Pork belly is a delicious cut of meat that has gained popularity for its rich flavor and crispy texture. Using an air fryer to cook pork belly not only enhances its flavor but also makes it healthier by reducing excess fat. In this article, we'll explore 7 ways to cook pork belly in an air fryer, providing you with tasty recipes and cooking tips. Let's dive into the world of air fryer pork belly!
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1. Classic Air Fryer Pork Belly
The classic air fryer pork belly is simple yet incredibly satisfying. The key is to season the pork belly generously and air fry until it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the pork belly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin-side up.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Classic+Air+Fryer+Pork+Belly" alt="Classic Air Fryer Pork Belly" /> </div>
2. Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly
If you're a fan of sweet and spicy flavors, this recipe is for you! The combination of honey and chili adds a delightful kick to the pork belly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix honey, chili powder, soy sauce, and cumin.
- Coat the pork belly with the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Place the pork belly in the air fryer and cook for 25 minutes.
- Let it rest before serving.
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3. Asian Glazed Pork Belly
This Asian-inspired recipe combines soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a savory glaze that's perfect for pork belly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions:
- Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Marinate the pork belly for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pork belly for 20-25 minutes, basting with leftover marinade halfway through.
- Slice and serve with steamed rice.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Asian+Glazed+Pork+Belly" alt="Asian Glazed Pork Belly" /> </div>
4. Honey Mustard Pork Belly
For a tangy twist, try honey mustard pork belly. This recipe balances sweetness and tanginess perfectly!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix honey, Dijon mustard, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub the mixture all over the pork belly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Cook the pork belly for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before cutting.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Honey+Mustard+Pork+Belly" alt="Honey Mustard Pork Belly" /> </div>
5. Cajun Spiced Pork Belly
Bring some Southern flavor to your table with Cajun spiced pork belly. The spices create a robust flavor that is irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Rub the pork belly with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Air fry the pork belly for 25 minutes.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Cajun+Spiced+Pork+Belly" alt="Cajun Spiced Pork Belly" /> </div>
6. Herb-Crusted Pork Belly
Herb-crusted pork belly is perfect for those who love fresh flavors. This recipe uses rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a fragrant dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat the pork belly with the herb mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Slice and serve.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Herb-Crusted+Pork+Belly" alt="Herb-Crusted Pork Belly" /> </div>
7. Barbecue Pork Belly Bites
For a fun and shareable dish, barbecue pork belly bites are the way to go! These are perfect for parties or game days.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly, cut into cubes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the pork belly cubes with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubes in barbecue sauce.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve warm with extra sauce on the side.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Barbecue+Pork+Belly+Bites" alt="Barbecue Pork Belly Bites" /> </div>
In conclusion, cooking pork belly in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this flavorful cut of meat without the guilt. Each of these seven recipes brings a unique twist to pork belly, allowing you to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Whether you prefer classic seasoning or bold marinades, there is a perfect air fryer pork belly recipe waiting for you to try! Happy cooking!