it a try with a recipe like this. But, just because it saves on some fat and calories doesn’t mean it is light on flavor. These pork belly bites still turn out crispy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I dare you to eat just one!
What is Pork Belly?
Pork belly is like a huge slab of bacon, but uncured, unsliced, and unsmoked. Both pork belly and bacon come from the flesh from the underside, or belly, of a pig. You could buy pork belly and make your own bacon. However, once you try this pork belly recipe, you may want to stick with pork belly over bacon.
Pork belly can be up to 12 pounds. I went with 1 1/2 pounds for this recipe. You can find it at most large grocery stores. If you buy it from a butcher, he or she can cut the amount you want. Or, you can freeze any extra pork belly for up to six months to use later. If your pork belly has thawed to room temperature, put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to harden it up before cutting.
What is the Best Air Fryer?
I have tested 3 brands in my home and I recommend the Ninja Air Fryer. (affiliate link) You can go up a size if needed, but it is superior in achieving consistent results and also ease of use. I’ve been very happy with this Air Fryer!
Can I Make Pork Belly Bites in the Oven?
Yes! If you do not have an air fryer, or if it is being used for another flavorful appetizer like Air Fryer Pulled Pork Egg Rolls, make these in the oven. If making them in the oven, first, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Be sure the pork belly pieces are flat and in a single layer on the lined sheet. Bake at 400°F for 42-45 minutes.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds pork belly, patted dry, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.*
- In a large bowl, combine the oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the pork belly pieces to the oil mixture, covering each piece.
- Lay the pork belly pieces in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. (I was able to fit all of the pieces in the basket, but you may need to split them up into two or three batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.)
- Air fry the pork belly cubes for 18-20 minutes, shaking and flipping them a couple of times throughout the cooking time. Please note: Air frying times will depend on the size of your pork belly pieces and the size of your air fryer.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve warm.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
So good. And a little bit goes a long way…so much meat and fat, but that hint of brown sugar, and the crispiness. Yum
This pork belly recipe is wonderful. It is quick, easy and delicious. Perfect snack for entertaining guests, if my kids don’t eat them all first. LOL
Do you double the time for a 200 watt
Or just play by ear ??.
OKAY
So I just got my first air fryer and wanted to make pork belly, and this was the fastest and most delicious looking recipe
I WAS NOT WRONG!
I followed the advice of another comment and added a tiny bit of soy sauce and WOW. Served it over rice with a crunchy veggie salad with roasted sesame dressing 😊
Trying this Friday night for company
Tried this with the pork belly covered in Japanese barbecue sauce and finished with sprinkled sesame seeds to garnish. Outstandingly good.
First time buying fresh pork belly. Do I marinade it First
I used manuka honey in place of sugar. And also used light olive oil & chinese five spice powder. Was delicious.
So, you didn’t really make this recipe?
🤭
@betsy she is simply saying what she substituted certain ingredients.
hahahaha the email you put. I’m dying 😂
Is this skin-on or no skin pork belly? Did you flip yours at all during cooking?
What is your estimated sodium level on this recipe?
thanking you in advance
I haven’t made it yet but I bought a package of seasoned pork belly pieces from H‑E‑B. Since they are already seasoned, do I still need to “oil” them prior to placing in air fryer? I also bought a glazing sauce (triple berry Serrano sauce) that I was going to brush on after they were done.
I just bought some Friday making then today?!!
Very good! I followed the directions to the letter. Cooked for 18 min at 400. Flipped at 12 min, then flipped again at 6 min. Plenty of color in final product. Could have been a tad bit more tender for what I want to use them for, so I’m gonna try adding baking soda next time to see what I get. No complaints though. They were quite good!
Please recommend a temp for the air fryer. TY
Step #1 says 400°F.
I made this except i used Swerve brown sugar,spices and olive oil. It is delicious! Thanks for the recipe!its great!
I want to know has you got that color and sear in 20 minutes?
I made them in the Air Fryer.
My second attempt at Crispy Pork Belly. First attempt, I used a mostly traditional recipe. Tons of salt, puncturing the pork, until my hands hurt😥Had less than satisfactory results…lengthy prep time, too salty, and nowhere near crispy enough. The second time around, I came across your wonderful, shortened recipe, and had fantastic results! Thank you SO much! I’ve already recommended your webpage, to two others who want to try your recipe. FYI Costco sells AMAZING, raw Pork Belly! 😁👍🏻❤️🇨🇦
So glad it worked and thank you, Richard!
Hi
Brilliant recipe, first class, first time.
2nd time round, I added 2 tsp of malt whisky, and a 1tsp of soy sauce.
Both versions are very good.
Followed cooking times to perfection.
I did however marinate in sea salt and bbq sauce.
Fantastic, trying the cheesy potato recipe next.
Awesome! I made it to recipe, tossing every 4 minutes up to 20 minutes total cook time. Tastes great and not tough. Eating them with rice. Yum yum 🤤 plan to make them again. Thank you!
Added a tsp of msg to the mix… Bangin’
This recipe tastes great but the pork belly is on the tough side. Is there anyway to use same recipe but tenderise the pork before going in your air fryer
You can tenderize pork by either marinating in plain yogurt. Or sprinkling with baking soda 10 minutes before cooking.
I toss them in all the seasoning except sugar and let sit for 2-3 hours. Then 15 min at 325, flip and 15 more min at 325. Then take them out and toss them in the sugar (or any sticky sauce) then back in for another 15-20 minute. They come out looking exactly the same but much more tender.
Do you have to marinate the meat for a couple hours?
I marinated mine for 24 hours in Lee Kum Key Char Sua marinade and some Chinese cooking wine. I usually smoke them but I ran across this recipe. Turned out great.
Do i cut the skin off???
Yes!
No