The Ultimate Guide To The Best Air Fryer Belly Pork

Belly pork, also known as pork belly, has always been a popular cut of meat.

Air fryer belly pork is a popular dish of succulent meat with delicious crackling.

Its rich layers of meat and fat promise a tasty experience like no other.

Traditionally, this dish is often roasted or braised to achieve that great texture and flavour.

However, the air fryer takes the game to a whole new level.

So, let’s dive into the world of air fryer belly pork, exploring its preparation, flavours, and all the tricks that make it a must-try.

Boiling Belly Pork Before Air Frying

Boiling belly pork before air frying is not necessary for several reasons.

Boiling changes the texture by making the meat soft.

It also removes some fat from the belly pork, with air frying you get crispiness while allowing some of the fat to drain making it a healthier option.

Skipping the boiling step saves time without compromising the final result.

Air Fryer Belly Pork

Ingredients:

• 700g (1.5 lbs) belly pork
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

How To Cook Belly Pork In An Air Fryer?

Begin by patting the belly pork dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step is essential.

Score the skin of the belly pork, creating deep cuts about 1 inch apart. Make sure not to cut into the meat. This helps the fat render properly and the skin to become crispy.

Rub the olive oil all over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Mix all the dry seasonings (salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary) in a bowl and massage them into the pork, making sure to get the seasoning into the cuts on the skin.

Leave the belly pork to rest for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes you may find some moisture has formed on the rind. If so, pat the rind with some kitchen paper to remove it.

How Long To Cook Belly Pork In Air Fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 160C/320F for 5 minutes.

Place the seasoned pork belly into your preheated air fryer skin side up. Position the pork in a single layer and allow for air circulation.

Air fry for about 30 minutes. The skin should be crispy and the meat tender and juicy.

Then increase the air fryer temperature to 180C/360F and air fry the belly pork for a further 10 minutes until crispy and golden.

Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer. When cooked the temperature will have reached 90C/ 195F.

Once your crispy belly pork is ready, remove it from the air fryer, and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making the meat even more succulent.

Perfect Crispy Belly Pork

The key to achieving that perfect crispy skin lies in the initial drying of the pork skin and scoring it. Moisture is the enemy.

These two steps allow the fat to render effectively, creating that lovely crunch.

The dry rub adds flavour and contributes to the overall texture.

34 Air Fryer Recipes So Good, You’ll Want to Marry Your Kitchen Appliance

34 FREE delicious recipes with step by step instructions and illustrations. Instant access.

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Marinated Belly Pork In The Air Fryer

If you’re looking to add an extra layer of flavour to your crispy, succulent pork, try some fantastic marinade ideas that will make your air fryer belly pork truly unforgettable.

These marinades will work with any other type of meat too.

Prick all of the pork with a fork. This will allow the marinade to infuse deeply into the pork.

Place the belly pork in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it.

Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for even more flavour.

Classic Barbecue

Ingredients:

• 60ml barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Zesty Citrus

Ingredients:

• 60ml orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Asian Inspired

Ingredients:

• 60ml soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

More Air Fryer Recipes

Deliciously Easy Cajun Pork Medallions in the Air Fryer

How To Make The Best Tender Pulled Pork In the Air Fryer

The Ultimate Guide To The Best Air Fryer Belly Pork

Air Fryer Belly Pork Serving Suggestions

Air fryer belly pork is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect contrast to the crispy pork.

Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted vegetables add a healthy balance to the meal.

Apple Sauce: The sweetness of apple sauce complements the richness of the pork.

Coleslaw: The freshness of coleslaw can cut through the dish’s richness.

Air Fryer Belly Pork FAQ’s

Can I use frozen belly pork slices in the air fryer?

While frozen pork belly can be prepared in an air fryer, achieving the level of crispiness may be a bit challenging. You will need to thoroughly dry the pork belly and minimize excess moisture. For the best results, consider thawing the pork belly beforehand for a crispy skin, or be prepared to double the cooking time at a high temperature.

What can I serve with crispy belly pork?

You can enjoy it with steamed vegetables, rice, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Is it necessary to marinate the belly pork before cooking?

Seasoning is essential for flavour, marinate it for a few hours in the fridge for more taste.

Can I cook larger portions in the air fryer?

It’s essential not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.

How do I store leftover crispy belly pork?

To keep it crispy, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180C/360F until heated through for the best results.

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Having recently retired, I found myself looking for a new project to channel my energy.

That’s when the idea struck to create a dedicated UK air frying website.

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Air Fryer Belly Pork

Delicious crispy belly pork (pork belly) like you have never tasted before. Succulent and crispy it’s sure to become a favourite.

Serving Size

2

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Notes

Try some of my marinade recipes for extra flavour.
Nutritional values may not be accurate.

Ingredients

• 700g (1.5 lbs) pork belly
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions

1. Begin by patting the pork belly dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step is essential.
2. Score the skin of the pork belly, creating deep cuts about 1 inch apart. Make sure not to cut into the meat. This helps the fat render properly and the skin to become crispy.
3. Rub the olive oil all over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated.
4. Combine all the dry seasonings (salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary) in a bowl and massage them into the pork, making sure to get the seasoning into the cuts on the skin.
5. Leave the belly pork to rest for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes you may find some moisture has formed on the rind. If so, pat the rind with some kitchen paper to remove it.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 160C/320F for 5 minutes.
7. Place the seasoned pork belly into your preheated air fryer skin side up. Position the pork in a single layer and allow for air circulation.
8. Air fry for about 30 minutes. The skin should be crispy and the meat tender and juicy.
9. Then increase the air fryer temperature to 180C/360F and air fry the belly pork for a further 10 minutes until crispy and golden.
10. Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer. When cooked the temperature will have reached 90C/ 195F.
11. Once your crispy belly pork is ready, remove it from the air fryer, and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making the meat even more succulent.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Belly Pork

Serves:

Amount Per Serving: 2
Calories		400 calories per strip
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 41g		63.1%
	Saturated Fat 15g	75%
	Trans Fat 5g
Cholesterol 54mg		18%
Sodium 412mg		17.2%
Total Carbohydrate 3g		1%
	Dietary Fiber 0.2g	0%
	Sugars 3g
Protein 7g

Vitamin A 9IU		Vitamin C 1mg
Calcium 8g		Iron 0.5g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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