Dreaming of pork belly with crackling skin and juicy meat without the hassle of an oven? This Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly recipe has been fine-tuned to deliver just that—crisp, puffed-up skin and tender, flavorful pork in your air fryer. With a spice paste and a clever salt trick, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for dinner or a special treat. Master this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly and enjoy restaurant-quality results at home in about an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Crunch: The air fryer nails the crispy skin in this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
- Juicy Meat: Stays tender and succulent every time.
- Simple Steps: No complicated techniques—just a few key moves.
- Flavor Burst: Five spice and Shaoxing wine add depth.
- Healthier Option: Less oil than traditional frying methods.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly, you’ll need a few essentials. Want to upgrade your kitchen gear? Visit Our Shop at for top-quality tools! Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Air Fryer: The star that crisps the skin for your Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
- Sharp Knife or Skewer: Pokes holes and scores the meat precisely.
- Brush: Applies vinegar and oil evenly.
- Tin Foil: Creates a frame to hold salt during cooking.
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly
- 3 pounds pork belly (1.5 kg), skin on
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon white pepper (5g)
- ½ tablespoon five spice powder (5g)
- ½ tablespoon sugar (6g)
- ½ tablespoon Shaoxing wine (7ml)
- 1 cup kosher salt (for skin)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (15ml)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (15ml)
Directions
- Prep the Meat: Score the meat side of the 3-pound pork belly with ½-inch deep cuts lengthwise. Mix ½ tablespoon salt, white pepper, five spice powder, sugar, and Shaoxing wine into a paste. Spread evenly on the meat side and in crevices, avoiding the skin.
- Prep the Skin: Pat the skin dry with paper towels. Poke holes across the skin with a skewer or knife, piercing only the skin and fat, not the meat. Cut the slab to fit your air fryer.
- Salt the Skin: Form a foil frame around the pork, leaving a ½-inch gap from the edges. Brush the skin with 1 tablespoon vinegar, then cover completely with 1 cup kosher salt.
- First Cook: Air fry at 250°F (121°C) for 30 minutes until the salt dries fully.
- Remove Salt: Take off the salt layer, brush off excess, and pat the skin dry again.
- Crisp the Skin: Brush the skin with 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 30-40 minutes until puffed and crispy. Check at 20 minutes and every 5 minutes after to prevent burning—cover dark spots with foil if needed.
- Rest and Serve: Let your Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly rest 5 minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Expert Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly
- Dry Skin: Moisture ruins crispiness—pat dry thoroughly for this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
- Even Holes: Poke consistently to render fat and puff the skin.
- Watch Closely: Air fryers vary, so monitor the final cook to avoid burning.
- Resting: Keeps the meat juicy—don’t skip this step.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wet Skin: Don’t skip drying—it’s critical for crispiness in your Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
- Deep Pokes: Pierce only skin and fat, not meat, to keep juices in.
- Skipping Salt: It draws out moisture—essential for the crackle.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes to the spice paste.
- Herb Twist: Swap five spice for rosemary.
- Sweet Glaze: Brush with honey after cooking.
- Smaller Cut: Use 1-2 pounds and adjust time slightly.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes to recrisp the skin—microwaving softens it. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat in the air fryer.
FAQs
1. Can I use a smaller pork belly for Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly?
Yes, adjust cooking time—check at 20 minutes at 400°F.
2. What pairs with Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly?
Rice, steamed veggies, or a dipping sauce like soy-vinegar.
3. Can I skip Shaoxing wine?
Yes, substitute with dry sherry or omit—it adds subtle flavor.
4. How do I know it’s done?
Skin is puffed and golden, meat tender—about 30-40 minutes at 400°F.
5. Can I prep ahead?
Score and season a day ahead, then air fry fresh for best results in your Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
6. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce spices for a milder version kids will enjoy.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly is a game-changer—crackling skin, juicy meat, and bold flavors in every bite. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, it’s an easy air fryer recipe that delivers big. Preheat your air fryer, salt that skin, and savor this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly tonight—it’s crispy perfection made simple!
