Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly (Juicy Inside, Crackling Outside)
If you’ve never tried making pork belly in the air fryer, this recipe will completely change the way you cook it forever. With ultra-crispy skin, juicy tender meat, and incredible flavor, this air fryer pork belly proves you don’t need an oven or deep fryer to get restaurant-quality results at home.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Belly
- 🔥 Super crispy crackling without frying
- 🥩 Juicy, tender meat every time
- 🍽️ Low effort, big reward
- ⏱️ Hands-off cooking at a low temperature
- 🧂 Simple seasoning lets the pork shine
Ingredients
- Pork belly slab (skin on)
- Salt
- Smoked paprika
- Five spice powder
That’s it — simple ingredients, incredible results.
How to Make Pork Belly in the Air Fryer
1️⃣ Season the Pork
Pat the pork belly dry. Rub only the meat side generously with:
- Salt
- Smoked paprika
- Five spice powder
⚠️ Tip: Keep seasoning off the skin so it crisps properly.
2️⃣ Cook Low and Slow
- Place the pork belly meat side down in the air fryer basket
- Line the basket with foil if desired (helps catch rendered fat)
- Set air fryer to 100°C (212°F)
- Cook for 30 minutes
This gentle heat slowly renders the fat while keeping the meat juicy.
3️⃣ Finish to Crisp (Optional but Recommended)
For extra crackling:
- Increase temperature to 200°C (400°F)
- Flip skin-side up
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, watching closely until bubbly and crispy
The Result
✨ Shatteringly crispy skin
✨ Juicy, flavorful pork
✨ Perfect balance of crunch and tenderness
Honestly — restaurant-level pork belly at home.
Serving Ideas
- Slice and serve with steamed rice
- Add to ramen or noodle bowls
- Pair with stir-fried greens
- Serve as a low-carb main with roasted veggies
