Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly

Name: Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 lbs skin-on pork belly; 2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder; 1/2 tsp white pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 1/2 tsp baking soda (for skin only); 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Pork belly seasoned with five-spice and salt, air-fried until the skin crackles and the fat renders to silk while keeping the meat tender. Plan ahead: the pork needs to dry-brine uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.

65 minMediumServes 4600 cal/serving

ChineseDinnerAir FryerLow CarbHigh ProteinGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

2 lbs skin-on pork belly
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp baking soda (for skin only)
2 scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions

1

Score the skin of the 2 lbs skin-on pork belly at 1/4-inch intervals using a sharp knife or skewer, being careful not to cut into the meat. Flip meat-side up and rub with 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder, 1/2 tsp white pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Flip back to skin-side up.
2

Mix 1/2 tsp baking soda (for skin only) with a few drops of 1 tsp rice vinegar to form a thin paste. Brush this onto the skin only. Pat 2 tsp kosher salt evenly over the skin. Place uncovered on a rack in the refrigerator overnight to dry-brine.
3

Remove the pork belly from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
4

Place the pork belly skin-side up in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and cook for another 15-20 minutes. The skin should be deeply blistered and crackling, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
5

If the skin needs more crackling, increase back to 400°F for 3-5 minutes, watching closely. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
6

Slice into bite-sized pieces and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions. Serve with steamed rice and dipping sauce if desired.

Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350 F for three to four minutes; the microwave softens the coating.

Can I halve or double Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, air-fry in batches; a crowded basket steams instead of crisping.

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