Fitness / March 16, 2024

Air Fryer Pork Belly

This mouthwatering dish proves that simple ingredients can transform mundane meat into a masterpiece!

Pork belly has been an underappreciated meat in America, but not anymore. I swear, every time I go out to eat, this delightful meat keeps turning up on the menus. And you know how I know that pork belly is getting popular? The price! While it’s still cheaper than more expensive cuts, pork belly isn’t a bargain buy anymore. It’s officially reached trend status, and I’m so there for it.
If you haven’t tried pork belly, you’re in for a treat, and no, it doesn’t taste like bacon. Thanks to its high fat content, this meat cooks to perfection in the air fryer, with a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. This recipe balances sweet and savory with a mixture of maple syrup, garlic powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Feel free to add your own favorite spices!

Is Pork Belly Healthy?

Yes, pork belly has a lot of fat. Like a lot of fat. But pork belly, especially if you buy local, organically raised pork, is surprisingly nutritious. Organic pork contains an abundance of B vitamins as well as vitamin E and selenium, both of which boast cancer fighting and anti-aging benefits. Now, I bet you’re wondering about all that fat. Well, pork belly is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats and omega-3, you know, the good fats. Monounsaturated fats are what you find in olive and avocado oils. I’m not saying you should eat pork belly every day, but if you choose organic, pasture-raised pork, there’s no shortage of nutrients. And this goes without saying, but I’ll say it for the kids in the back—pork belly is paleo and keto friendly.

What is Pork Belly, and Where Can I Find It?

Pork belly is one of the most popular meats worldwide, and it’s growing in popularity in America, too. But what is it exactly? Basically, it’s a cut that comes from the pig’s underside. That’s why it’s such a fatty cut of meat, which also makes it perfect for air fryer recipes. The air fryer’s heat circulation puts that fat to good use by rendering it out slowly, allowing the meat to become crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.

These days, it’s pretty easy to find pork belly at your grocery store’s butcher section. Personally, I like to visit my local butcher, who carries a great selection of organic, pasture raised meats. If you can, buy local and organic. Pasture raised pork belly is generally more nutritious, and I think it tastes better.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ pounds pork belly (cut into 1-inch pieces)
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat

Get the air fryer heated up to the right temperature for cooking the pork belly bites.

Mix

Create a flavorful coating with avocado oil, maple syrup, and spices in a bowl.

Coat

Toss the pork belly pieces in the seasoning mix until they’re well covered.

Arrange

Place the pork belly bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer for even cooking.

Cook

Air fry the pork belly, shaking the basket periodically for a uniform golden crisp.

Rest

Let the cooked pork belly bites cool slightly before serving to enhance their texture.

Serve

Enjoy the deliciously crispy pork belly bites fresh from the air fryer.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Pork belly makes good leftovers and even tastes delicious cold—try it on your salad! As long as you store it in an airtight container, this dish should last about five days in the fridge.

Should I Pat the pork belly dry of excess moisture?

Too much moisture will steam the skin rather than crisp it. So, if the skin feels too wet, I recommend drying the pork belly skin with a paper towel.

Can I prep the Pork Belly the night before?

You could. In fact, cubing the pork belly and then leaving it in the fridge overnight will ensure your meat gets even crispier in the air fryer. All you need to do is pat the meat dry and rub salt all over it.

Is it okay if I adjust the heat/time of this recipe?

Of course! Air fryers aren’t universal, so you may need to tweak the temperature and duration of this recipe. Whether you adjust anything are not, I’d still advise you to check on your meat every few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

I love dipping the air fried pork belly in a chipotle or mustard sauce. The contrasting flavors are just delightful. But you need more than just dipping sauces. I consider this pork belly a comfort food, and that means I need some comfort food side dishes like mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. Add a side of asparagus, and you have yourself a hearty and healthy meal.

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

This mouthwatering dish proves that simple ingredients can transform mundane meat into a masterpiece!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 264kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds pork belly cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Ensure the air fryer is ready to cook for even, crispy results.
In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss the pork belly pieces in the oil mixture until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Arrange the pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal air circulation.
Cook the pork belly in the air fryer for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to promote even cooking and crispiness.
Once the pork belly bites are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
DEVOUR!