Description
Crispy air fryer pork belly bites deliver a mouthwatering culinary experience that blends Chinese-inspired flavors with modern cooking techniques. Succulent meat pieces caramelize perfectly, creating an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to a sizzling 400F (200C), ensuring the cooking chamber is ready for maximum crispiness.
- Combine pork belly cubes with a robust blend of seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil – massaging the mixture to coat each morsel thoroughly.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned cubes in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, allowing hot air to circulate and crisp every surface.
- Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes, pausing midway to gently shake and redistribute the bites, promoting even browning and preventing sticking.
- Monitor the transformation as the pork belly cubes develop a golden, crunchy exterior and rich, caramelized edges, indicating they’re perfectly cooked.
- Once achieved a deep amber color and irresistible crackling texture, remove the bites from the air fryer and let rest momentarily to allow juices to settle.
- Transfer to a serving platter, presenting these mouthwatering morsels while they’re piping hot, ready to be devoured as an appetizer or protein-packed snack.
Notes
- Keep pork belly cubes uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness throughout.
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve maximum crunchiness and prevent excess moisture.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model and the thickness of pork belly cubes, checking periodically to prevent burning.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, skip any additional sugary marinades and stick to dry spices and herbs for seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 439 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg