The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Pork Belly Strips in the Air Fryer
If you love the crispy texture of pork belly but hate the mess and time involved in traditional frying or roasting, then this air fryer pork belly strips recipe is your perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can enjoy restaurant-quality pork belly at home—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with a flavor that’s out of this world.
Why Air Fryer Pork Belly Strips Are a Game-Changer
Pork belly is beloved for its rich layers of fat and meat, making it one of the most flavorful cuts of pork. Traditionally, it’s slow-roasted or deep-fried to get that perfect crunch, but using an air fryer for pork belly gives you all that crispy goodness with much less oil, less clean-up, and faster cooking time. It’s also a healthier alternative that still delivers big on taste.
Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, mimicking the effect of deep-frying but with minimal oil. That makes it ideal for pork belly, which already contains enough natural fat to self-baste as it cooks. The fat renders beautifully, leaving you with crispy edges and tender meat.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
This pork belly air fryer recipe stands out because of its simplicity. There’s no boiling, no overnight marinating, and no special ingredients. You season, place it in the air fryer, and let it work its magic. Whether you’re making this for a quick dinner, a weekend snack, or party finger food, these pork belly strips deliver bold flavor and a satisfying crunch every time.
Choosing the Right Cut
For best results, use pork belly strips that are evenly cut, around ½ inch thick. Strips cook faster and more evenly in the air fryer compared to a whole slab. Make sure there’s a good fat-to-meat ratio—look for strips with visible layers, which ensure that delicious melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Preparing Pork Belly for the Air Fryer
While some recipes recommend boiling or drying the pork belly overnight, this recipe skips those extra steps without sacrificing texture or taste. All you need is a quick seasoning mix and you’re good to go. Make sure to pat the strips dry with paper towels before seasoning—this step helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Seasoning Options
The beauty of pork belly is that it adapts well to many flavors. For this version, we use a straightforward blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of olive oil to help crisp the edges. However, you can also add soy sauce, brown sugar, or chili flakes if you prefer a more Asian-inspired flavor profile.
Cooking Time & Temperature
Cook your pork belly strips at 400°F (200°C) for around 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model and the thickness of the pork strips. Always keep an eye on them in the final few minutes—they can go from golden brown to overdone quickly.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy pork belly strips are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:
- A side of jasmine or sticky rice
- Asian dipping sauces like hoisin, sriracha mayo, or soy-ginger
- In tacos or lettuce wraps
- With pickled veggies for contrast
You can also chop the strips into bite-sized pieces and use them as a topping for ramen, salads, or noodle bowls.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving—it will soften the crispy skin.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Pork Belly
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between each strip for optimal air circulation and even cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer: This helps sear the meat instantly, giving a better crust.
- Pat the pork dry: Moisture on the surface can prevent crisping—always dry the strips well before seasoning.
- Flip halfway: For even browning on both sides, flip the pork belly strips once during cooking.
- Add a drip tray: To avoid smoke from dripping fat, place a slice of bread or foil under the basket to absorb grease.
Quick Recipe Summary
Air Fryer Pork Belly Strips
Description:
Crispy, juicy pork belly strips cooked to perfection in the air fryer with minimal effort and bold, savory flavor.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
- Pork belly strips (about 1 lb)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat dry pork belly strips with paper towels to remove moisture.
- In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil.
- Coat pork belly strips evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness—strips should be golden brown and crisp at the edges.
- Serve hot with your favorite side or dipping sauce.