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Air Fryer Pork Belly: A Crispy Surprise You’ll Want to Try
Pork belly has been around for ages, from ancient Asian kitchens to modern-day dinner tables. But here’s the twist: when you cook it in an air fryer, you’re not just saving time, you are unlocking the crunchiest, juiciest version ever. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a love story between flavor and ease. Let’s dive into why air-fried pork belly deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen and how it can make your meals unforgettable.
Air Fryer Pork Belly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
Description
Imagine the crunch of perfectly cooked pork belly, ready in minutes. Don’t let dinner be boring tonight, your air fryer is waiting to make it amazing!
Ingredients
- Pork belly (sized to fit your air fryer basket)
- Coarse salt
- Worcestershire sauce braai mix
- Freshly ground coriander
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the pork belly. Get rid of any debris and, yes, pluck those stubborn hairs from the skin.
- Dry it off with some paper towels, moisture’s the enemy of crispiness.
- Grab a sharp knife and lightly score the skin in a crisscross pattern. You’re not aiming to go deep—just enough to let the fat do its thing and transform into crunchy perfection.
- Flip it over, meat side facing up. Go wild with your Worcester sauce braai mix and ground coriander, or whatever spice blend you’re into. It’s your pork belly, after all.
- Flip it back to the skin side. Rub a generous amount of coarse salt into those cuts. Don’t skimp, this step is what dreams of golden, crispy crackling are made of.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes all the difference.
- Lay the pork belly skin-side up in the basket.
- Cook it at 400°F for 20–30 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen, so don’t rush it.
- Turn the pork belly over, so the meat side is on top.
- Lower the heat to 350°F and cook for another hour.
- Depending on the size of your pork belly, you might need to adjust the time.
- Keep an eye on it, good things come to those who wait.
What You’re Left With:
- Imagine biting into skin so crisp it shatters, followed by juicy, tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. That’s what you’re getting. And the best part? The air fryer takes care of most of the fat, so all that flavor stays locked in where it belongs.
- Once you’ve had pork belly like this, it’s hard to go back. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll brag about, maybe even guard like a secret. Give it a try and see what everyone’s drooling over. Who knows? You might end up making it a weekly thing.
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Esme from SA Tasty Recipes – Saffas Daily Recipes and EsmeSalon Homemade Recipes
I am not sharing the Nutritional value for this recipe, as it will all depend on the size of the meat you will use. I did not weigh the meat and used what I had a did fit into my AF.
I am linking up with a bunch of fantastic peeps from the blogosphere who host awesome Link-ups: Sew Can Do; Fiesta Friday
I am linking up with a bunch of fantastic peeps from the blogosphere who host awesome Linkups: Homestead Blog Hop; Fiesta Friday
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
If you try out this delightful recipe, please let me know, rate it, and tag me on Instagram at @_esmesalon. I’m excited to see your amazing recreations, and I’m hooked on those mouthwatering photos!
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The air fryer makes everything so crispy! Would love to try this recipe with a meat alternative. Thank you for sharing and joining Fiesta Friday party!
Hi Jhuls, Please let me know which meat alternative you decided on, it’s always good to get new ideas. Enjoy whatever you make.
Oh, this sounds delicious! I’ve never tried meat in an air fryer. Sounds like a good time to start! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #64 linkup. Hope to see you next time, too. Have a great week!
Please do give this pork belly a go in the AF. Easy, delicious and yum. Yes, I will be back at Will Blog for Comments weekly
It looks yummy!
Thank you, Joanne. It’s indeed yummy. Enjoy should you try it as well.
We are newcomers to the airfryer experience!
Enjoy it Michele, we love using it as it is only hubby and me, and it does help a lot as we do not cook that big as when the kids were at home. It’s perfect. Hope you enjoy it.
YUM, pork belly is a favorite around here!
I agree, especially that crackling.
I would love to taste this. I had to google what pork belly even was, I’ve never heard of it.
Hi Amy. Glad you took the time to check it out and now it’s your turn to try it at home. It’s truly amazing, love the cracking and hope you will enjoy it. Super easy and even more delicious.