Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Why Make This Recipe

If you ever wondered if pork belly could get any better, let me introduce you to Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. Seriously, they can’t get crispier or more delicious without a deep fryer or a costly trip to your favorite restaurant. With the air fryer, you’ll achieve that crunchy outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Plus, they cook quickly, so you won’t be waiting around in the kitchen!

Who doesn’t love bites of crispy meat goodness? These pork belly bites work great as a snack, appetizer, or even as a part of your main course. They’re perfect for game night, parties, or just when you’re feeling fancy at home. You’ll be the star of the show when you serve these up! 🎉

How to Make Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

It’s super simple to whip up these delightful bites. Let’s break it down step-by-step:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F; don’t skip this step!
  2. Combine the canola oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Toss in your pork belly pieces, making sure each piece gets a good coating.
  4. Arrange the pork belly pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket; no crowding, folks!
  5. Air fry for about 18-20 minutes, flipping and shaking a couple of times to ensure even cooking.
  6. Once they’re golden brown and crispy, remove them and serve warm. Easy peasy!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds pork belly (patted dry, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Seriously, don’t forget this step; it makes a difference!
  2. In a large bowl, mix the canola oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Add the pork belly pieces to the bowl and toss them until each piece is nicely coated in the mixture.
  4. Lay the pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If they don’t all fit, you might need to do them in batches.
  5. Air fry for 18-20 minutes. Make sure to shake and flip them a couple of times to get that perfect crisp!
  6. Remove from the air fryer and serve warm. You’ll want to eat them all at once; just saying. 😉

How to Serve Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Serving these bad boys is as easy as pie (or pork belly, in this case). They make an excellent standalone snack or appetizer. If you want to elevate them a little, serve them with:

  • Dipping sauces like hoisin, sriracha, or a classic BBQ.
  • Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color.
  • Pair them with pickled veggies to complement the rich flavors.

The possibilities are endless! Just remember, sharing is caring, but no promises you won’t end up hogging the whole batch. 😏

How to Store Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Not that you’ll have leftovers because they’re just that good, but if you do, here’s how to store them properly:

  • Refrigerate: Place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
  • Reheat: When you’re ready to eat again, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture. No microwaving allowed, trust me!

Tips to Make Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

  • Pat the pork belly dry before seasoning; this helps achieve that all-important crispiness.
  • If you want a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the mix.
  • Experiment with different seasonings. Think outside the box; why not try a little five-spice powder for an Asian twist?
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer; working in batches often yields better results!

Variation

Not feeling the classic seasoning? Try sweet and spicy by adding some honey and red pepper flakes instead of the brown sugar and regular spices. Or go tangy with some soy sauce and ginger! The air fryer welcomes all flavor profiles here!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other cuts of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork belly is amazing, you can try this with pork shoulder or even chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q2: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can still make these bites in the oven. Just bake them at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q3: Can I freeze pork belly bites leftover?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

So there you have it! Go ahead and give these Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites a shot. Your taste buds will thank you! 🍽️

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Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Deliciously crispy and tender pork belly bites cooked in the air fryer for a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds pork belly (patted dry, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  • In a large bowl, combine canola oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper until well mixed.
  • Add the pork belly pieces to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
  • Arrange the pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding crowding.

Cooking

  • Air fry the pork belly for about 18-20 minutes, flipping and shaking a few times during cooking to ensure even crispiness.
  • Once golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer and serve warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Keyword Air Fryer, Appetizer Recipe, Crispy Meat, Pork Belly, Quick Meals

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