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Crispy pork belly cooked in an air fryer — golden brown crust with tender, juicy inside, served fresh from the basket.

Pork Belly in Air Fryer

This crispy air fryer pork belly is tender on the inside with a golden, crunchy crust on the outside. Coated in a simple seasoning mix of garlic, Tajín, Sweet & Smokie, salt, pepper, and a touch of flour, it cooks in just 30 minutes. Perfect on ramen, rice bowls, or served on its own, this easy, family-approved recipe is quick, flavorful, and hassle-free.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pork belly cut into thick slices
  • Garlic powdered
  • Tajín seasoning for a little tang and spice
  • Sweet & Smokie seasoning or any BBQ blend you like
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper
  • All-purpose flour for a light crust
  • Cooking spray

Equipment

  • Bella Air Fryer https://amzn.to/3FPpASL
  • Henckels Kitchen Knives https://amzn.to/3TFsEYT
  • Mixing Bowl https://amzn.to/4fZYCZS

Method
 

Cut and Prep the Pork Belly
  1. Start by cutting your pork belly slices in half so they fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
    Raw Pork Belly
  2. Pat them dry with paper towels — this helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispier texture.
Make the Seasoning Mix
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine your garlic, Tajín, sweet & smokie seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and a few tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
  2. The flour is key — it helps build that beautiful crust that makes this dish so addictive.
  3. Coat the Pork Belly
  4. Toss the pork belly pieces into the bowl and fully coat them on all sides. Every surface should have seasoning — this is where the magic happens.
  5. Prep the Air Fryer
  6. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the crust brown evenly.
Air Fry — First Stage
  1. Set your air fryer to 250°F and cook the pork belly for 15 minutes.
  2. This stage renders the fat slowly and keeps the meat tender.
Air Fry — Second Stage
  1. After the first cook, bump the temperature up to 400°F and air fry for another 15 minutes.
  2. You’ll see the pork belly start to crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown.
  3. Check the Temperature
  4. Use a meat thermometer to make sure your pork belly has reached 165°F internally. This ensures it’s safe to eat while still tender and juicy.
Rest and Serve
  1. Let the pork belly rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the inside moist.
  2. Serve it hot, with your favorite dipping sauce, over rice, or even sliced thinly for ramen topping — trust me, it’s incredible either way.

Video

Notes

Tips for the Best Results
  • Dry the pork belly well before seasoning — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer — give each piece space for hot air to circulate.
  • Flip halfway through (optional) if your air fryer heats unevenly.
  • Use a wire rack inside the air fryer basket if you want even crisper texture on all sides.
  • Experiment with flavors! Try adding honey, soy sauce, or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a twist.