Oh my goodness, have you ever had air fryer crispy pork belly that crackles when you bite into it? I’m obsessed with how the skin turns into this golden, shatteringly crisp layer while the meat stays unbelievably tender and juicy underneath. My first attempt at making it in the air fryer changed my life – no more splattering oil everywhere or babysitting the oven! Now it’s my go-to when I want something impressive but easy. The air fryer works magic on pork belly, giving you that perfect crunch without drying out the rich, flavorful meat. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to traditional roasting.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Joint
This recipe is my absolute favorite way to make pork belly, and here’s why you’ll adore it too:
- That perfect crunch – The air fryer gives you crackling that’s so crisp it shatters, without any fuss or splatter
- Juicy every time – Unlike oven roasting that can dry it out, the air fryer keeps the meat amazingly tender
- So easy – Just season, pop it in, and let the air fryer work its magic while you relax
- No messy cleanup – No oil splatters all over your stove like traditional frying
- Foolproof results – Even if you’re new to cooking pork belly, this method delivers restaurant-quality every single time
I’ve made this for dinner parties and lazy Sundays alike – it’s always a showstopper that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Joint
Here’s the short but mighty list of what you’ll need to make magic happen:
- 1 lb pork belly – Look for a piece with even thickness and get your butcher to score the skin if you can (or do it yourself with a very sharp knife)
- 1 tbsp salt – I use coarse sea salt for maximum crunch, but any salt works
- 1 tbsp vinegar – White or apple cider vinegar both do the trick to help dry out that skin
- 1 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked gives the best flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder – My little flavor booster for the meat side
That’s it! Five simple ingredients transform into something absolutely incredible. I love how pantry-friendly this recipe is – no fancy ingredients needed!
Equipment You’ll Need
You won’t need much to make this crispy pork belly magic happen – just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (any size that fits your pork belly)
- Paper towels for patting that skin bone-dry – crucial for maximum crispiness!
- A sharp knife to score the skin if it’s not already done
- Tongs for flipping (though I usually just use my fingers carefully)
See? I told you it was simple! No fancy gadgets needed for this one.
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Joint
Okay, let’s get cooking! I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but don’t worry – I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your pork belly turns out perfectly crispy and delicious every single time.
Preparing the Pork Belly
First things first – that skin needs to be bone-dry if we want maximum crispiness. I grab a wad of paper towels and press firmly all over the skin to soak up every bit of moisture. Then comes the fun part – scoring! Using a super sharp knife (be careful!), I make shallow cuts about 1/4 inch apart across the whole skin. This helps the fat render evenly and gives you that signature crackling texture. Now rub the vinegar and salt all over the scored skin – it’ll tingle a bit but trust me, this step is magic for crispiness!
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Alright, preheat that air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes – this gives us a nice hot start. When it’s ready, carefully place the pork belly in the basket, skin side up (this is crucial!). I usually cook mine for about 25 minutes first, then peek to see how that skin is looking. If it’s not quite golden and bubbly enough, I’ll go another 5-10 minutes. The smell will drive you crazy – all garlicky and porky and amazing! When it’s done, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. That waiting is the hardest part, but it makes sure all those juices stay right where they belong – in the meat!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Joint
After making this recipe dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – I’m obsessed!), I’ve picked up some tricks that guarantee perfect results every time:
- Score just right – Cut about 1/4 inch deep into the skin, not so deep you hit the meat. This lets the fat render perfectly for that signature crackle.
- Know your air fryer – Smaller models might need a few extra minutes, while powerful ones cook faster. Start checking at 20 minutes.
- Dry, dry, dry! – I can’t stress enough how important patting that skin dry is. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Don’t crowd it – Leave space around the pork belly in the basket so hot air can circulate evenly.
My biggest tip? Trust your nose – when it smells irresistible and looks golden, it’s probably done!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Joint
Oh, the possibilities! My absolute favorite way to serve this crispy pork belly is over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice – the way those rich juices soak into the grains is heavenly. For a fresh contrast, I always make quick pickled cucumbers (just vinegar, sugar, and salt) or tangy kimchi. Sometimes I whip up a simple dipping sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of honey. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll slice it thin and make little lettuce wraps with herbs and chili paste. Honestly though? It’s incredible straight off the cutting board too – no sides needed when it’s this good!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news – your crispy pork belly keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back that glorious crunch. I promise it’ll taste just as amazing as the first time – maybe even better because you don’t have to share!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting with each delicious serving (about 1/4 lb): around 450 calories, 30g protein, and that glorious 35g of fat that makes pork belly so irresistible. Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on your specific pork belly’s marbling and size. But let’s be real – when something tastes this good, who’s counting?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen pork belly?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t recommend it! Frozen pork belly tends to release too much moisture when cooking, which means your skin won’t get that perfect crackle we’re after. Always start with fresh, thawed pork belly for the crispiest results. If you’re in a pinch, thaw it overnight in the fridge first.
How do I prevent uneven crisping?
This used to drive me crazy too! The trick is making sure your scores are evenly spaced and your pork belly lies flat in the air fryer basket. If one corner keeps lifting, I’ll sometimes place a small heatproof weight (like a ceramic ramekin) on top for the first 10 minutes.
Can I make this without scoring the skin?
Technically yes, but you’ll miss out on that amazing crackling texture. Scoring helps the fat render evenly and lets the salt penetrate better. If you’re nervous about scoring, ask your butcher to do it – most are happy to help!
Why is my pork belly tough?
Sounds like it might be overcooked! Every air fryer runs a bit different, so start checking a few minutes early. The meat should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold its shape. Remember – it keeps cooking a bit while resting, so don’t wait until it’s perfectly done in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly Joint—The Only Recipe You Need
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Make crispy pork belly in your air fryer with this simple recipe. Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy inside.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly, skin scored
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Pat the pork belly dry with a paper towel.
- Rub salt and vinegar into the scored skin.
- Sprinkle black pepper and garlic powder on the meat side.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes.
- Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin side up.
- Cook for 25 minutes, then check for crispiness.
- Cook an additional 5-10 minutes if needed.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Scoring the skin helps it crisp evenly.
- Patting the skin dry ensures better crispness.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian