Emilie Meyer
Air fryer pork belly cubes are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried pork belly. With less oil and mess, air-fried pork belly is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or used as a building block for a main course. The cooking time for pork belly cubes in an air fryer depends on the size of the cubes and the air fryer itself, but generally, they are cooked within 15–20 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 395-400°F (200°C) |
| Cook Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Pork Belly Size | 1-2 inch cubes |
| Spices | Brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, chilli powder, chipotle powder, maple syrup |
| Skin | Optional |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-cooking preparation
Preparing pork belly cubes to be cooked in an air fryer is a simple process that can be done in about 10 minutes. The first step is to cut the pork belly into cubes. The recommended size varies, with some sources suggesting 1-inch cubes, and others suggesting 2-inch cubes. Keep in mind that the pork will shrink during cooking, so slightly larger pieces are usually better.
Next, you will prepare the seasoning. Most recipes suggest a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika or chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. You can also add maple syrup, coconut sugar, or chili powder and chipotle powder for a spicier kick. Combine these ingredients in a large bowl and mix until the texture is similar to wet sand.
Now, you will add the pork belly cubes to the bowl with the seasoning. Toss the meat until all the pieces are fully coated. You can allow the pork to marinate in the seasoning overnight in the refrigerator to infuse more flavor, or you can cook it immediately.
When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to between 395 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork belly cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each cube. It is okay if the pieces touch, but they may require cooking in batches.
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Air fryer temperature and duration
The air fryer temperature and duration for cooking pork belly cubes depend on the size of the cubes, the size of your air fryer, and your desired level of doneness. It's recommended to cook pork belly cubes in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
For 1-inch cubes, some sources suggest cooking at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes on each side, resulting in a total cooking time of 20 minutes. Another source recommends 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes on each side, or until the desired crispiness is achieved, for a total cooking time of 20 minutes.
For 2-inch cubes, a suggested cooking temperature is 400°F (200°C), with a total cooking time of 15 minutes, turning the pork halfway through.
If you prefer your pork belly cubes extra crispy, you can cook them for a few additional minutes. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of batches you cook.
To check if your pork belly cubes are cooked thoroughly, use an internal meat thermometer. The pork belly should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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Post-cooking preparation
Once the pork belly cubes are cooked, it is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat. It is best to eat pork belly warm, as it does not taste very good when eaten cold.
If you have any leftover pork belly cubes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the desired amount of leftovers in your air fryer or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, or until the desired crispiness is achieved.
When reheating, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of leftovers you are reheating. You may need to experiment a bit to find the perfect reheating time for your specific situation.
Additionally, if you are using an air fryer with a basket, it is recommended to shake the basket a couple of times during the reheating process to ensure even heating and crisping.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
Leftover pork belly cubes can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 to 5 days, depending on the source. To reheat, simply place the desired amount of leftovers in the air fryer basket and heat at 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the desired crispiness is achieved. Flip the pork belly cubes halfway through the reheating process.
It is worth noting that some sources recommend eating pork belly warm, as it may not taste as good when eaten cold. Additionally, ensure that you use a sharp knife when slicing your pork belly into cubes to prevent any risk of injury.
For longer storage, you can freeze leftover pork belly. Let it cool, wrap it in foil or plastic, and then freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
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Recipe variations
There are several ways to put a twist on the classic air-fried pork belly cubes recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spicy kick
Add some heat to your pork belly cubes by incorporating spices such as chili powder and chipotle powder. You can also try adding fresh jalapeño slices, removing the seeds to control the spice level.
Sweet and savory
For a sweet and savory flavor profile, substitute maple syrup for brown sugar in your spice rub. This variation is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its unique blend of flavors.
Dry rub
Try a dry rub technique by mixing your choice of spices with an egg white. This method will help the spices adhere to the pork belly cubes during cooking, infusing more flavor into the meat.
Marination
Enhance the flavors of your pork belly cubes by marinating them in a spice rub overnight. This technique will allow the spices to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in juicy and flavorful pork belly cubes.
Bacon-style
Cut your pork belly into strips and smoke or air fry them to create a bacon-like treat. You can also experiment with curing, slicing, and smoking your pork belly to make homemade bacon.
Leftover makeover
Don't let those leftovers go to waste! Transform them into something new and exciting. Simply reheat your leftover pork belly cubes in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until your desired crispness is achieved.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 15 minutes to cook pork belly cubes in an air fryer. The temperature should be set to 400°F.
The pork belly cubes should be around 1-2 inches.
You can pat the pork belly dry with kitchen paper or a clean tea towel. Then, score the top of the fat, being careful not to cut all the way through. You can also marinate the pork belly in a dry rub overnight to infuse more flavour.
Pork belly should reach an internal temperature of 145°F, which can be checked with an internal meat thermometer.
