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Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly

Updated on 5 min read
image 2023 02 11T04 33 35 825Z Recipe

Quick Description

This Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly is an easy, foolproof recipe for making perfectly crispy, flavorful pork belly. The air fryer ensures the skin becomes golden and crisp while keeping the meat tender and juicy, making it an ideal low-carb and keto-friendly snack or main dish.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients List

  • 1 ½ pounds pork belly
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Oil for spraying (cooking oil spray)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

  1. Cut and Season the Pork Belly:
    • The night before cooking, cut the pork belly into 1-inch strips or chunks.
    • Place in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt, rubbing it into the skin and meat.
    • Set the pork belly, skin side up, on a large plate and sprinkle with black pepper.
    • Place in the refrigerator, uncovered, and let the pork belly chill overnight to help dry out the skin.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    • The next day, preheat your air fryer to 250°F (121°C).

Step 3: Apply the Dry Seasoning

  1. Prepare the Dry Rub:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the baking powder and garlic powder.
    • Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Cook the Pork Belly

  1. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
    • Spray the inner basket of the air fryer with cooking oil spray.
    • Generously spray the pork belly with more cooking oil to ensure the dry rub is moistened completely.
  2. Cook the Pork Belly:
    • Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up.
    • Air fry at 250°F (121°C) for 25 minutes to cook the meat through.

Step 5: Crisp the Skin

  1. Crisp the Skin:
    • After 25 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C).
    • Continue air frying for an additional 20 minutes to crisp up the skin.
    • Keep an eye on it and add more time in 5-minute increments until the skin is as crispy as you like.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once the pork belly is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
    • Slice and serve as a savory snack, or pair with your favorite low-carb side dishes!

Additional Notes

  • Overnight Chilling: The key to crispy skin is letting the pork belly chill overnight, which helps dry out the skin for a better crisp.
  • Air Fryer Variations: Depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly. Keep checking for crispy skin to avoid overcooking.
  • Flavor Variations: Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dry rub for additional flavor.

Dietary Info

  • Low-Carb
  • Keto-Friendly
  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy-Free
  • High-Fat, High-Protein

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Pork Belly: You can use pork shoulder or pork loin as alternatives if pork belly is unavailable, though the texture and flavor will differ.
  • Baking Powder: The baking powder helps make the skin extra crispy. Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder for the best results.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a Snack: Serve the crispy pork belly with sugar-free BBQ sauce or a spicy dipping sauce.
  • Pair with Veggies: Serve with roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
  • For Extra Crispy Skin: If you love ultra-crispy pork belly, you can place the cooked pork belly under a broiler for a couple of minutes after air frying.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze cooked pork belly for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 375°F to crisp up again.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Carbs: 0 g
  • Net Carbs: 0 g

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, while pork belly is ideal for its rich fat content and crispy skin, pork shoulder or loin can be used as alternatives. However, they won’t yield the same crispy skin as pork belly.

Q: Can I add seasoning to the pork belly?
Yes! You can add paprika, onion powder, or even a bit of brown sugar substitute for extra flavor.

Q: How can I make sure the skin is extra crispy?
Be sure to chill the pork belly overnight and spray it generously with oil before cooking. For an extra crispy finish, you can also broil the pork belly for 1–2 minutes after air frying.

Optional Personal Story

I’ve been making Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly for years now, and it’s always a hit! The air fryer makes it so easy, and the skin turns out perfectly crispy every time without the mess of deep frying. I love serving it as a snack or a main dish for dinner.

Call-to-Action

Make Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly tonight for a savory, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion! It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, ideal for your keto or low-carb lifestyle.

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