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.
air-fryer Timer
Set for 20 mins @ 400°F (204°C)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Cut 2 lbs pork belly into 1-inch cubes; pat dry and toss with salt, five-spice, and white pepper.
Air fry skin-side up at 400°F for 12 minutes until fat renders and edges crisp.
Shake basket and cook 6-8 minutes more until skin is shatteringly crispy and internal temp hits 165°F.
Rest 3 minutes; serve with hoisin dipping sauce or over steamed rice.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
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.
Bone-dry pork belly is the number one secret to crispy skin. Pat it dry then pat it dry again.
Arrange 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.
Single layer is critical. Stacking pork belly cubes means steamed soggy pork instead of crispy bites.
Remove 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.
The skin should sound hollow when you tap it with tongs. That crackling sound means you nailed it.
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.
These are dangerously addictive straight off the tray. Make more than you think you need.
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.
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.
- Steamed white rice
- Pickled cucumbers
- Stir-fried vegetables
Reheat in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Do not microwave or the skin goes soft.