Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites are the answer when you want something crispy, juicy, and ridiculously easy to make. You know those evenings when you want a big win in the flavor department without babysitting a skillet the whole time? This snacky little recipe saves the day. The bites pack big crunch, big porky flavor, and a soft, melty interior. Even better, they are simple to prep and perfect for game night, movie night, or whenever your cravings hit. If you love experimenting, peek at more ideas in my air fryer recipe collection.
What is Pork Belly?
Pork belly is a flat, fatty cut from the underside of the pig. It is the same cut used to make bacon, but it is unsmoked and unsliced when you buy it as a slab. That means you’re getting layers of fat and meat that turn into that glorious combo of crispy edges and tender center when cooked right. The fat renders slowly, basting the meat as it cooks.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Hey, I’m Cuts Food! This Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites was built for real kitchens: simple steps, reliable results, and flavor that makes people ask for seconds. Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites are the answer when you want something crispy, juicy, and ridiculously easy to make. You know those evenings when you want…
In other words, it’s built for crunch. If you’ve ever seen cubes of pork with golden crackly edges at a restaurant and wondered how they did it, you’re in the neighborhood. At home, the air fryer makes the process faster and cleaner. You’ll love the payoff, especially with a sticky glaze.
Why this cut works in the air fryer
The air fryer circulates hot air around each piece, so the surface dries and crisps while the inside stays juicy. Pork belly has enough fat to protect itself from drying out, and the high heat helps render that fat into flavor. The result feels like you worked for hours when it really took under 30 minutes of active time.
And if you’re curious, the recipe I share here is my go to for Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. It’s weeknight friendly, party friendly, and picky eater approved.
Helpful Tips
Crispness keys
- Pat dry very well. Moisture is the enemy of crunch. Use paper towels to blot the pork belly cubes until they feel dry.
- Cut evenly. Aim for 1 inch cubes. Smaller pieces can burn fast and larger pieces won’t crisp as well.
- Season simply first. Salt and pepper bring out the natural flavor. Add spices and sauces after you get the texture right.
- Use a tiny pinch of baking powder. This is optional, but it helps the surface crisp. Just a pinch in the dry rub does the trick.
- Preheat the air fryer. A hot basket gives you that initial sizzle that sets the crust.
- Do not overcrowd. Space the cubes so air can move all around. Cook in batches if needed.
- Flip halfway. It’s a small move that gives you even browning.
- Glaze at the end. If you brush on sauce too early, sugar can burn. Glaze in the last minutes or toss right after cooking.
Serve these with something crunchy on the side, like these crispy air fryer fried pickles. It’s a winning combo with something cool and creamy to dip.
My brother tried a batch and said, I do not even need dinner now, just a pile of these and some napkins. He is not wrong. The crunch is wild.
One more tip: line the air fryer drawer with a perforated parchment sheet for easier cleanup, but make sure air can still flow. Or just wipe the basket with a thin coat of oil on a paper towel to prevent sticking.
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
Here is the simple routine I follow for Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. It is about prep, patience, and a final quick glaze. That is it.
Step by step
1) Trim and cut: Trim any ragged bits, then cut pork belly into even 1 inch cubes. Keep the skin on if your slab has it and you like a firmer, crackly bite. If you prefer softer texture, go skinless.
2) Pat dry: Blot thoroughly. I like to set the cubes on a rack in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to air dry while I mix the seasoning. You’ll see better browning this way.
3) Season: Toss with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a tiny pinch of baking powder. Add 1 teaspoon brown sugar if you want a subtle caramel note. You can use a drizzle of neutral oil, but with pork belly it is optional.
4) Preheat: Heat the air fryer to 400 F for 3 to 5 minutes. Hot basket, happy crunch.
5) Arrange and cook: Spread the pork belly in a single layer, leaving gaps between pieces. Cook at 400 F for 10 minutes. Shake or flip. Cook another 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of the cubes. You’re looking for deep golden edges and internal temp around 195 F for ultra tender bites.
6) Optional glaze: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sriracha. Toss the hot bites in the glaze and return to the basket for 1 to 2 minutes to set. Glazing after cooking keeps the exterior sticky and crisp instead of soggy.
Sauce options
Go classic with barbecue sauce, keep it simple with a sprinkle of sea salt and lime, or go sweet heat with honey chili. I also love a creamy dip like garlic aioli or a spicy mayo. Whatever you choose, keep it light so you do not cover up the porky goodness.
All done. You just made Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites that taste like a restaurant snack and feel good enough for a party platter.
Ingredients and Equipment
Here is what I use to keep things easy and consistent. Keeping the list short lets the pork belly shine. If you want other pork dinner ideas for later, this honey garlic boneless pork chops recipe hits the spot on busy weeknights.
- 2 pounds pork belly, skin on or off, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar optional, for a hint of caramelization
- Pinch of baking powder optional, for extra crisping
- Glaze: 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sriracha, or your favorite barbecue sauce
- Equipment: air fryer, tongs, paper towels, small bowl for glaze, instant read thermometer if you like precision
Ingredient swaps: Try a sweet and spicy rub with chili powder and brown sugar, or go savory with five spice and a touch of white pepper. You can also use maple instead of honey. If you want a full pork dinner to share another day, this cozy cranberry apple stuffed pork loin is festive and simple.
Storage and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers, you’re in luck. These bites store well and reheat beautifully with a little care.
Freezing tips
Let the pork belly cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Press out the air and freeze for up to 2 months. If you want to meal prep, freeze in small portions so you can reheat only what you need.
Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days. They’ll firm up a little, which actually helps them re crisp better.
Reheating: Air fryer at 375 F for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking once. Oven at 400 F for 8 to 10 minutes on a rack. Skillet works too, medium heat, no extra oil, just let the fat re render and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you can. It softens the crust.
Refresh the glaze: If you like them saucy, warm a little extra sauce and toss after reheating. That pop of fresh flavor brings them back to life.
Serving leftovers with a bright side or a fresh bowl always helps. If you want something different one night, try a quick salmon bowl like this teriyaki salmon bowl and keep the pork belly for snacks the next day.
Common Questions
Do I need to remove the skin?
No. Skin on gives a firmer, crackly bite. Skinless is softer and melts more. Choose what you prefer. If your slab is very thick skinned, score it lightly to help rendering.
Why are my bites smoking in the air fryer?
Pork belly releases fat. Empty the drip tray halfway if needed and cook at 390 F instead of 400 F. A small splash of water in the bottom of the drawer can reduce smoking too.
Can I marinate instead of using a dry rub?
Yes, but keep it short, 30 to 60 minutes. Blot dry after marinating so they still crisp. Sauces with lots of sugar can burn, so glaze near the end.
How do I know they are done?
Visually, you want deep golden edges. Internally, 190 to 200 F gives a tender, shreddy bite. If you like them slightly less soft, pull at 180 to 185 F.
What should I serve with them?
Crisp slaw, rice bowls, or roasted veggies are great. If you want to keep the air fryer party going, peek at my other ideas in the air fryer collection.
Ready to Crunch Into It?
If you want a quick win that tastes like you fussed, Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites deliver every time. Keep the prep simple, dry them well, season right, and let the air fryer do the rest. If you’re curious to compare notes and styles, I love the versions from Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites – I Am Homesteader and Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites – Dishes Delish for more inspiration. Once you nail your preferred texture and glaze, you’ll have a go to crowd pleaser. Now go make a batch of Deliciously Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites and crunch away with a smile.
Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Trim any ragged bits from the pork belly, then cut it into even 1 inch cubes.
- Pat the pork belly cubes dry using paper towels. Optionally, set them on a rack in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to air dry.
- Season the cubes with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a tiny pinch of baking powder. Optionally, add brown sugar for a caramel note.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Arrange the pork belly in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving gaps between pieces.
- Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Shake or flip, then continue cooking for an additional 8 to 12 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches around 195°F.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a small bowl.
- Toss the hot pork belly bites in the glaze and return to the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to set.
