Succulent, meaty, tender, and perfectly crispy, our Air-Fryer Pork Belly recipe will have you going back for seconds and thirds!
Char Siu, or BBQ pork, is a mainstay at almost any Chinese restaurant, and a crowd favorite. This air-fryer pork belly recipe resembles those dishes, bringing their incredible flavors straight to your kitchen without having to wait in line or pay for an expensive delivery fee. I just love the flavor of this dish and how truly simple it is to make. It requires only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, which is why it’s a go-to air-fryer recipe.
Succulent, meaty, tender, and perfectly crispy, my air-fryer pork belly recipe will have you going back for seconds and thirds! You and your guests will both be excited to have this sweet, yet savory piece of pork at any dinner party or potluck. With its crispy crackling-like skin and tender and moist meat, this is one dish I absolutely can’t get enough of. The five-spice sings with bold flavors and the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar add just the right combo of sweetness and tang. The ease and simplicity of this dish is outshone only by its lasting flavor, and makes it a truly memory-making meal.
Air frying is the healthier fry
Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular and are now in most American kitchens. So what makes these new kitchen gadgets so special? Well, that’s an easy one. They provide a much healthier version of “frying”, using only a fraction of the oil, while still achieving that same crispy element you get from a regular deep fryer. The secret? Hot air, yup, that’s it, hot air. Air fryers use a fan to push super-heated air around the food at a rapid pace, thus speeding up the cooking process and making whatever you are cooking nice and crispy.
FAQs & Tips
How do I prep and store the pork belly?
After your air fryer pork belly has cooked and cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or you can freeze it for up to three months. I recommend cutting the pork belly into smaller sections before storing it, making portion control and reheating easier. To reheat, place your pork belly back into the air fryer a couple minutes at a time until the desired temperature is achieved.
How can I make sure my pork belly skin is crispy?
The easiest way to get a nice crispy skin on your pork belly is to make sure you thoroughly dry the flesh and skin of the pork belly before adding any oil or seasonings. I like to dry the pork belly with a paper towel then place it on a wire rack on a sheet tray. Then I move it uncovered to the refrigerator, where it chills out for several hours or even overnight. After resting in the fridge I remove the pork belly, pat it dry one more time just to be safe then I add my oil and seasonings.
Is there an easy way to cut my cooked pork belly?
Sometimes it can be hard to cut through the crispy side of your pork belly without smashing that moist tender meat. A method I use is to turn the pork belly over and slice it with the crispy side down. That way you can cut through the meat then only use pressure on the crispy top.
Serving Suggestions
Even though this crispy air-fryer pork belly is an absolute delicious treat by itself, adding a few vegetables or a side of starch will truly round out this dinner in a lovely fashion. Sautéed bok choy and a side of rice make the perfect match for an Asian-inspired dinner. Add a side salad, with mashed potatoes and gravy and this incredible dish becomes a new American classic. One of my favorite ways to serve it is to slice it, lay it on a platter and add a whole mess of sauces for my guests to choose from, like hot mustard, this Peppercorn Ranch Dressing, or our Easy Green Goddess Dressing. No matter how you slice it and what you eat it with, your taste buds will thank you for the amazing adventure.
Looking to break up that savory party with a little bit of sweets? Then I have just what you need, our Vanilla Mug Cake recipe is super simple and very tasty, and this Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion.
Air Fryer Pork Belly
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds pork belly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar optional, for serving
Instructions
- Score the pork belly skin in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
- Rub the pork belly all over with olive oil, then season the skin with sea salt flakes, ensuring it gets into the scores.
- Season the meat side with Chinese five-spice powder and brown sugar, rubbing it in well.
- Place the pork belly in the air fryer skin-side up and cook at 360°F for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the skin.
- Remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with a side of apple cider vinegar for dipping or drizzling.
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