Emilie Meyer
Air fryer pork belly is a quick and easy way to cook tender, juicy, and crispy pork belly with minimal fuss and oil. It is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course, and can be adapted to suit different tastes and styles. With a simple seasoning of salt or a blend of spices, you can create a delicious sweet and savoury dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Cooking Pork Belly in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15-40 minutes |
| Temperature | 320-400°F |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, chili powder, olive oil, brown sugar, Chinese five spice |
| Serving Suggestions | Teriyaki, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Place in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right pork belly
Freshness and Quality:
Start by looking for fresh, high-quality pork belly. It's recommended to buy from a butcher instead of a grocery store, as the meat is likely to be fresher and free from preservatives. Look for slabs that are bright pink, with no signs of discoloration.
Skin and Fat Content:
The skin of the pork belly plays a crucial role in achieving the desired crispiness. Choose a pork belly joint with its skin intact, either scored or unscored. The fat content is also essential, as it contributes to the juiciness and crispiness of the final dish. Look for pork belly with a nice balance of meat and fat, evenly marbled throughout. Avoid frozen pork belly, as it may not crisp up as desired.
Size and Weight:
The size and weight of the pork belly joint will depend on your preference and the number of servings you need. For a single dish, a medium to large pork belly joint, around 800g, should be sufficient. If you're making pork belly bites or appetizers, you can cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, usually about 2 x 2-inch cubes.
Storage and Preparation:
When buying pork belly, consider how you will store and prepare it. Fresh pork belly can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer periods. If freezing, slice the pork belly before placing it in airtight containers or freezer bags. For optimal crispiness, pat the pork belly dry with paper towels before cooking, as moisture can affect the final texture.
Seasoning and Flavor:
While seasoning can be customized according to your taste preferences, some common seasonings for air-fried pork belly include salt, garlic granules or powder, Chinese five-spice, and olive oil or cooking spray. You can also experiment with other spices like dried parsley, mixed herbs, or chipotle paste to create different flavor profiles.
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Seasoning
Choosing the Right Seasonings:
The choice of seasonings depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Some popular options for pork belly include sea salt, garlic powder or granules, smoked paprika, chilli powder or cayenne pepper, onion powder, black pepper, and Chinese five spice. These seasonings can be used individually or in combination to create a unique blend.
Preparing the Pork Belly:
Before seasoning, it is essential to pat the pork belly dry using paper towels or a clean tea towel. This step helps the seasonings adhere better to the meat's surface, resulting in a more flavoursome crust. Additionally, scoring the top layer of the pork belly's skin in a criss-cross pattern is recommended. This technique helps the heat penetrate the meat evenly and allows the seasonings to permeate the pork belly, enhancing both flavour and texture.
Applying the Seasonings:
Once the pork belly is dry and scored, it's time to apply the seasonings. For a simple option, a blend of salt and garlic powder can be rubbed generously over the surface of the meat. Alternatively, for a more complex flavour profile, create a dry rub by mixing smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl until it resembles wet sand. Then, toss the pork belly pieces in the seasoning mixture until all sides are evenly coated.
Customising the Flavour:
The beauty of seasoning pork belly lies in its versatility. For those who enjoy a sweet and savoury combination, brown sugar or honey can be added during the last few minutes of cooking, creating a delicious glaze. Additionally, a simple salt rub can be enhanced by mixing it with an egg white, preventing the salt from blowing off during air frying and ensuring a crispy texture.
Storing Seasoned Pork Belly:
If you plan to store the seasoned pork belly before cooking, it is essential to follow proper storage procedures. Place the seasoned pork belly in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the pork belly in foil or plastic, place it in a sealed bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating and cooking in the air fryer.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork belly in an air fryer depend on the size of the pork belly and the level of crispiness you want to achieve.
For a medium to large pork belly joint (around 800g), one recipe recommends preheating your air fryer to 160°C/320°F and cooking for 30 minutes. Then, turn the temperature up to 240°C/465°F and cook for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a crispy texture.
If you are cooking bite-sized pieces of pork belly, a suggested temperature of 200°C/400°F for 8 to 10 minutes should be sufficient. It is recommended to toss the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.
For a smaller pork belly (650g), one source suggests maintaining the same cooking time and temperature as you would for a larger piece to ensure the skin has time to crisp up.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of crispiness. If you prefer your pork belly to be extra crispy, you may need to cook it for a few additional minutes.
When reheating leftover pork belly, preheat your air fryer to 160°C/320°F and cook for about 7 minutes, or until hot. Alternatively, you can reheat at 200°C/400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping the pork belly halfway through.
Always refer to the specific recipe you are following for precise cooking instructions, as different recipes may vary slightly in terms of temperature and timing.
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Resting and serving
Once the pork belly is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
After resting, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces. If you want to make it easier to slice, you can place the meat in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Cut the slab into 1-inch cubes or 2 x 2-inch pieces.
You can serve the pork belly bites by themselves or with a dipping sauce. They are best eaten right after cooking as they will lose some of their tenderness after refrigeration and reheating. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place the pork belly back in the air fryer at 350°F to 400°F for about 5 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your leftover pork belly is simple. Once cooled, place the pork belly in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. To do this, let the pork belly cool, then wrap it in foil or plastic before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your pork belly again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can then reheat it in the air fryer at 160°C/320°F for 7 minutes, or in the microwave with the lid slightly ajar until hot. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 190°C/375°F for 10-15 minutes. For an extra crispy finish, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 200°C/400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking pork belly in an air fryer takes less than 40 minutes, with around 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4-5 minutes. Once the air fryer is preheated, add the pork belly and air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, turning the pork halfway through cooking.
Cut your pork belly into 2x2-inch pieces. Mix your seasonings together, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss the pork belly in the seasoning until all the pieces are coated.
Let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
Yes, you can store leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the pork belly back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until hot.
