Dreaming of pork belly with perfectly puffed, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat? This Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly recipe has been fine-tuned over months to deliver consistent, mouthwatering results every time. With a spiced rub and a clever salt-crust technique, it’s an easy yet impressive dish ideal for dinner or a special treat. Using the air fryer, this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly cuts the fuss and oil of traditional methods while keeping all the flavor—crackling perfection awaits!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Skin: The air fryer nails that golden, puffed crunch in this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
- Juicy Meat: Tender and succulent beneath the crackling top.
- Simple Steps: Perfected method for foolproof results.
- Less Oil: Healthier than deep frying with the same satisfaction.
- Bold Seasoning: Five spice and Shaoxing wine add irresistible depth.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly, you’ll need a few essentials. Want to upgrade your kitchen gear? Visit Our Shop at for top-quality tools! Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Air Fryer: Crisps the skin and cooks the meat evenly for your Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
- Sharp Knife or Skewer: Pokes holes and scores the pork precisely.
- Pastry Brush: Applies vinegar and oil smoothly.
- Foil: Creates a frame to hold the salt crust in place.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Pork Belly
- 3 pounds pork belly (1.5 kg), skin on
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon white pepper (5g)
- ½ tablespoon five spice powder (5g)
- ½ tablespoon sugar (6g)
- ½ tablespoon Shaoxing wine (7ml)
- 1 cup kosher salt (for the crust)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (15ml)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (15ml)
Directions
- Prep the Meat: Score the meat side of a 3-pound pork belly with ½-inch deep cuts lengthwise. Mix ½ tablespoon each of kosher salt, white pepper, five spice powder, sugar, and Shaoxing wine into a paste. Spread evenly on the meat side and in crevices, avoiding the skin.
- Prep the Skin: Pat the skin dry with paper towels. Poke holes across the skin with a skewer or knife, piercing only skin and fat (not meat). Cut the slab to fit your air fryer if needed.
- Salt Crust: Form a foil frame around the pork, leaving a ½-inch gap above the edges. Brush skin with 1 tablespoon vinegar, then cover completely with 1 cup kosher salt.
- First Cook: Air fry at 250°F (121°C) for 30 minutes until the salt dries fully.
- Remove Crust: Take off the salt layer, brush off excess, and pat skin dry again.
- Crisp the Skin: Brush skin with 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 30-40 minutes until puffed and crispy. Check at 20 minutes and every 5 minutes after—cover burning spots with foil if needed.
- Rest and Serve: Let your Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly rest 5 minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Expert Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly
- Dry Skin: Moisture is the enemy—pat dry thoroughly for this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
- Poke Well: More holes mean crisper skin as fat renders out.
- Monitor Closely: Air fryers vary, so watch the skin to avoid burning.
- Resting: Locks in juices for tender meat beneath the crunch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20-30 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wet Skin: Skip drying, and the skin won’t crisp in your Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
- Deep Pokes: Piercing into meat makes it dry—stay shallow.
- Skipping Salt Crust: It’s key to drawing out moisture for puffing.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes to the spice paste.
- Herb Twist: Swap five spice for rosemary.
- Sweet Glaze: Brush with honey after cooking for a sticky finish.
- Smaller Cuts: Use 1-pound pieces for faster cooking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness—microwaving softens the skin. Freeze for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen in the air fryer until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I use a smaller pork belly for Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly?
Yes, adjust cooking time—check at 20 minutes at 400°F.
2. What’s the best dipping sauce for Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly?
Soy sauce with vinegar or hoisin works great.
3. Can I skip Shaoxing wine?
Yes, substitute with dry sherry or omit for a milder flavor.
4. How do I know it’s done?
Skin is puffed and golden, and meat is tender—about 30-40 minutes at 400°F.
5. Can I make it ahead?
Cook through step 5, refrigerate, then crisp at 400°F before serving.
6. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce pepper and spice for a milder Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly is a game-changer—crackling skin, juicy meat, and bold flavors in every bite. Perfected for ease and taste, it’s a standout dish for any occasion, from casual dinners to impressing guests. Fire up your air fryer, season that pork, and enjoy this Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly tonight—it’s crispy perfection made simple!
