Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices
Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices are deliciously crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and packed with rich, savoury flavour. This easy recipe uses simple seasonings and the air fryer to create golden pork belly without the need for deep-frying. Serve these tasty slices as a main dish, add them to rice bowls, or enjoy them with your favourite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal.
How LONG DO PORK BELLY SLICES TAKE IN THE AIR FRYER?
Pork belly slices typically take 18–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in the air fryer, depending on their thickness, the amount of fat, and your air fryer model.
For best results, turn the slices halfway through cooking so they brown evenly on both sides.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Thin slices (¼ inch / 6 mm): Approximately 12–18 minutes.
- Medium slices (½ inch / 1.3 cm): Approximately 18–25 minutes.
- Thick slices (¾–1 inch / 2–2.5 cm): Approximately 25–35 minutes or longer.
These times are estimates, not guarantees. Pork belly contains a substantial amount of fat and connective tissue, so thicker slices may need additional cooking to become tender. Check the texture and internal temperature before serving.
For food safety, whole cuts of pork should reach at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a rest of at least 3 minutes. Pork belly may be more tender when cooked longer, depending on the cut and your preferred texture.
Ingredients You Will Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make flavourful Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) pork belly slices
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, optional
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs (optional)
Ingredient Notes
Pork belly slices: Choose slices with a good balance of meat and fat. Evenly sized slices will cook more consistently.
Olive oil: A little oil is optional because pork belly naturally releases fat during cooking. If the slices have plenty of fat, you may not need any additional oil.
Garlic powder: Adds savoury flavour without the risk of fresh garlic burning during air frying.
Paprika: Gives the pork a warm flavour and an attractive golden colour. Smoked paprika is a good choice if you enjoy a smoky taste.
Onion powder: Adds a mild savoury sweetness that complements the pork.
Salt and black pepper: Bring out the natural flavour of the meat. Adjust the salt according to your taste.
Dried herbs: Thyme or mixed herbs add an aromatic finish, but you can leave them out for a simpler seasoning blend.
How To Make Pork Belly Slices In The Air Fryer
Follow these easy steps to make pork belly slices with a beautifully browned exterior and tender, flavourful meat.
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Remove the pork belly slices from their packaging and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Drying the surface helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.
If the slices are particularly thick, check that they’re evenly sized. You can trim any excessively large pieces so they fit comfortably in the air fryer basket.
Step 2: Season the Slices
Place the pork belly slices in a mixing bowl.
Add the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or mixed herbs, if using. Toss until the slices are evenly coated.
If the pork is very lean on the surface, add a small amount of olive oil. Otherwise, the natural fat in the pork belly may be sufficient.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes if your model recommends preheating.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking fatty foods such as pork belly. Make sure the basket is clean and the airflow openings are unobstructed.
Step 4: Arrange the Pork Belly Slices
Place the pork belly slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece.
Avoid stacking or overcrowding the slices. If necessary, cook them in batches so the hot air can circulate and the surfaces can brown evenly.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pork Belly
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 18–25 minutes for medium slices around ½ inch thick.
Turn the slices halfway through cooking. Check them early if they’re thin, and allow more time for thicker pieces.
Pork belly releases a significant amount of fat, so check the appliance during cooking and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for handling drippings. Avoid allowing accumulated fat to interfere with the heating element or airflow.
Step 6: Check the Texture and Doneness
The slices should be browned on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. Check the thickest piece with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a rest of at least 3 minutes.
If you prefer softer, more tender pork belly, thicker slices may benefit from additional cooking. Continue in short increments, checking regularly so the outside doesn’t become too dark before the meat reaches your preferred texture.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Carefully remove the pork belly slices from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3–5 minutes.
Serve them hot with roasted vegetables, rice, potatoes, or your favourite dipping sauce.
How Do I Know When My Pork Belly Is Cooked?
There are several ways to check whether your Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices are ready to serve.
1. Check the Internal Temperature
The most reliable method is to use a food thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a slice, avoiding contact with the air fryer basket.
Whole cuts of pork should reach at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a rest of at least 3 minutes.
Pork belly can contain more connective tissue than some other pork cuts, so it may need longer cooking to achieve a softer texture. The safe minimum temperature and the temperature that gives your preferred tenderness are not necessarily the same.
2. Look for a Golden-Brown Exterior
The outside should be nicely browned, with some crisp edges depending on the thickness and fat content. Colour alone cannot confirm that the pork is safe to eat, so always use a thermometer.
3. Check the Texture
The meat should feel tender when pierced with a fork. If the slices are still very firm or chewy, they may need more cooking, particularly if they’re thick.
4. Check the Fat
As pork belly cooks, some of the fat renders out. The meat may become more tender, and the edges may turn golden and crisp. The exact result depends on the cut and thickness.
5. Allow the Pork to Rest
After cooking, let the pork belly rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes the slices easier to handle.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I cook pork belly slices in an air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer is a convenient way to cook pork belly slices. Circulating hot air helps brown the outside while the fat renders. For best results, cook the slices in a single layer and turn them halfway through.
2. What temperature should I use for Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices?
A temperature of 375°F (190°C) is a useful starting point. It helps the slices brown while giving the inside time to cook. Adjust the time according to the thickness of your pork belly and your air fryer model.
3. How long do pork belly slices take to cook?
Medium slices around ½ inch thick generally take 18–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Thin slices may cook in 12–18 minutes, while thick slices can take 25–35 minutes or longer. Check doneness with a thermometer rather than relying on time alone.
4. Do I need to add oil to pork belly slices?
Usually, very little oil is needed because pork belly contains plenty of natural fat. If the surface is particularly lean or dry, a small amount of oil can help the seasonings stick.
5. Should I flip pork belly slices in the air fryer?
Yes, turning the slices halfway through helps them brown more evenly. Use heat-resistant tongs and be careful around hot rendered fat.
6. Why are my pork belly slices tough?
They may be too thick for the cooking time, or they may need additional cooking to soften the connective tissue. Continue cooking in short increments, checking both the internal temperature and texture.
7. How do I make pork belly slices crispy?
Pat the slices dry before seasoning, arrange them in a single layer, and avoid overcrowding. Cook until the outside is browned and the fat has rendered to your liking, checking frequently to prevent burning.
8. Can I cook frozen pork belly slices in the air fryer?
For the most even results, thaw the pork belly in the refrigerator before cooking. Frozen slices may cook unevenly, and the outside can brown before the centre is ready. If cooking from frozen, use a method specifically designed for frozen pork belly and check the internal temperature carefully.
9. Can I use different seasonings?
Absolutely! Try Cajun seasoning, Chinese five-spice, smoked paprika, chilli powder, garlic and herbs, or a barbecue dry rub. Check the salt content of any premixed seasoning before adding extra salt.
10. Can I add barbecue sauce?
Yes. Brush barbecue sauce over the pork belly during the final 3–5 minutes of cooking. Sauce containing sugar can burn quickly, so watch the slices carefully and avoid adding it too early.
11. How should I store leftover pork belly slices?
Allow the slices to cool briefly, then refrigerate them in a shallow, airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days.
12. How do I reheat pork belly slices in the air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to around 350°F (175°C), if recommended by your model. Arrange the slices in a single layer and reheat for approximately 3–6 minutes, depending on thickness, until heated thoroughly. Reheated leftovers should reach 165°F (74°C).
13. What should I serve with Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices?
They pair well with roast potatoes, rice, steamed greens, roasted carrots, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with barbecue sauce, garlic mayonnaise, or a sweet chilli dipping sauce.
14. Can I prepare pork belly slices ahead of time?
Yes. You can season the slices and refrigerate them in a covered container until you’re ready to cook. Keep raw pork refrigerated and cook it within a safe timeframe. For the best texture, air fry just before serving.
15. Can I cook pork belly slices without preheating?
Yes, if your air fryer doesn’t require preheating. The cooking time may be slightly different, so check the slices early and use a food thermometer to confirm doneness.
PrintAir Fryer Pork Belly Slices
Try my easy way to cook pork belly – no boil, ready in 30 minutes! This Air Fryer Pork Belly Recipe is the perfect combo of sweet & salty.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb pork belly cut into 1/2 inch slices 4-5 inches long
- 2 tbsp maple syrup optional
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Spray air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place pork belly in the basket. Make sure there is room between the pieces for air to circulate.
- Cook for 25-30 min on 400 until it is your desired level of crispiness. Thicker pieces take longer. It is helpful to rotate and flip pieces over halfway through.
- Drizzle with syrup and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.
