Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly
Ingredients
- 3 pound pork belly
1.5 kg, skin on
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon white pepper
5 g
- 1/2 tablespoon five spice powder
5 g
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
6 g
- 1/2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
7 ml
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
15 ml
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
15 ml
Directions
- 1
To the meat side, use a knife to make 1/2" deep cuts lengthwise across the pork belly. In a small bowl, combine salt, white pepper, five spice powder, sugar, and Shaoxing wine to make a paste. Evenly spread the paste on the meat side of the pork and crevices ensuring not to touch the skin.
- 2
Pat the skin-on pork belly dry with a paper towel and poke holes all across the skin of the pork using skewers or sharp knife. Ensure that the holes only puncture the skin and fat (do not pierce all the way through the meat). Cut the slab of pork belly so it will fit in your air fryer.
- 3
Create a tin foil frame around the pork belly, leaving a ½” gap up from the edges of the pork to prevent salt from spilling over. Brush a layer of vinegar on the skin, then cover the skin completely with a layer of salt.
- 4
Air fry at 250F for 30 minutes or until the salt has dried completely.
- 5
Remove the salt from the pork belly and brush off any excess. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- 6
Brush the skin with neutral oil, then air fry at 400F for 30-40 minutes until the skin is puffed and crispy. Check at the 20 minute mark and every 5 minutes to monitor the skin, checking for burning, as the time will vary with different air fryers! If spots of the skin begin to burn, place a small piece of foil over the specific area to cover it and allow the exposed areas to continue crisping up.
Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly
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About this Recipe
Craving restaurant-quality crispy pork belly right in your own kitchen? This Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly recipe delivers that coveted crunch and juicy interior with remarkable consistency, all thanks to the convenience of your air fryer. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to perfect crackling.
What makes this recipe truly special is the dedication behind it. Months of meticulous testing, trying different temperatures, times, and air fryer models, have culminated in a method that reliably produces a crispy, puffed up skin and succulent, tender meat. This isn't just another pork belly recipe; it's a carefully honed technique designed for consistent success in your home kitchen.
When you pull this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly from the air fryer, expect an immediate reward for your senses. The skin will be a glorious, golden-brown crackling, ready to shatter with the lightest touch, offering an incredible textural contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth meat beneath. Each bite delivers a savory symphony, with the subtle warmth of five-spice powder complementing the rich pork flavor. This recipe yields 4 satisfying servings, perfect for a family meal or a small gathering, providing a truly indulgent experience that feels both familiar and special.
While the core flavors of salt, white pepper, and five-spice powder are designed for balance, you can subtly customize the seasoning. Feel free to adjust the amount of five-spice powder to your personal preference for a stronger or milder aromatic profile. This versatile crispy pork belly shines in many contexts—serve it simply with a bowl of steamed rice, tuck it into bao buns with a quick pickle, or slice it thinly for an incredible addition to noodle soups or salads. The possibilities are endless for integrating this delicious component into your meals.
This Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly is an impressive centerpiece for any meal, whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. Pair it with fresh vegetables or a light slaw to balance its richness, creating a memorable and deeply satisfying dish that everyone will love.