Name: Seasoned Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 kg pork belly; 1 1/2 tbsps. seasoning; braai (barbecue sauce optional); salt and pepper

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Oh these Seasoned Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites are, yes you guessed it - SPICY! Not only spicy but tender meat and crispy skin and edges, they are so addictive! Naturally, another fantastic recipe from the wonderful air fryer.

These spicy pork belly bites are a really good appetizer or main dish. They taste so crispy and the best part is that they can also be oven baked. Obviously the air fryer is much more convenient in terms of there is no preheating for long, opening and closing to check your food without heavy lifting or possible burning.

I find that foods like these pork belly bites make the perfect snack or main dish. Much like my Spicy Chicken Bites and these Steak Nibbles which were my main frame of inspiration.

Why Air Fryer Pork Belly?

I have a full recipe on the crispiest skin for a full belly roast. The reason you should make them both is that they are both easy delicious recipes.

Where To Buy Pork Belly

You can buy pork belly from your local supermarket or butchery. Because we live in a world where everything is rushed, my only advise would be to try and choose the best clean cut of pork belly.

What Is Pork Belly

Pork Belly is a slab of meat that comes from the belly (underside) of the pig.

It's un-cured (cured will be pancetta) and un-smoked (smoked will be bacon) and you can also dry it out and make biltong!

Today however we are using this pork belly that's from our local butcher for seasoned air fryer pork belly bites. So good!

Which Part Of The Pig Is Pork Belly From?

As you know that pork belly comes from the pig and it comes from the underside (the belly) of the pig.

Ingredients For Spicy Pork Belly Bites

Pork belly (Not in the pic but trust me it's in the recipe, it's the main ingredient!)

Salt and pepper Season to taste. We used this salt and fresh black pepper blend.

Spices: I find that a dry rub in this recipe works great and actually for any pork because of the fat. We used this paprika dry rub and this Italian Meat Rub. Both bring the heat and flavor.

Olive oil You only need a very little because you're not frying the pork. Its a healthier version! So a slight drizzle to coat the meat and help the spices blend into the meat.

How To Make Spicy Pork Belly Bites

Prep Pork Belly Dry and cut the pork belly into bite sized pieces. When you dry the pork belly you get a much better crisp. Drying the pork belly out for this recipe is not like drying it out when you make a full belly roast. Here you have to simply use a clean kitchen towel to properly dry them.

Preheat the air fryer on a temperature of 200 Celsius/400 Fahrenheit. Give the air fryer a light coating with cooking spray. No preheat setting? Run it while you prep the pork belly for about 5 minutes.

Add the seasoning and spices. Here we used our favorite Italian meat rub.

Air Fry: Place the meat cubes in the air fryer, spray a light coat of cooking spray. Air fry for 20 minutes and if you want them more crispy go another minute or two. Too long can dry them out so just watch them.

Turn them over half way to get an even cooking and browning all round. Simply shaking the air fryer basket is quicker than turning then one at a time. They cook really quick anyway and soon you'll be dipping them into some smokey sauce!

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Dipping Sauces: These spicy pork belly bites are even better with this braai sauce!

Other sauces to try are chili sauces, chili paste, Asian sauces or any of these dip recipes.

Seasoning and Spices: You can use from so many of a variety of spices so go with your favorites. We used these clean 100% natural spices with no nasties.

Cook's Tips

Make Ahead

It's a super easy recipe so the 20 to 25 minutes goes very quick which means that if you want to do this ahead of time you can! Cut the pork belly into cubes and leave them in the fridge overnight uncovered on a rack. Next day, take them out give them 10 minutes or so to chill down, and then follow the rest of the recipe.

FAQ's Seasoned Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

How does the air fryer cook my pork belly?

With a heating mechanism in the air fryer that uses hot air to circulate around your food and cook it.

How long does pork belly take to cook in the air fryer?

Roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on heat, size and preference.

Do you have to boil pork belly before air frying.

No, there is no boiling pork belly required for air frying.

Is there a difference if I boil it first?

There might be a difference in the meat being a little more tender.

Can I put my pork belly in the Instant Pot before cooking?

Yes. As much as it's not my go to, you can. Not everyone remembers to thaw pork belly but everyone wants pork belly for dinner and it's frozen!

So yes, I am including this for my daughter who never remembers to take the pork belly out the freezer! Put it into the Instant Pot with even half a cup of water (she uses a cup to use the water later) and set it to HIGH PRESSURE for 2 minutes! Then continue with this recipe for crisping it up without the drying process.

Can I Make Pork Belly Bites In The Oven?

Yes 100%. Simply set your oven temperature to 200C/400F for 45 minutes.

How to store leftover pork belly bites.

Air tight container 2 days lose some crisp

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