Air Fryer Pork Belly

Get the crispiest fried pork belly in the air fryer with this simple 30 minute recipe you will want to make again and again!

Course Appetizers, dinner, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, BBQ, Southern

Keyword air fryer pork belly, comfort food, crispy air fried pork, easy, pork belly fried, quick, spicy

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Additional Time 10

Total Time 45

Servings Servings

Calories 590kcal

Author Bon Appeteach

Pat pork belly completely dry on all sides with paper towels.
Score the skin in parallel lines or a crosshatch pattern, cutting through the skin only, not into the meat.
Combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Season all sides of the pork belly generously.
Optional: Place seasoned pork belly on a rack uncovered in the fridge for 1 to 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Arrange pork belly in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Do not overlap.
Cook at 350°F for 25 minutes to render the fat.
Increase temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the exterior is deep golden and crispy. Watch closely during this stage.
Remove from air fryer and rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook in batches if needed. A single layer in the basket is required for proper crisping.
Pork belly bites variation: Cut into 1-inch cubes, reduce the first cook to 20 minutes, and monitor closely during the high-heat finish.
Asian-inspired variation: Swap smoked paprika for Chinese five spice and serve with a soy-sesame dipping sauce.