Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

 Crispy, golden pork belly bites with perfectly rendered fat and tender meat inside. This two-stage cooking method creates restaurant-quality results using simple seasonings and an air fryer.

Ingredients

• 700g-1kg pork belly, cut into 2-3cm cubes
• 1-1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon oil (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar-free sweetener

Instructions

1. Cut pork belly into uniform 2-3cm cubes. Pat each piece completely dry with paper towels. This drying step is critical for achieving crispy texture.
2. Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Toss pork belly cubes with the seasoning mixture until evenly coated. If using marinade, combine marinade ingredients and toss with pork belly for 30-60 minutes, then pat dry again.
3. Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes. Place seasoned pork belly cubes in the basket in a single layer with space between pieces.
4. Cook at 180°C for 18-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes. This low-heat phase renders the fat and tenderizes the meat. Carefully drain accumulated fat from the air fryer drawer.
5. Increase temperature to 200-205°C (392-401°F). Cook for 8-15 minutes, shaking every few minutes, until deeply golden and crispy. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.