Air Fryer Pork Belly
If you’re a fan of pork belly, you are going to LOVE this air fryer pork belly recipe. Succulent, juicy meat with the most perfect crispy crackling/skin, this recipe is practically fool-proof and absolutely delicious. Every time!
Ingredients needed
- Pork belly. I used a boneless pork belly. Bone-in pork will take longer to cook and is a little harder to carve.
- Seasonings: I used salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Feel free to add any of your favorite spices but avoid adding it to the skin as they are more likely to burn.
How to cook pork belly in the air fryer
- Prepare the pork belly: Pat the pork dry with paper towels then score the fat with a very sharp knife. Rub the seasonings into the meat-side. Season the pork belly skin with salt only, other spices are more likely to burn when exposed to the high heat.
- Air fry: Place the pork, skin-side up, on a large piece of foil then fold the edges in, creating a basket for the pork. This prevents the meat from drying out while cooking while keeping the skin exposed. Air fry the pork for 30 minutes at 350°F/175°C then turn the heat up to 400°F/205°C and cook for another 30 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Allow to rest: Remove the crispy pork belly from the air fryer basket then allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Can I make this ahead?
Pork belly is definitely best served immediately after serving but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer before serving.
What to serve with pork belly
This recipe is super versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. We love it served with traditional roast dinner sides like cauliflower cheese, roasted potatoes, maple-glazed carrots and green beans. It’s also delicious served in pork belly ramen or thinly sliced in pork belly tacos and makes delicious sandwiches or served with rice, soy sauce and pickled vegetables.
Pork recipes
- Salt and pepper pork belly with perfect crispy crackling
- Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
- Pan Fried Pork Chops
Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Pork Belly
Ingredients
- 1½ lb (750g) boneless pork belly For the most succulent end result, try to buy a pork belly that is at least 1inch / 2-3cm thick.
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels then score the fat with a very sharp knife.
- Rub the seasonings into the meat-side.
- Season the pork belly skin with salt only, other spices are more likely to burn when exposed to the high heat.
- Place the pork, skin-side up, on a large piece of foil then fold the edges in, creating a basket for the pork. This prevents the meat from drying out while cooking while keeping the skin exposed.
- Air fry the pork for 30 minutes at 350°F/175°C then turn the heat up to 400°F/205°C and cook for another 30 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Remove the crispy pork belly from the air fryer basket then allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
This is the easiest way to cook pork belly, from now on this is going to be the only way.
Nice and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, absolutely delicious.
Thanks so much Krystyna!
Lovely!
Thanks Esther!
Hi Alida, I’ve cooked pork before, but never really known how much salt to put on the skin side (facing up) before roasting. They’ve usually turned out OK, but not totally crispy. Eagerly waiting for your reply. Thank you.
I usually go for 1-2 teaspoons of fine salt, depending on the size of your pork belly.