Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices

The crispy edges of the pork belly slices are the star of the show. As they cook, the fat renders down, crisping up to golden perfection, while the tender meat inside remains juicy and succulent. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle as the pork hits the hot air fryer basket, and it’s a sound that promises delicious things to come. The contrast between the crisp skin and the rich, melt-in-your-mouth meat is nothing short of magical. It’s that perfect balance of textures that makes this dish so irresistible. The best part? The air fryer does all the hard work for you—no need to worry about flipping or overcooking.

The seasoning is key to getting that deep, savory flavor. Whether you go with a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic, or add a little sweetness with brown sugar or a dash of soy sauce, each bite is bursting with flavor. You can even throw in a bit of chili powder for a hint of heat if you’re feeling adventurous. As the pork belly crisps up, those seasonings form a savory crust that enhances the natural flavors of the meat without overpowering them. The smell alone will have you salivating before you even take a bite.

What’s even better is how easy it is to make these crispy air fryer pork belly slices a part of any meal. Serve them as a delicious appetizer, slice them into smaller pieces for a salad, or even toss them into tacos for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, and every bite is guaranteed to be just as satisfying as the last.

Key Ingredients in Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices

These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s simple yet bursting with flavor. Each one plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and aromatic. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

• Pork Belly Slices
  The star of the show, pork belly is known for its perfect balance of rich, tender meat and crispy skin. When cooked in the air fryer, it becomes irresistibly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside.
• Olive Oil
  A light drizzle of olive oil helps to enhance the crispiness of the pork belly, aiding in the rendering of the fat as it cooks. It also adds a subtle richness that complements the natural flavors of the pork.
• Salt
  Salt is a must for bringing out the natural flavors of the pork. It helps to create that savory, umami-packed crust on the outside of the meat while also enhancing the overall taste.
• Black Pepper
  Freshly cracked black pepper adds a mild heat and depth of flavor. It balances the richness of the pork belly and complements the other spices, giving the dish a well-rounded taste.
• Garlic Powder
  Garlic powder is the secret weapon for adding a savory, aromatic element to the seasoning. It brings a warm, almost sweet undertone that works beautifully with the pork.
• Onion Powder
  Like garlic powder, onion powder imparts a deep, savory flavor. It gives a subtle sweetness and complexity that rounds out the dish, making it more flavorful without overpowering the pork.
• Paprika
  Paprika adds a sweet, smoky flavor to the seasoning mix. It enhances the color of the crispy skin and introduces a mild smokiness that elevates the dish to another level.
• Ground Cumin
  Ground cumin brings an earthy, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich pork belly. It adds a slight nuttiness that makes the seasoning blend even more savory and aromatic.
• Chili Powder
  A pinch of chili powder adds a hint of heat and complexity to the seasoning mix. It’s perfect for those who like a bit of spice, balancing the richness of the pork belly with a kick of flavor.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices

• Crispy Pork Belly Tacos
  Wrap those golden, crispy pork belly slices in a soft tortilla, add a few slices of avocado, a drizzle of tangy lime crema, and a handful of fresh cilantro. The smoky, crunchy pork belly pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and zesty crema, making every bite an explosion of flavors. Trust me, this will be your new go-to taco filling!
• Pork Belly and Roasted Veggies Bowl
  For a heartier meal, serve the crispy pork belly slices over a bed of roasted vegetables—think sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and carrots. The contrast between the rich, crispy pork and the sweet, caramelized veggies will have you coming back for seconds. Top it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a splash of balsamic glaze for that extra oomph!
• Pork Belly Salad
  If you’re in the mood for something fresh but still want that indulgent crunch, toss the pork belly slices into a vibrant salad. Think mixed greens, tangy goat cheese, and a handful of pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness. A light vinaigrette ties everything together, letting the crispy pork shine while keeping the dish balanced and refreshing. This is a perfect option for a light lunch or a festive side dish at dinner.

The possibilities are endless, and no matter how you serve it, that crispy, juicy pork belly will steal the show every time!

How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices

If you happen to have any crispy pork belly slices left (which, let’s be honest, is unlikely), you’ll want to make sure you store them properly to maintain their mouthwatering crispness. The key here is to avoid moisture, which can quickly turn your crispy edges into soggy disappointment.

To store them, first let the pork belly slices cool down to room temperature. Once they’re cooled, place them in an airtight container. If you’re worried about the pork belly getting soggy, you can layer parchment paper between the slices to absorb any excess moisture. Then, pop the container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, although the crispiness won’t last as long as the flavor.

When you’re ready to reheat the slices, skip the microwave! Instead, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes. This will help re-crisp the edges without drying out the meat. It’s the closest you’ll get to that freshly made perfection again. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in a hot skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until they’re golden and crispy again.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the pork belly slices. Just make sure to let them cool completely, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Conclusion

And there you have it—crispy, golden, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly slices made effortlessly in the air fryer! Whether you’re serving them as a show-stopping appetizer, tossing them into tacos, or pairing them with a hearty salad, these little slices of heaven are sure to steal the spotlight at any meal. The best part? You don’t have to worry about flipping them or overcooking them—just let the air fryer work its magic while you sit back and enjoy the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen.

I hope you’re as excited as I am to give this recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that you’ll come back to again and again, and there’s something about that perfect combination of crispy and juicy that never gets old. If you do make this, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Got any tweaks or questions? I’m all ears—let me know what you think or if you need any help along the way.

Print Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Perfectly crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices are a savory, juicy treat. With a rich, smoky flavor and just the right amount of seasoning, every bite is pure comfort. A must-try!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds pork belly slices

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the pork belly slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. Place the pork belly slices on a cutting board or clean surface.
4. Rub the olive oil evenly over both sides of the pork belly slices.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder.
6. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork belly slices, ensuring they are well coated.
7. Arrange the seasoned pork belly slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
8. Air fry the pork belly slices for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
9. Check the pork belly slices towards the end of the cooking time to make sure they are crispy and golden brown.
10. Once done, remove the pork belly slices from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
11. Serve the crispy air fryer pork belly slices immediately, garnished with your choice of sides.

Note

• Pat the pork belly slices dry thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Feel free to adjust the spice mixture based on your taste preferences; for extra heat, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Ensure the pork belly slices are not overlapping in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
• If your air fryer has a small basket, you may need to cook the pork belly slices in batches.
• Let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juiciness.

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