This Air-Fryer Pork Belly recipe is the perfect way to cook pork belly with minimal effort, using an air fryer for a crispy crackling and tender meat. The air fryer makes this dish energy-efficient, and you’ll love how quickly you can achieve that crispy skin without needing an oven. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a delicious way to enjoy pork belly.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 500g – 1kg pork belly

• 1 tsp vegetable oil

• ½ tsp garlic granules

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Pat the pork belly dry with kitchen paper or a clean tea towel. Score the top of the fat, being careful not to cut all the way through.

2. Rub the pork belly with vegetable oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic granules.

3. Place the pork belly into the air fryer, skin-side up, and cook at 200°C for 30 minutes, or until the skin begins to crisp up.

4. Reduce the heat to 180°C and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and the skin is fully crispy.

5. Once done, let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 318

• Total Fat: 23g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 0.1g

• Sugars: 0g

• Protein: 27g

• Salt: 0.3g

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Pork Belly?

Traditional methods of cooking pork belly often involve slow roasting in the oven, which can take a significant amount of time and energy. However, using an air fryer allows you to cook pork belly in a fraction of the time, making it an energy-efficient choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, which helps crisp up the fat on the pork belly while keeping the meat moist and tender inside. This method is quicker, cleaner, and more efficient than using an oven, which requires preheating and long cooking times.

Another advantage of using the air fryer is that it helps achieve a perfectly crispy skin, which is often the star of the pork belly dish. The hot air in the air fryer creates a blistering effect on the fat, rendering it down while crisping up the surface. This ensures that the skin is crunchy and golden brown without the need for constant monitoring or basting, making the process much more hands-off than traditional methods.

The Key to Perfect Pork Belly: Crispy Skin and Tender Meat

What makes Air-Fryer Pork Belly so irresistible is the balance between the crispy, crackling skin and the tender, juicy meat. The skin is scored and seasoned before cooking, allowing the fat to render out while achieving that signature crunch. This crispy skin provides an addictive texture, giving you the satisfying crunch with every bite, while the meat underneath remains moist, tender, and flavorful.

The key to achieving this balance is in the cooking technique. First, the pork belly is cooked at a high temperature to allow the skin to start crisping. Afterward, the temperature is reduced to ensure that the meat cooks through without over-drying. This method ensures that you get the best of both worlds—crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.

Simple Seasoning for Maximum Flavor

The beauty of Air-Fryer Pork Belly lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients—salt, pepper, garlic granules, and vegetable oil—you can create a dish full of flavor. The seasoning enhances the natural taste of the pork belly, allowing the richness of the meat and the crispy crackling to shine.

Salt and pepper are essential for drawing out the natural flavors of the pork, while garlic granules provide a subtle, savory depth. The vegetable oil is used to help achieve that golden, crispy skin, allowing the seasoning to adhere to the meat. Because pork belly is already rich in flavor due to its fat content, these simple seasonings are all you need to bring out the best in the dish.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Air-Fryer Pork Belly is its versatility. This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, where you can serve it with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even rice. The richness of the pork belly pairs beautifully with simple, comforting sides that help balance the dish. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Air-Fryer Pork Belly can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

Additionally, pork belly can be served in many different ways. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can slice the crispy pork belly into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers, paired with a dipping sauce like hoisin or a tangy vinegar-based sauce. For a more traditional presentation, serve the pork belly alongside mashed potatoes and greens for a hearty, well-rounded meal.

Efficient and Convenient for Busy Weeknights

In today’s fast-paced world, cooking at home can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule. Air-Fryer Pork Belly offers a convenient and time-saving solution. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a meal that rivals anything you’d get from a restaurant, without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer takes the guesswork out of cooking pork belly, giving you consistent, delicious results every time with minimal effort.

This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you don’t have the time or energy to roast meat for hours. The air fryer’s quick cooking time makes it possible to enjoy tender, flavorful pork belly in no time at all, making it a go-to recipe for busy evenings.

A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Pork Belly Recipes

While pork belly is often considered an indulgent dish, cooking it in the air fryer can make it a healthier option than traditional methods. The air fryer allows the excess fat to drain off during cooking, which results in a less greasy final product. This makes Air-Fryer Pork Belly a more health-conscious option compared to deep frying or slow-roasting pork belly in the oven, where excess fat can often remain in the dish.

By using the air fryer, you can achieve the desired crispy crackling without the extra oil, giving you the indulgence of pork belly without the heaviness that comes with more traditional cooking methods.

The Perfect Pairing for Pork Belly

Air-Fryer Pork Belly is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairings. Its rich, savory flavor makes it the perfect complement to a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a simple, satisfying meal, pair the pork belly with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of these vegetables pairs wonderfully with the savory, crispy pork belly.

For a more substantial meal, serve the pork belly with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. The rich, tender meat pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of these sides, making for a truly indulgent dish. For a lighter option, consider serving the pork belly with a crisp green salad or steamed rice to balance out the richness.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers after making Air-Fryer Pork Belly, don’t worry—you can easily store and reheat the dish for later. To store, simply place the leftover pork belly in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat, pop the pork belly back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the skin again. This method helps maintain the pork belly’s texture and ensures it stays delicious.

Alternatively, you can also slice the leftover pork belly and use it in other dishes, such as tacos, sandwiches, or stir-fries. The flavorful pork makes an excellent addition to a variety of recipes, adding richness and depth to any meal.

Conclusion

Air-Fryer Pork Belly is the perfect solution for anyone craving a delicious, crispy, and tender pork belly without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer allows you to cook the pork belly quickly and efficiently, achieving that irresistible crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and healthier than traditional cooking methods.

Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or using leftovers for creative new dishes, Air-Fryer Pork Belly is a versatile recipe that will quickly become a favorite. Its crispy crackling and tender meat make it an irresistible dish that’s sure to impress anyone at the table. The convenience and deliciousness of this recipe make it an essential addition to any home cook’s repertoire.