Marianne Martinez
Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites are an easy, tasty, and quick recipe to make. They are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavour. The pork belly is cut into cubes and seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces, such as brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, and maple syrup. The cubes are then placed in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, resulting in a mouth-watering dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Appetizer, side dish, or main meal |
| Flavor | Salty, sweet, savory, smoky, tender, juicy, crispy |
| Ingredients | Pork belly, brown sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar, olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, chipotle powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, garlic granules, spring onions, toasted sesame seeds |
| Tools | Air fryer, sharp knife, large bowl, tongs, internal meat thermometer, silicone air fryer liner, rack |
| Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 15-20 minutes |
| Temperature | 375°F / 190°C |
| Serving suggestions | Serve garnished with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds, or over steamed rice or sticky rice |
| Storage | Store leftover pork belly in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator |
| Reheating | Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F / 190°C for 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting the pork belly into cubes
When preparing pork belly cubes for the air fryer, it's important to cut the meat into the right size. The recommended size for pork belly cubes is between 1/2 inch to 2 inches. This may seem too large for a "bite-sized" portion, but it's important to remember that the pork will shrink during cooking, similar to how bacon cooks. When in doubt, it's usually better to cut the pork belly cubes slightly larger than you think you need to.
When cutting the pork belly, it's best to use a sharp knife to prevent the risk of any accidents. You can trim off any unwanted fat or skin, though some people choose to keep the skin on for added texture and flavour. The fat can be particularly delicious when it gets crispy in the air fryer.
After cutting the pork belly into cubes, you can move on to seasoning the meat. It's a good idea to pat the pork belly dry with a paper towel or clean tea towel before adding any seasonings or marinades. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and ensure even cooking.
Some recipes call for a dry rub or marinade to be applied to the pork belly cubes before air frying. This step is optional but can add extra flavour to the dish. If you choose to marinate the pork belly, you can simply place the cubed pork belly into a bowl, add the marinade, and toss to coat the meat evenly.
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Preparing the seasoning
Once you have your ingredients, combine them in a large bowl. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to taste, but aim for a texture similar to wet sand. Add a generous glug of olive oil to the mixture. This will help the seasoning stick to the pork and will also help achieve that crispy texture when frying.
If you have time, you can let the pork marinate in the seasoning overnight in the refrigerator. This will infuse the flavours into the meat, resulting in a more intense taste. If you're short on time, simply toss the pork cubes in the seasoning until they're fully coated.
And that's it! Your pork belly cubes are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer.
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Cooking the pork belly cubes
Preparing the pork belly cubes for cooking in the air fryer is a simple process. First, cut the pork belly into cubes. The size of the cubes may vary depending on your preference, but they should typically range from 1/2 inch to 2 inches. It is important to use a sharp knife when slicing the pork belly to ensure even cuts and prevent any risk of injury.
After cutting the pork belly, you can choose to trim off the skin if you prefer. However, some people choose to keep the skin on for added flavour and texture. If you decide to keep the skin, use a sharp knife to score the top layer of fat, being careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
Next, prepare the seasoning or marinade for the pork belly cubes. You can use a variety of spices and ingredients such as brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, and even maple syrup. Mix these ingredients together in a large bowl until they form a wet sand-like texture.
Once the seasoning is ready, add the pork belly cubes to the bowl and toss them until they are fully coated. Make sure each piece is well covered to ensure consistent flavour throughout the meat. At this stage, you can choose to let the pork belly marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight to enhance the flavour further.
When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature will depend on your specific air fryer model and personal preference, but it typically ranges between 375°F and 400°F (approximately 190°C to 200°C).
Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange the pork belly cubes inside. Place them in a single layer, either directly on the air fryer rack or in a basket. Leave some space between each cube to allow for even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pork belly in batches.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork belly cubes in an air fryer depend on the size of the cubes and the type of air fryer being used.
For 2-inch cubes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the pork belly cubes for 15 minutes, turning them halfway through. This will result in crispy and juicy pork belly bites.
For smaller cubes, such as 1-inch cubes, preheat the air fryer to 395°F and cook for 15 minutes, switching the position of the trays halfway through. If you are using a basket-type air fryer, shake the basket after every 5 minutes of cooking, for a total of two shakes.
For even smaller cubes, such as 1/2-inch cubes, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for a total of 20 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the desired doneness of the pork belly cubes. For crispy pork belly bites, it is recommended to cook them until they are golden brown and sizzling.
Additionally, the size of the air fryer may also impact the cooking time. For larger air fryers, the pork belly cubes may require more time to cook, while for smaller air fryers, they may cook faster. In some cases, it may be necessary to cook the pork belly cubes in batches to ensure even cooking.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer pork belly cubes are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious and crispy treat:
Appetizer or Starter:
These savoury and juicy bites can be served as a tasty appetizer or starter for a dinner party or casual get-together. Their small size makes them perfect for popping into your mouth, and the combination of sweet, salty, and smoky flavours will leave your guests wanting more.
Side Dish:
Serve the pork belly cubes as a side dish alongside an Italian-inspired feast. The crispy and tender meat will complement dishes like crunchy rice balls and air-fried chips. You can also pair them with buffalo-style cauliflower for a spicy and flavourful addition.
Main Course:
For a more substantial meal, serve the pork belly cubes over steamed rice or sticky rice. This Chinese-style dish, garnished with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds, makes for a flavourful and aromatic main course. You can also pair it with spicy garlic noodles and steamed greens for a well-rounded meal.
Leftovers:
Don't let any leftover pork belly cubes go to waste! They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, or until your desired crispiness is achieved.
Customization:
Feel free to customize the dish to your taste preferences. If you prefer your pork belly bites on the spicier side, increase the amount of chilli powder and chipotle powder used in the seasoning. You can also add some fresh jalapeño slices to give them an extra kick.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut the pork belly into cubes, then mix with a variety of seasonings such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Place the pork belly cubes in the air fryer, leaving space between each cube, and cook for 15-20 minutes at 395-400°F, shaking the basket a couple of times.
Preheat your air fryer to 395-400°F and cook the pork belly cubes for 15-20 minutes.
It takes around 15-20 minutes to cook pork belly cubes in an air fryer.
After cooking the pork belly slices, cut them into bite-sized cubes. Lower the heat to 375°F and air fry for a further 15-20 minutes, turning the bites over a few times. Garnish with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Pat the pork belly dry and score the top of the fat without cutting all the way through. Rub with oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic granules. Place the pork belly, skin-side up, in the air fryer and cook for 30 minutes at 200°C until the skin starts to crisp up.
