Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Bites
Shatteringly crispy pork belly cubes with tender melt-in-your-mouth interiors seasoned with five-spice and sea salt.
- Cook temp
- 400°F
- 204°C · preheat
- Total time
- 30 min
- 10 prep · 20 cook · 3 rest
- Pull at
- 165°F
- USDA safe minimum
- Rest
- 3 min
- Before slicing
Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Bites in Hot Honey in under 30 minutes · Chef Archie’s Easy Recipes
Chef Archie demonstrates cubing pork belly, seasoning with five-spice powder, and air frying until the exterior crackles.
- Target //Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 30 mins.
- Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 165°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 3 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //Pork belly bites are what happen when bacon and croutons have a delicious baby. The air fryer renders out most of the fat while crisping the skin to a crackle. Five-spice powder is the secret weapon that makes people ask what restaurant you ordered from.
- Family Tweak //Skip the five-spice powder and season with just salt for picky eaters. Cut bites in half for smaller mouths. Serve with honey or BBQ sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 lbsSkin-On Pork Belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tspKosher Salt
- 1 tspChinese Five-Spice Powder
- 1/2 tspWhite Pepper
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Get to the point
- 1
Cut 2 lbs pork belly into 1-inch cubes; pat dry and toss with salt, five-spice, and white pepper.
- 2
Air fry skin-side up at 400°F for 12 minutes until fat renders and edges crisp.
- 3
Shake basket and cook 6-8 minutes more until skin is shatteringly crispy and internal temp hits 165°F.
- 4
Rest 3 minutes; serve with hoisin dipping sauce or over steamed rice.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offCube & Season
Cut 2 lbs skin-on pork belly into 1-inch cubes using a sharp knife. Pat all sides completely dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder, and 1/2 tsp white pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
WhyBone-dry pork belly is the number one secret to crispy skin. Pat it dry then pat it dry again.
First Air Fry Round
12 minArrange seasoned pork belly cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket skin-side up. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes until the fat has begun rendering and the edges start to turn golden and crispy.
WhySingle layer is critical. Stacking pork belly cubes means steamed soggy pork instead of crispy bites.
Shake & Finish Crispy
7 minRemove basket and shake vigorously to redistribute the cubes. Return to air fryer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes more at 400°F until the skin puffs and crackles and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
WhyThe skin should sound hollow when you tap it with tongs. That crackling sound means you nailed it.
Rest & Serve
Transfer crispy pork belly bites to a paper towel-lined plate. Rest for 3 minutes. Serve with hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
WhyThese are dangerously addictive straight off the tray. Make more than you think you need.
- Dad pro tip
- Pork belly bites are what happen when bacon and croutons have a delicious baby. The air fryer renders out most of the fat while crisping the skin to a crackle. Five-spice powder is the secret weapon that makes people ask what restaurant you ordered from.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Skip the five-spice powder and season with just salt for picky eaters. Cut bites in half for smaller mouths. Serve with honey or BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Serve with
- Steamed white rice · Pickled cucumbers · Stir-fried vegetables
- Reheating
- Reheat in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Do not microwave or the skin goes soft.
- Calories
- 440
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbs
- 1 g
- Fat
- 38 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #168218. Cook-time basis: 1-inch cubed pork belly in 6-qt basket air fryer at 400°F; USDA FSIS 165°F standard verified with instant-read thermometer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover air fryer crispy pork belly bites without ruining the texture?
Reheat in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Do not microwave or the skin goes soft.
What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?
Confirm internal core temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Skip the five-spice powder and season with just salt for picky eaters. Cut bites in half for smaller mouths. Serve with honey or BBQ sauce for dipping.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Steamed white rice, Pickled cucumbers, Stir-fried vegetables.