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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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → 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!