No-Fail Crispy Pork Belly in Air Fryer – Ready in 1 Hour!

I have tried many ways to make crispy pork belly in an air fryer, and this is the one recipe that finally worked every time. Let me share this fail-proof crispy pork belly recipe that gives you not only extra crispy golden crackling but also keeps the meat juicy and tender.

Watch my video below to see how I cook pork belly in the air fryer—juicy meat, crispy skin, so good! Subscribe if you want more recipes like this!

---

Why This Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Recipe Is Worth Trying

1. It only takes about an hour, which is way faster than roasting it in the oven for ages.
2. The skin turns golden and crispy, while the meat underneath stays tender and full of flavor.
3. No boiling or overnight prep—just season the pork belly and let the air fryer do its thing.
4. Basic ingredients are all you need: pork belly, salt, vinegar, and maybe a couple of spices. Nothing fancy.
5. It works in so many meals: serve it as the main dish, or chop it up for tacos, ramen, or sandwiches whenever you want a quick twist.

What You Need to Make Extra Crispy Pork Belly in the Air Fryer

If you’re like me, you already have these simple ingredients in your kitchen, so let’s use them to make pork belly that’s crispy on top and tender underneath.

• 800 grams of pork belly with skin
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt for meat seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (4 grams) paprika seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) pork belly rub or your favorite spice mix
• A pinch (0.2 grams) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) olive oil for the pork skin
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white vinegar
• 1/4 cup (75 grams) coarse salt for skin crisping

How to Make Crispy Pork Belly in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Pork Belly

Pick a pork belly that’s evenly thick for consistent cooking. Rinse it under cold water. After rinsing, press the skin with paper towels, switching them out as they get wet, and keep at it until the skin feels completely dry. This step is super important for crispy skin.

Step 2: Cut the Meat Side

On the meat side, make some cuts with a sharp knife. These cuts help the seasoning sink in and let the pork cook evenly. If you’re not sure what I mean, check out my video where I show you exactly how I do it.

Step 3: Pierce the Skin

Flip the pork belly skin-side up. Use a skewer or the tip of a knife to poke small holes across the surface. Be gentle—don’t pierce too deeply. This step is crucial for achieving crispy pork belly skin.

Step 4: Season the Meat

Sprinkle salt, paprika, pork belly rub, and black pepper over the meat side. Rub the seasoning into the cuts to enhance the flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Foil Wrap

Double up a sheet of aluminum foil and rub it lightly with olive oil. Place the pork belly skin-side up on the foil. Brush the skin with white vinegar, which helps the crackling puff up beautifully.

Step 6: Create a Salt Layer

Cover the skin with a layer of coarse salt, ensuring even coverage. This step is key to drawing out moisture for extra-crispy skin.

Step 7: First Cook: Low Temperature

Place the pork belly in the air fryer. Set it to 250°F (125°C) and cook for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Remove the Salt Layer

Carefully take out the pork belly and brush off the salt layer. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the skin and spread it evenly.

Step 9: Second Cook: High Temperature

Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 30 minutes. The skin will puff up, turn golden, and become perfectly crispy.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the pork belly to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate combination of crispy skin and juicy meat.

Top Tip: Resting the pork belly allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

Looking for the perfect pairing? Check out my Crispy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes Recipe —it’s the ultimate match for our pork belly!

Also, check out how to cook ribs in an air fryer—it’s super easy, and the flavor is amazing!

Why is my pork belly not crackling in the air fryer?

If your pork belly isn’t achieving that crispy, crackling skin in the air fryer, here are some potential reasons based on the recipe:

• The Skin Wasn’t Dry Enough: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Make sure to thoroughly pat the pork belly dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Insufficient Poking: Poking small holes in the skin helps the fat escape and allows the skin to crisp. If the holes weren’t deep or plentiful enough, the crackling might not form properly.
• Skipped the Vinegar Step: White vinegar is essential for breaking down the skin, making it puff and crisp as it cooks. Brushing it on generously before applying salt can make a big difference.
• Incorrect Salt Layer: The layer of coarse salt draws out moisture during the first cooking stage. If you didn’t use enough salt or skipped this step, the skin might stay soft.
• Temperature Wasn’t High Enough: The final cooking stage requires a high temperature (400°F/200°C) to crisp up the skin. If your air fryer isn’t reaching the correct heat, the crackling won’t form.
• Uneven Pork Belly Thickness: A pork belly that isn’t evenly thick can result in uneven cooking. Thicker areas might not crisp properly.
• Not Enough Air Circulation: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can block air circulation, preventing even crisping. Cook the pork belly in a single layer with space around it.
• Skin Not Properly Oiled: After removing the salt layer, applying a thin, even coat of olive oil helps the skin crisp up evenly in the second cooking stage.

Serving Suggestions for this Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly

• Classic with Rice and Vegetables: Serve the crispy pork belly over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, paired with sauteed greens like bok choy, spinach, kale, or cauliflower rice for the healthier option. Add a drizzle of soy sauce or a side of sweet chili sauce for extra flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Noodles: Toss some egg noodles or rice noodles with soy sauce, sesame oil, and stir-fried veggies. Top with slices of crispy pork belly for a hearty and flavorful dish.
• Tacos or Wraps: Use the pork belly slices as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps. Add pickled vegetables, shredded cabbage, and a dollop of spicy mayo or hoisin sauce for a fresh twist.
• Salad Topping: Slice the pork belly thinly and use it as a topping for a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Add elements like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and toasted nuts for a balanced meal.
• Small Bites for Appetizers: Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve with dipping sauces like hoisin, plum, or soy-based sauces. This makes a fantastic appetizer or party snack.

How To Store Crispy Pork Belly

• To Store: Once cooled, place the pork belly in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure the crackling is stored separately from any liquids to keep it crisp.
• To Freeze: Allow the pork belly to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place it in a sealed freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the meat and crackling separately to preserve the texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To Reheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the pork belly in the basket and reheat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, to restore the crispy crackling and warm the meat evenly.

Questions or Want to Share Your Experience?

Tried this crispy pork belly recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments or tag me in your photos! Need tips or substitutions? I’ve got you. Watch my video for a step-by-step guide here, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tasty recipes! – Jen