Air Frying Pork Belly: How Long Does It Take?

Pork belly is a rich and fatty cut of meat that comes from the underside of a pig. It can be cooked in an air fryer to create a dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The cooking time varies depending on the desired crispiness, the thickness of the meat, and the air fryer model. However, on average, it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to cook pork belly in an air fryer.

Selecting the right cut of pork belly

Thickness and Uniformity:

Aim for a pork belly cut that is around 1 inch thick. This thickness ensures even cooking, resulting in succulent and moist meat. A uniform thickness also contributes to a visually appealing dish.

Fat-to-Meat Ratio:

The ideal pork belly cut should have a nice balance of meat and fat. This ratio is crucial for achieving both flavour and crispiness. A higher fat content allows for more tender meat and makes the cut more versatile for different cooking methods.

Pork Skin Quality:

Look for a pork belly with soft, supple, and visually pleasing skin. Good-quality pork skin is an indicator of a moist and richly textured meat cut. The skin should be dry before cooking to achieve the perfect crispiness.

Freshness:

Like any other farm-grown ingredient, pork offers a richer taste when it is fresh. Fresh pork belly will have a higher level of tenderness, juiciness, and softness, enhancing its overall quality.

Breed of Pig:

The breed of pig can impact the flavour of the pork. Breeds like Berkshire, Duroc, and Tamworth are known for their balance of fat and lean muscle, resulting in a unique flavour. Local and commercial breeds like Yorkshire and Landrace may have leaner bellies.

Diet of the Pig:

The quality of the pig's diet can alter the taste of the meat. Pigs fed high volumes of nutrient-dense foods will yield pork with a more luscious taste and refined texture. Access to natural pasture and forage also positively influences the meat's flavour.

Aging:

Allowing meat to age naturally improves its texture and flavour. Enzymes break down the meat's tissues, making it softer, while flavour compounds intensify over time.

When selecting pork belly, it is also important to consider the specific requirements of your recipe, your budget, and the source of the meat. By choosing a cut that meets these criteria, you can refine your selection process and achieve optimum results in your air fryer pork belly dish.

Preparing the skin

Drying the Skin

Start by placing the pork belly on a rack over a tray. Pat the skin dry with paper towels, removing as much moisture as possible. This step is important because moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. You can then place the pork, skin-side up, in the refrigerator, uncovered, for a few hours or even overnight. This process helps to dry out the skin, which will make it crisp up better during cooking.

Poking the Skin

Using a sharp knife or piercing tool, poke small holes into the pork belly skin. Be careful not to poke too deeply, as you only want to pierce the skin without reaching the meat underneath. This step helps the skin crisp up by allowing some of the fat to render out more easily, effectively frying the skin and making it puff up.

Salting the Skin

Rub a generous amount of coarse sea salt or kosher salt into the skin. This step not only seasons the meat but also helps draw out moisture from the skin, making it even crispier. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, or Chinese five-spice powder to enhance the flavor.

Brushing with Vinegar (Optional)

Before air frying, you can brush the skin with a layer of vinegar. This step is not mandatory but can add a unique flavor to the pork belly.

Oil Application

Finally, brush the skin with a neutral oil or canola oil. This step will help the skin achieve that desired crispy texture and golden color during the air frying process.

Air Frying

After preparing the skin, it's time to air fry the pork belly. Place the pork belly, skin-side up, in the air fryer basket. Start air frying at a lower temperature (around 250°F) for about 25-30 minutes, and then increase the temperature to 400°F for an additional 20-40 minutes, or until the skin is puffed and crispy. Keep a close eye on the pork belly during this process, as the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Cooking methods and temperatures

There are a few different methods for cooking pork belly in an air fryer, and the temperature and timing will depend on the method you choose. Here is a step-by-step guide to each method:

Method 1: Crispy Pork Belly Bites

This method involves cutting the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and air frying them until crispy. Here are the steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Prepare the pork belly by patting it dry and cutting it into 1-inch pieces.
• Create a seasoning mixture by combining oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
• Add the pork belly pieces to the bowl and coat them with the seasoning mixture.
• Place the pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the pork belly for 18-20 minutes, shaking and flipping them occasionally.

Method 2: Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly

This method is for cooking a whole piece of pork belly with crispy skin. Here are the steps:

• Prepare the pork belly by poking holes in the skin with a sharp knife, being careful not to pierce the meat.
• Dry the skin of the pork belly with paper towels to remove any moisture.
• Rub a generous amount of coarse sea salt into the skin to help draw out moisture and crisp it up.
• Cut the pork belly to fit your air fryer if needed.
• Create a tin foil frame around the pork belly, leaving a small gap between the foil and the edges of the meat.
• Brush the skin with vinegar, then cover it completely with a layer of salt.
• Air fry at 250°F for 30 minutes or until the salt has dried completely.
• Remove the salt from the pork belly and brush off any excess.
• Pat the pork belly dry with a paper towel.
• Brush the skin with a neutral oil.
• Air fry at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, checking regularly to ensure the skin doesn't burn.

Method 3: Air Fried Pork Belly

This method involves pre-seasoning the pork belly and cooking it in two temperature stages. Here are the steps:

• The night before cooking, cut the pork belly into 1-inch strips or chunks.
• Sprinkle the pork belly with salt and rub it into the skin and meat. Then, sprinkle with black pepper.
• Place the pork belly in the refrigerator, uncovered, and let it chill overnight.
• In a small bowl, whisk together baking powder and garlic powder.
• Rub the baking powder and garlic powder mixture all over the pork belly.
• Preheat the air fryer to 250°F.
• Spray the inner basket of the air fryer and the pork belly with cooking oil spray.
• Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin-side-up, in a single layer.
• Air fry for 25 minutes.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F and air fry for an additional 20 minutes.
• Continue cooking in 5-minute increments until the skin reaches your desired level of crispiness.

Tips for Cooking Pork Belly in an Air Fryer:

• Always pat the pork belly dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture.
• Scoring or poking holes in the skin can help render the fat and create a crispier texture.
• Letting the pork belly dry in the refrigerator overnight can help draw out moisture and create a crispier skin.
• Be sure to monitor the pork belly regularly while cooking to prevent burning.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's important to check the pork belly regularly.

Storing and reheating

To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spritz the leftover pork belly with oil and cook skin-side-up for about 7 minutes until warmed through.

If you're looking for ways to use up your leftover pork belly, try adding it to stir-fries, egg fried rice, or ramen.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer pork belly is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious and crispy treat:

• Drizzle with Juices: Simply drizzle the pork belly with any juices rendered during the air-frying process. This enhances the flavour and moisture of the meat.
• Sauce it Up: Alternatively, you can drizzle the pork belly with a sauce of your choice. Some options include hoisin sauce, okonomiyaki sauce, or apple sauce, especially if you've seasoned your pork belly with just salt.
• Stir-Fries: If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can chop up the pork belly and add it to a stir-fry. It will bring a juicy and crispy texture to your vegetables.
• Fried Rice: Leftover pork belly can also be used to make egg-fried rice or served with ramen. The crispy meat will add a unique texture to these dishes.
• Sides: You can also serve air fryer pork belly with a variety of sides, such as air fryer baby potatoes, air fryer broccoli Parmesan, air fryer sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts, or Asian-style air fryer green beans. These sides will complement the rich and fatty flavours of the pork belly.

No matter which serving suggestion you choose, air fryer pork belly is sure to be a delicious and satisfying treat for you and your guests!

Frequently asked questions