Air-Fryer Pork Belly: Is It Possible?

Pork belly is a tasty and tender cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer to create a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat juicy. This method is a great alternative to boiling or oven-roasting, as it requires minimal clean-up and less oil and mess compared to deep-frying. You can season the pork belly in a variety of ways, such as with salt, pepper, sugar, and spices, to create a sweet and salty flavour profile.

How to cook pork belly in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb pork belly, cut into 1/2-inch slices 4-5 inches long
• 2 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Oil or non-stick spray

Method

• Slice the pork belly so that it fits in the air fryer basket without bending.
• Grease the air fryer rack or basket to prevent sticking.
• Air fry the pork belly pieces in a single layer for up to 30 minutes. The internal temperature will be safe to eat much before this, but if you want crispy pork belly, keep cooking until it's as crisp as you like.
• Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and drain on a paper towel.
• Drizzle with syrup, or add salt and pepper, to taste.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Tips

• You can change up the syrup flavour or try a bit of honey instead.
• Brown sugar or a brown sweetener added during the last 5 minutes is delicious.
• For an Asian-inspired twist, mix brown sugar sweetener with soy sauce and cook until it reduces by half, then use as a glaze.
• If you want to season your pork belly before cooking, mix up your favourite blend of seasonings. Onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika and chilli powder all work well.
• For crispy air fryer pork belly bites, cut the pork belly into bite-sized cubes with a sharp knife before cooking.

How to get crispy pork belly

Ingredients

• Pork belly
• Salt
• Oil (olive, rapeseed, avocado, or neutral)
• Sugar (brown or coconut)
• Spices (white pepper, five spice powder, chilli powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder)
• Apple juice

Method

• Dry the skin of the pork belly with paper towels.
• Rub the skin with oil and salt.
• Poke holes in the skin with a sharp knife or piercing tool.
• Place the pork belly in the fridge, uncovered, for a few hours or overnight.
• Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for three minutes.
• Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket and cook for 40 minutes.
• Increase the heat to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
• Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Tips

• For extra flavour, add spices to create a dry rub and let the pork marinate overnight.
• For crispy pork belly bites, cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and air fry for around 6 minutes, tossing every few minutes.
• For a sweet glaze, drizzle with maple syrup or honey during the last few minutes of cooking.

How to cut pork belly for the air fryer

Firstly, select the right cut of pork belly. Look for a cut with a nice balance of meat and fat, as this will ensure flavour and crispiness.

Next, you will need to slice the pork belly so that it fits into your air fryer basket without bending. The size of your air fryer will determine the size of the slices. Grease your air fryer rack or basket to prevent sticking.

Now, you can begin to prepare the pork belly for cooking. Pat the skin dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which is the enemy of crispy skin. Then, use a sharp knife to poke holes into the skin, being careful not to pierce the meat. This will help the skin to crisp up by allowing the fat to render out more easily.

At this point, you can add your chosen seasonings. For example, you could rub coarse sea salt into the skin to draw out moisture and add flavour. You could also add garlic powder, Chinese five spice, onion powder, smoked paprika or chilli powder.

Finally, you can place the pork belly into the air fryer. Ensure that the pieces are laid out in a single layer, with space between them for the air to circulate.

How to season pork belly for the air fryer

Selecting and Preparing the Pork Belly

Start by selecting a good cut of pork belly with a nice balance of meat and fat. This will ensure your pork belly has plenty of flavour and crispiness.

Before seasoning, pat the skin of the pork belly dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so make sure it's as dry as possible.

Seasoning the Pork Belly

There are several seasoning options you can try for your pork belly. Here are some ideas:

• Salt and Pepper: Rub a generous amount of coarse sea salt into the skin. This will help draw out moisture, aiding in achieving a crispy texture. You can also add some ground black pepper for extra flavour.
• Five Spice and Garlic Granules: Sprinkle Chinese five spice and garlic granules over the meat, rubbing the powders into the crevices of the scored areas. This combination will give your pork belly an extra flavour boost.
• Brown Sugar and Garlic Powder: Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then add the pork belly pieces and coat them with the mixture.
• Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar: Mix brown sugar sweetener with soy sauce and cook until it reduces by half, then use as a glaze.
• Onion Powder and Smoked Paprika: Mix onion powder and smoked paprika with other favourite seasonings and cook according to your air fryer instructions.

Tips for Cooking in the Air Fryer

When cooking your seasoned pork belly in the air fryer, follow these tips:

• Slice the pork belly so that it fits in the air fryer basket without bending.
• Grease the air fryer rack or basket to prevent sticking.
• Cook the pork belly in a single layer for up to 30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
• For extra crispy skin, brush the skin with a neutral oil, like canola oil, before air frying.
• Let the pork belly rest for a few minutes after cooking, to allow the juices to redistribute and result in juicier meat.

How to reheat leftover pork belly in an air fryer

Yes, you can put pork belly in an air fryer. Here's how to reheat leftover pork belly in an air fryer:

• Set the air fryer to 350°F/180°C.
• Sprinkle the meat with some water or stock, being careful not to get any on the skin.
• Cover the meat section of the pork belly with foil, leaving the skin exposed.
• Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket with the skin facing outwards.
• Heat the pork belly for 3-4 minutes, then check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If it’s 165°F/73°C, the meat is ready.
• Be careful not to overdo it in the air fryer. Air fryers are small, super-heated convection ovens, so a minute or two too long can dry out the meat.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. There needs to be enough room around the meat for air to circulate. If you have a lot of pork to reheat, do it in batches.

Tips for Crispy Skin:

• Before reheating, separate the meat and the skin, then reheat the skin separately in the oven or under the grill.
• Poke holes in the skin with a sharp knife or piercing tool, being careful not to pierce the meat. This helps the skin to crisp up by allowing some of the fat to render out.
• Pat the skin dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which is the enemy of crispy skin.
• Rub a generous amount of coarse sea salt into the skin to draw out moisture and aid in crisping.

Storing and Freezing Pork Belly:

• To store pork belly, wait until it cools to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last 3-4 days.
• Cover the skin with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep it crispy.
• Don't leave pork belly out at room temperature for over two hours, as bacteria can multiply.
• To freeze pork belly, wait until it's completely cool, then wrap it in foil and put it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible and freeze for up to 6 months.

Frequently asked questions