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.
Best Pork I ever made. My kids finished everything and wanted more.
Thanks!!!
Thank you for this recipe, I wanted to know how long to make pork belly in the air fryer. Can I ask what the thought process is behind using oil for cooking an extremely fatty cut of meat? Can it not be fried using its own fat? And canola oil is very inflammatory and causes metabolic dysfunction — I wouldn’t recommend using it for a cat I hated, much less for the consumption of any human being.
Made these tonight. I have a Gormia air fryer from Costco and had to turn them about every 5 minutes. After about 15 minutes they were exactly how my husband wanted them, and I cooked mine and additional 5 minutes. Thanks for this easy, yummy recipe!
I did a grocery pick-up recently and had accidentally been given a nice-looking pack of pork belly. I have never cooked pork belly, so I wasn’t sure what to do with it. After a quick Google search, I found your recipe and thought that’s easy! I made it last night for supper, and it was amazing 10 out of 10. I followed your recipe completely and wasn’t disappointed. Thank you 🙂
My oven baked pork belly is way too salty. Anyway I can fix it?
Salt it less next time? Pork belly is unseasoned so you can do what you like with it.
Is the sugar an absolute must (for flavour or crispiness)? ( not too keen on sweet savoury food…)
I am new to using an air fryer. I wasn’t sure if the temp Was supposed to stay at 400F to cook. I would have appreciated it if you were more specific.
HI Michelle! I’m sorry I didn’t write “400°F for the entire time you are cooking, the temperature doesn’t change.” Hope that more detailed direction is helpful to you.
I’ve got all the ingredients that I need to start this recipe. My question is can the leftovers be put in the freezer or would it be better to cook smaller amounts and freeze the uncooked meat?
Hey Michelle!
You can assume any recipe will maintain the temperature listed unless otherwise mentioned. Don’t expect the writer of a recipe to assure you that the temperature stays the same.
I put in slow cooker on high for 2 hour’s Browned quick under grill . Amazing melt in your mouth 😊
So delish! A hit in my household! Adding to our dinner rotation, thank you for sharing!
Does this recipe has skin on or skinless pork belly??
Rind on is good.
Just made this 30 minutes ago…. So easy and so tasty!!!!!! Used the Costco pork belly strips.
Just tried it and I used the Costco belly strips too!!! Pretty good and easy to make
Just made these & they are awesome!!
Thanks for recipe👍😎
Liked how these turned out! The timing was perfect for the air fryer I used. The skin was nice and crispy and the rest was juicy. I used my own spice ratio for it. I mainly just needed the timing and temperature, so the recipe was helpful for me. Thank you.
I often make similar pork bites which I marinate in garlic powder, ground ginger, five spice, teriyaki sauce, and hoisin sauce. I added some brown sugar thanks to your recipe and it elevated my bites to another level! 😁
I’ve made this recipe at least 5 times. It is a home and work potluck FAV. I do cut my pork belly a little smaller though. I stick to 1/2 inch slices. I find it cooks better because I have a smaller air fryer. But it is incredible. 1.5 pounds of pork belly, I add a teaspoon extra of brown sugar and pepper. Best unhealthy snack ever! LOL.
Tried this last night. Mixed everything in a large zip lock bag. Had 2.3 lbs of meat so doubled the other ingredients, except for the pepper. Used tongs to put the meat in the air fryer. We have a powerXL. Stopped the air fryer about 3 times to shake it up. Kind of was overfilled so had to cook for 28 minutes total. Was really good, but today (cold) was even better!
This is a great recipe & flexible, too. I’ve used more Mexican style spices like chili powder & cumin and used them in tacos & tostadas. I’ve used BBQ seasoning & put them on mac n cheese. Thanks for getting me started!
Sorry this was not good, flavor okay,but meat wasn’t tender, it was browning way ahead of cooking, had to pull it earlier than the 18 minutes. I have an I instant
vortex plus, followed your recipe to the t. I will try baking it instead next time.
Sounds like they were just too done. You may have a better quality air fryer than me, which cooks faster, which may account for your less than tender bites.
I make my bites and I use the rotating basket on the instant pot vortex plus. Turned out fantastic.
Easy and delicious. Next time I made these I’d make a sauce for drizzling.
Smelling great .. excited to try
Have not tried this recipe yet but I plan to very soon!! I own the Ninja Air Fryer myself and I love it💚
Good recipe it was easy and they turned out good, thank you!
Fuck seed oils
Chill dude. -1 star
Using up some store bought marinade.
( Barker’s Honey and Soy)
Left the pork marinating over night and added garlic and pepper. Followed your recipe after that. Cooked superbly.
Served the pork bites with courgettes stuffed with a brown rice / quinoa mixed with halved strawberry tomatoes and topped with grated cheese. ( also cooked in the air fryer.
Hit the jackpot with this recipe. So easy to prepare, ingredients are most likely in everyone’s kitchen anyway. Air fryer for 18 minutes cooked perfectly (but not as brown as in the picture) and so delicious!