Prepare to indulge in one of the tastiest ways to cook pork ever. This Air Fryer Pork Belly recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors in every mouthwatering bite. Using high-ranking keywords like “best air fryer pork belly recipe” and “how to cook pork belly in air fryer” will help ensure this recipe reaches those eager to try a delectable and easy pork dish.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Belly
To create this culinary masterpiece, you will need:
Pork Belly: This cut of meat comes from the belly of the pig. It’s often available at Costco or the meat market in your local grocery store. If you can’t find it there, a local butcher should have it. Although it’s pricier than regular bacon, the flavor and texture make it worth the investment.
Sugar-Free Maple Syrup: This ingredient is optional but highly recommended for achieving a perfect balance of sweet and salty. You can also use homemade syrup.
Salt & Black Pepper: Unlike bacon, pork belly doesn’t come pre-seasoned, so you’ll need to add kosher salt or sea salt and black pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
Making Air Fryer Pork Belly
Cooking pork belly in an air fryer is a breeze compared to traditional methods. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly crispy pork belly.
Step One: Preparation
Slice the Pork Belly: Cut the pork belly into slices that fit comfortably in your air fryer basket without needing to bend. The size will depend on your air fryer model.
Top Tip: To prevent sticking, grease the air fryer rack or basket with a non-stick spray.
Step Two: Cooking
Air Fry the Pork Belly: Arrange the pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for up to 30 minutes. The internal temperature will be safe to eat before 30 minutes, but for extra crispy pork belly, continue cooking until it reaches your desired crispiness.
Step Three: Finishing Touches
Drain and Season: Once cooked, remove the pork belly pieces and drain them on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease. They won’t release much grease, but it’s a good practice.
Add Syrup or Seasoning: Drizzle with the sugar-free maple syrup or sprinkle with salt and pepper. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Recipe Variations
Though this pork belly recipe is fantastic as is, there are several variations you can try to add different flavors and textures.
Syrup Alternatives: Experiment with different syrup flavors or try a bit of honey if you’re not following a keto diet.
Brown Sugar Glaze: Add brown sugar or a brown sweetener during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep a bowl of it next to the air fryer and coat each piece before putting it back to create a delicious glaze.
Asian-Inspired Glaze: Combine brown sugar sweetener with soy sauce and cook until the mixture reduces by half. Use this as a glaze for a delightful Asian twist.
Seasoning Blends: Create your own seasoning blend with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Rub the blend onto the pork belly before cooking for an added flavor boost.
Barbecue Sauce: For a tangy, smoky flavor, coat the pork belly in your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Pork Belly Bites: Cut the pork belly into bite-sized cubes instead of strips for crispy air fryer pork belly bites that are perfect for snacking or appetizers.
Common Questions
Do I need to boil pork belly before air frying it?
No, boiling isn’t necessary. You can place the raw pork belly directly into the air fryer for crispy results without the extra step of boiling.
Is pork belly the same as bacon?
While both are cut from the same part of the pig, they aren’t the same. Bacon is usually cured and often smoked, whereas pork belly is fresh and uncured
