Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices,

Ingredients

Primary Cut

• 1.5 lbs (680g) Pork Belly Slices (sliced approximately ½ to ¾-inch thick)

Seasoning & Dry Rub

• 1 tsp Coarse Sea Salt (or kosher salt)
• ½ tsp Baking Powder (aluminum-free; secret ingredient for maximum crackling crunch)
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Onion Powder
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tbsp Light Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (high smoke point)

Optional Glaze / Dipping Sauce

• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tsp Chili Flakes or Sriracha

Intensity & Heat Profile

• Stage 1 (Rendering Phase): 360°F (180°C) – Low-to-moderate intensity for 15 minutes.
• Stage 2 (Crisping & Crackling Phase): 400°F (204°C) – Maximum intensity for 7–10 minutes.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Meat

1. Pat the pork belly slices completely dry on all sides using paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
2. If time permits, place the dried slices uncovered on a wire rack in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to dry out the outer skin/fat layer.

Step 2: Season the Pork Belly

1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
2. Lightly brush the pork belly slices with oil.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly across all sides of each slice, paying extra attention to the top fat strip.

Step 3: Stage 1 Cooking (Render)

1. Pre-heat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Arrange the seasoned pork belly slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overlapping (cook in batches if needed).
3. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 15 minutes , flipping the slices halfway through at the 8-minute mark.

Step 4: Stage 2 Cooking (High-Heat Crisp)

1. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) .
2. Air fry for an additional 7 to 10 minutes , flipping once at 4 minutes, until the fat edges are deep golden-brown, bubbly, and incredibly crispy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Transfer the crispy pork belly slices to a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet.
2. Let rest for 3–5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the crust to harden completely.
3. Slice into bite-sized strips or serve full length alongside your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 510 kcal — · Protein: 22 g 44% · Fat: 46 g 59% · Carbohydrates: 1 g 0% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 16 g 80% · Fiber: 0 g 0% · Sugar: 0 g — · Sodium: 620 mg 27%