Crispy Pork Belly Bites

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Air-fried pork belly tossed with garlic and sweet-spiced seasoning. It's faster and less messy than frying.
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Fri, 21 Mar 2025 03:09:43 GMT
Golden, crispy cubes of pork belly with herbs sprinkled on top for garnish. Save
Golden, crispy cubes of pork belly with herbs sprinkled on top for garnish. | lilicooks.com

These Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Chunks need hardly any work, pack tons of taste, and give you that amazing crunchy bite everyone loves. I tried many different ways to cook them, and the air fryer wins hands down for getting that perfect mix of crisp outside and juicy inside.

Quick and Clever

When you use the air fryer, you get that awesome pork belly crunch without dealing with hot oil splatter. The way heat moves around in there makes each piece crispy all over. And when you're done, cleaning up takes no time.

What You'll Need

  • Pork Belly: 1 1/2 pounds, cut into 1-inch chunks. Try to make them all the same size so they cook evenly.
  • Seasoning Blend: Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to create a rich, smoky taste.
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil or any plain cooking oil to lightly coat the pork chunks so the spices stick better.

Let's Cook

Prep Your Pork
Pat those chunks completely dry and coat them well with spices.
Get Ready to Cook
Warming up your air fryer first really matters for good results.
Air Fry to Perfection
Lay them out without touching and give them a shake midway for even crispness.
Check for Doneness
They should look golden brown and reach the right internal temp.
Time to Enjoy
Best eaten right away while they're still crispy and warm.
A close-up of a dark, glazed dish featuring small, caramelized pieces of pork belly garnished with chopped green onions, served on a round black plate. Save
A close-up of a dark, glazed dish featuring small, caramelized pieces of pork belly garnished with chopped green onions, served on a round black plate. | lilicooks.com

Why Pork Belly

Pork belly stands out from other cuts because the fatty, marbled meat turns into something magical when cooked right. You get that amazing contrast in every bite between the crunchy outside and the soft, tender inside.

No Air Fryer No Problem

You can totally use your regular oven too just cook them a bit longer and turn them over halfway. They'll still taste amazing just watch them closely to make sure they get crispy enough.

A close-up of golden-brown, crispy fried pork belly cubes garnished with chopped green onions on a plate. Save
A close-up of golden-brown, crispy fried pork belly cubes garnished with chopped green onions on a plate. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Why dry the pork belly first?
Drying makes seasoning grip better and browns up the meat instead of steaming it. Moisture is no good here!
→ Can I bake instead of air fry?
Sure, baking works too! Check out exact steps in the original how-to guide.
→ When's it perfectly cooked?
Look for crispy, golden outsides with 145°F inside for safety.
→ Other seasoning options?
Go wild! Try chili for spice or five spice for a sweeter, Asian touch.
→ Why shake them during cooking?
So every side gets crispy. Don't skip this—it makes all the difference!

Crispy Pork Belly Bites

Crisp up seasoned pork belly pieces in an air fryer for a cleaner, tastier snack option.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 15 Serves (15 pieces)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Cut pork belly into 1-inch chunks, 1½ pounds, and pat off any moisture.
02 3 tablespoons of canola oil.
03 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
04 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
05 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
06 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Steps

Step 01

Turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F so it’s ready to use.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine oil, sugar, and the listed seasonings. Coat meat pieces evenly.

Step 03

Lay pork pieces in basket in a single layer. Do this in sections if needed.

Step 04

Cook in air fryer for 18-20 minutes. Shake basket a few times to crisp evenly.

Tips

  1. Dry your pork for a better result.
  2. If there's too much to fit, split it into smaller portions.
  3. You can also bake this in the oven if preferred.

Required Tools

  • An air fryer.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Proteins: 8 g