If you’ve ever found yourself eagerly munching on the last piece of crispy bacon, lamenting its fleeting presence, then these crispy air fryer pork belly bites are your next obsession. Imagine the crunch that echoes like autumn leaves underfoot, yet with a savory explosion that rivals your favorite bag of chips—only better. It’s the kind of snack that makes you question every other snack you’ve ever had, well, aside from those perfectly salted fries from that one food truck last summer.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of canola oil, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
- Cut 1 ½ pounds of pork belly into 1-inch pieces and ensure they are patted dry.
- Add the pork belly pieces to the oil mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange the pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the pork belly pieces for 18-20 minutes, shaking and flipping them a few times during the cooking process to ensure even crispiness.
- Once cooked, remove the pork belly bites from the air fryer and serve them warm.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds pork belly, dried and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
FAQ
- What exactly is pork belly?
- Pork belly is an uncured, unsliced, and unsmoked slab of meat that comes from the underside of a pig, similar to bacon. It is often used to make bacon, but its unique texture and flavor make it a delicious choice for recipes like pork belly bites.
- Is it possible to cook pork belly bites in the oven instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, you can bake pork belly bites in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Simply place the pork belly pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, and bake them at 400°F for 42-45 minutes.
- What air fryer brand is recommended for the best results?
- The Ninja Air Fryer is highly recommended for achieving consistent results and ease of use. It is noted for its superior performance in cooking various recipes.
- Can pork belly be stored for future use?
- Yes, pork belly can be frozen for up to six months. If your pork belly has reached room temperature, it’s best to chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before cutting it.
- How much pork belly should be used for this recipe?
- The recipe suggests using 1 ½ pounds of pork belly, which can be found at most large grocery stores or can be cut to size by a butcher.
Tips
- Allow Pork Belly to Firm Up Before Cutting: If your pork belly has thawed to room temperature, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up, making it easier to cut into pieces.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Ensure that the pork belly pieces are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Shake and Flip for Even Cooking: During the air frying process, shake and flip the pork belly pieces a few times. This helps ensure that all sides are evenly cooked and crispy.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the pork belly bites in the oven. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 42-45 minutes.
Equipment
- Air Fryer (recommended: Ninja Air Fryer)
- Large Mixing Bowl
