Get ready to indulge in the most tender and crunchy pork belly dishes that will take your taste buds on a wild ride! Pork belly, also known as bacon-wrapped goodness, has become increasingly popular in recent years. With its rich flavor and velvety texture, it’s no wonder why people can’t get enough of this mouthwatering meat. And the best part? You don’t need to sacrifice flavor for convenience with air fryer recipes that deliver crispy results without sacrificing tenderness.
In this article, we’re going to explore 18 different pork belly recipes that will show you just how versatile and delicious this cut of meat can be when cooked in an air fryer. From classic dishes like garlic butter and sticky Asian-style sauces, to sweet and smoky flavors and spicy kick, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating mouthwatering pork belly dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
So let’s dive in and discover the magic of air fryer pork belly! In our next section, we’ll start with some classic flavors and work our way up to more adventurous and exotic options. Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other!
Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Bites
Transform pork belly into crispy bites with minimal effort using your air fryer. This recipe yields tender, flavorful morsels perfect for snacks or appetizers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
3. Add the pork belly cubes to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Sprinkle with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
5. Load the air fryer basket with the pork bites in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Honey Glazed Pork Belly in Air Fryer
Elevate your pork belly game with this sweet and spicy recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The air fryer helps to crisp up the skin while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, skin removed
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Season the pork belly with salt and pepper.
4. Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Brush the glaze all over the pork belly during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove from air fryer and garnish with green onions.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Air Fryer Pork Belly
Elevate your pork belly game with this simple and mouthwatering recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter with the crispy texture only air frying can provide.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, and thyme.
3. Season pork belly strips with salt and pepper.
4. Brush both sides of the pork belly with the garlic butter mixture.
5. Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Asian-Style Sticky Pork Belly Air Fryer Recipe
Discover the sweet and savory flavors of Asia with this air fryer recipe that yields tender, sticky pork belly with a caramelized glaze. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Add the pork belly to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Place the pork in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook the pork for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Brush with the reserved marinade and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 22-27 minutes
Air Fryer Pork Belly with Rosemary and Thyme
Transform pork belly into a tender, aromatic masterpiece with the help of air frying and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, skin removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped rosemary, and dried thyme.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around it for even cooking.
6. Cook for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
7. Increase temperature to 425°F (220°C) and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pork reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Cooking Time: Total: 30-35 minutes
Sweet and Smoky Pork Belly Strips in Air Fryer
Sweet and Smoky Pork Belly Strips in Air Fryer
Experience the tender, fall-apart texture of slow-cooked pork belly in a fraction of the time with this easy air fryer recipe. Sweet and smoky flavors come together to create a mouthwatering snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound pork belly strips (about 4-6 inches long)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the pork belly strips to the bowl and toss until coated with the spice mixture.
4. Place the pork belly strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender, flipping halfway through.
6. Drizzle apple cider vinegar over the pork belly strips during the last minute of cooking.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Pork Belly Tacos with Lime Crema
Discover the tender, flavorful pork belly of your dreams, cooked to perfection in an air fryer and served in a crispy taco shell with a zesty lime crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 taco shells
– Lime crema (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, sliced radishes, pickled red onions, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add pork belly slices and toss to coat.
3. Load the pork belly into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. While pork is cooking, warm taco shells according to package instructions.
5. Assemble tacos by placing cooked pork belly onto a warmed shell, followed by a dollop of lime crema and desired toppings.
Lime Crema:
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Crispy Pork Belly with Apple Compote in Air Fryer
Elevate your dinner game with this simple and delicious recipe that combines the tender crunch of pork belly with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple compote.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or similar)
– 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, brown sugar, and thyme.
3. Add the pork belly slices to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Cook the pork belly in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
5. While the pork is cooking, combine chopped onion, apples, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Serve the crispy pork belly with the warm apple compote spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes for pork belly, 15-20 minutes for apple compote
Air Fryer Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwich
Transform the flavors of Southeast Asia into a mouthwatering sandwich with crispy air-fried pork belly, fresh pickled vegetables, and creamy slaw. This unique combination will elevate your banh mi game!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cup pickled carrots and daikon (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup slaw (cabbage, carrot, and cilantro mixture)
– 4 banh mi breads
– Sriracha mayo (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and five-spice powder. Add pork belly and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Remove pork from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook in air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
4. Assemble sandwiches by spreading a layer of pickled vegetables on each bread, followed by a few slices of air-fried pork belly, a dollop of slaw, and a drizzle of Sriracha mayo (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Maple Glazed Pork Belly Air Fryer Recipe
Discover the sweet and savory combination of maple glaze on crispy air-fried pork belly, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or pork shoulder, sliced into 1-inch thick strips
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place pork belly strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Brush the maple glaze all over the pork belly.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pork is caramelized and crispy.
6. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Pork Belly Ramen Bowl
Experience the rich flavors of Korean-style pork belly and Japanese-inspired ramen noodles, all in one convenient air fryer bowl. This recipe combines the crispiest pork belly with a savory broth, springy noodles, and aromatic vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 cup ramen noodles
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Add pork belly pieces and toss to coat.
3. Cook pork belly in the air fryer for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
5. Combine chicken broth, Gochujang, and cooked noodles in a pot. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Assemble bowls by placing cooked pork belly on top of noodles, then adding green onions and mushrooms.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean BBQ Pork Belly in Air Fryer
Korean BBQ Pork Belly in Air Fryer: A Twist on Classic Bulgogi
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Korean-style BBQ pork belly, now made easy with the help of an air fryer!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
3. Add the pork belly slices to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Cook the pork in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. If desired, sprinkle with Korean chili flakes during the last minute of cooking.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Pork Belly with Spicy Sriracha Mayo
Elevate your pork belly game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the richness of crispy skin with the bold flavors of sriracha mayo. This dish is perfect for a quick and delicious meal or as an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup spicy sriracha mayo (see note)
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the pork belly pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Place the marinated pork belly in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve hot with spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
Note: To make spicy sriracha mayo, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
Crispy Pork Belly Salad with Air Fryer Croutons
Crispy Pork Belly Salad with Air Fryer Croutons: A harmonious blend of tender pork belly, crunchy croutons, and fresh greens, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Air Fryer Croutons (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced pork belly to the glaze and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until caramelized and crispy.
4. Assemble the salad by placing the chopped lettuce on a plate, topping with the cooked pork belly, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
5. Serve with Air Fryer Croutons (recipe below).
Air Fryer Croutons:
– 1/2 cup stale bread, cubed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Air Fryer Pork Belly Sliders with Pickled Vegetables
A twist on traditional sliders, these bite-sized pork belly bites are cooked to perfection in the air fryer and served on a soft bun with tangy pickled vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Pickling liquid (see below)
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Pickling Liquid:
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add pork belly strips and toss to coat.
3. Cook pork belly in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
4. Meanwhile, prepare pickling liquid by whisking together apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
5. Slice your favorite vegetables (such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers) into thin strips and soak in the pickling liquid for at least 30 minutes.
6. Assemble sliders by placing cooked pork belly on a bun and topping with pickled vegetables. Garnish with green onions.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (air fryer), 30 minutes (pickling)
Five-Spice Pork Belly in Air Fryer
Transform pork belly into a mouthwatering delight by infusing it with the unique flavors of five-spice powder, perfect for a quick and easy dinner. This air-fryer recipe yields tender, caramelized meat with a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly
– 2 tbsp five-spice powder
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together five-spice powder, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until caramelized and tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Air Fryer Pork Belly with Mango Salsa
Experience the perfect balance of crispy, savory pork belly and sweet, tangy mango salsa in this easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mango salsa ingredients: 2 ripe mangos, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Add pork belly slices to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Cook in the Air Fryer for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango salsa ingredients in a separate bowl.
6. Serve crispy pork belly with sweet mango salsa.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Pork Belly Air Fryer Recipe
Transform your pork belly with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, all made possible with the help of an air fryer. This recipe yields tender, caramelized meat with a rich flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, skin removed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the pork belly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Brush the balsamic glaze all over the pork belly and continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes or until caramelized.
6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-32 minutes
Summary
Discover the art of air-frying crispy pork belly with these 18 mouthwatering recipes! From classic flavors like garlic butter and honey glaze to bold combinations like spicy sriracha mayo and mango salsa, there’s something for every taste. Try your hand at bites-sized snacks, tacos, sandwiches, and even ramen bowls. Each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the tender, juicy texture of pork belly while achieving a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these air fryer delights are sure to impress family and friends alike.
