The Best Chinese Crispy Pork Belly Recipe (Air Fry Method)

pork belly

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken thighs are lower in fat and pork shoulder is more affordable.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free and liquid aminos is often less expensive.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Agave syrup is a lower glycemic alternative, and corn syrup is usually cheaper.

Take a sharp knife to score the meat side of the pork belly without cutting through the skin.

Sprinkle the seasoning mix (2/3 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon five spice powder) all over the meat side of the pork belly, rubbing it in and making sure to open the cuts.

Avoid touching the skin with the seasoning. If any seasoning gets on the skin, wipe it off with a damp paper towel.

Apply a pinch of salt on the skin and rub it thoroughly.

Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess salt after a couple of minutes when the salt draws moisture out.

Wrap the pork belly with tin foil, exposing the skin.

Preheat the air fryer to 250°F (121°C).

Cook the pork belly in the air fryer at 250°F for 1 hour.

After 1 hour, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and fry for 10 to 15 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden, checking for doneness as needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens