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Home » Air Fryer

Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices

Published: May 10, 2023 · Modified: Dec 12, 2024 by Lauren Woodger · Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links -This means I receive a commission for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases ·

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Drawing of a bottle of milk with a line through it.
Drawing of an egg with a line through it.
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A plate containing pork belly strips, potatoes and green beans.
Pork belly strips being basted with BBQ sauce in the air fryer.
Cooked pork belly strips on a brown chopping board.
Cooked pork belly strips on a brown chopping board.

These Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices are smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce & are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Ready in just 25 minutes, they are also gluten and dairy-free!

Cooked pork belly strips on a brown chopping board.

Hands down, this is the BEST way to cook pork belly slices! Or is it cooking the pork belly slices in the slow cooker? This recipe is the most viewed recipe on my website and is also a family favourite, so it's a hard call!

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Now, I know pork belly can divide opinions, whilst some people aren’t big fans of fatty meat, a lot of you adore it. (Including me!) 

The secret is, that it just has to be cooked right! Cooking the pork belly strips in the air fryer helps the fat to render down, which results in a perfectly crispy and crunchy exterior, while the inside remains juicy and succulent. 

I have marinated the pork belly slices in BBQ sauce which really brings out the natural flavours of the pork belly, infusing it with a blend of tangy and sweet flavours that complement the rich taste of the meat.

As long as you are using a gluten-free BBQ sauce then this recipe is dairy, egg and gluten-free!

With no pre-boiling required, these easy crispy air fryer pork belly slices are ready in just 25 minutes!

They are delicious served alongside these slow cooker roast potatoes & hot honey Brussels sprouts or garlic & rosemary hasselback potatoes & roasted carrots and green beans.

Or why not chop the cooked pork belly into cubes to use in this pork belly fried rice?

Reader 5⭐ Review

"Honestly surprised by how well it turned out! Tender inside and crispy outside, lots of flavour. This recipe is super easy and quick, you just have to time the basting.

We had it with rice and a side salad. Will definitely recommend and use it again thanks"

- Tatjana

🎥 Latest Video

Jump to:
  • Reader 5⭐ Review
  • 🎥 Latest Video
  • 🥘 Ingredients You Will Need
  • ⚡ Variations & Substitutions
  •  🤔 Is Pork Belly The Same As Bacon?
  • ✏️ How To Make Pork Belly Slices In The Air Fryer
  • 💡 Lauren's Tips
  • 🤔 Which Air Fryer Do You Use?
  • 🥡 Storage
  • 💬 Recipe FAQs
  • 📖 More Air Fryer Recipes..
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🥘 Ingredients You Will Need

Here is a brief overview of the ingredients you will need to make these crispy air fryer pork belly slices.

Ingredients laid out for air fryer pork belly.

✋ Double check all packaging for allergens ✋

  • Pork Belly: Try to buy the best quality pork that you can. Most major supermarkets sell pork belly pre-sliced or you can ask your butcher to slice it into strips for you. Try and find strips that have a stronger meat-to-fat ratio.
  • BBQ Sauce: For quickness, I have used a shop-bought BBQ sauce from Heinz as I have in these BBQ chicken wraps. This brand is free from the top 14 allergens. Remember to always check the packaging as some shop-bought BBQ sauces do contain gluten & ingredients can also change.
  • Seasonings: I have used a mixture of black pepper, sea salt and garlic powder.
  • Olive Oil: Mixed with the seasoning to coat the pork belly,  this helps to give a crispier finish to the outside of the pork. You can buy these great olive oil spray bottles if you don’t want to add as much oil.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

⚡ Variations & Substitutions


✔️ Make Them Into Bites: You can easily make these slices into pork belly bites, that make a perfect snack or starter dish.

Simply cut the pork into cubes before cooking. You may need to reduce the cooking time by five minutes or so.


✔️ BBQ Sauce: For a sweeter taste, swap the BBQ sauce for honey or maple syrup.


✔️ Seasonings: Mix up the seasonings. Paprika and garlic powder is a delicious combination as is a little brown sugar, mixed with oregano, salt & chilli flakes.

 🤔 Is Pork Belly The Same As Bacon?

The difference between pork belly and bacon comes down to how they’re prepared and used, though they’re related cuts.

Pork belly is an uncured, boneless cut of fatty meat from the underside of the pig, while bacon is usually cured and smoked, often made from pork belly.

There are two main types of bacon: streaky bacon and back bacon. Streaky bacon, which comes from pork belly, is higher in fat, has a layered look, and crisps up nicely when cooked.

Back bacon, from the loin, is leaner with a bit of belly attached, giving it a more tender, meaty texture.

✏️ How To Make Pork Belly Slices In The Air Fryer

⬇️ Here you will find an overview of how to make the recipe. For full information on ingredients and quantities please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page ⬇️

Four pork belly strips on a black plate.

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, this will be used to coat the pork belly.

Step 2: Next, pat the pork belly slices dry with paper towels, this helps dry out the meat so the seasoning will stick to it.

Four pork belly strips in an air fryer.

Step 3: Add the strips to the mixing bowl, and using your hands or a spoon, toss the pork until evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Line the basket with baking parchment or an air fryer liner, then place the pork belly slices in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.

This will allow the pork to cook evenly. Cook the slices for 15 minutes, flipping the slices every 5 minutes.

Pork belly strips being basted with BBQ sauce in the air fryer.

Step 5: After the initial cooking time, baste the pork belly with BBQ sauce and cook for a further 5 minutes. This will give the pork a delicious BBQ flavour and a shiny, caramelised glaze. 

Step 6: Turn over the pork slices, baste the other side with the BBQ sauce, and cook for a final 5 minutes. 

Once the pork belly slices are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making them extra juicy!

Pork belly strips, potatoes and green beans on a white plate.

💡 Lauren's Tips

  • ✔️ Cooking times will vary, depending on the make of your air fryer and the thickness of the belly slices, so I always recommend keeping an eye on the food and checking with a meat thermometer that the meat is cooked.
  • ✔️ Pat the skin dry with kitchen paper towel before cooking. Dry skin is crucial for achieving a crispy finish.
  • ✔️ I really recommend getting a meat thermometer, it will become your new best friend in the kitchen! Pork is cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F, but we are going to cook it until it reaches around 195˚F, so it gives time for the outside of the pork to really crisp up.
  • ✔️ Use baking parchment or an air fryer liner in the air fryer basket. This will help keep any mess to a minimum.
  • ✔️ Avoid Overcrowding. Arrange the pork belly strips in a single layer without overcrowding. This ensures that each strip gets enough hot air circulation for optimal crispiness.

🤔 Which Air Fryer Do You Use?

This recipe is tested with my Ninja Foodie Dual Zone AF300UK Air Fryer, and the timings and temperatures are tailored for this model. Keep in mind that different air fryer brands may cook differently, so regularly check your food for the best results.

🥡 Storage

Once the pork has cooled, it can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop back in the air fryer on the re-heat function until the pork has reached 145˚F.

You can also freeze the pork belly in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.

💬 Recipe FAQs

Do I need to pre-boil pork belly before cooking it in the air fryer?

No. That's the great thing about this recipe, no pre-boiling is required! You can still achieve juicy and tender, yet crispy pork belly by cooking it just in the air fryer.

Can I use frozen pork belly slices for air frying?

It is not recommended to use frozen pork belly slices for air frying as they will not cook evenly and may result in undercooked or overcooked pork. It is best to use thawed pork belly slices for air frying.

Can I make air fryer pork belly slices ahead of time?

While it is best to serve air fryer pork belly slices immediately after cooking, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving. However, the skin may not be as crispy as when it is freshly cooked.

📖 More Air Fryer Recipes..

Looking for more air fryer recipes? Why not try these:

  • Trout fillet garnished with lemon on a plate with rice and broccoli.
    Air Fryer Trout
  • Sliced caramelized bananas on a palte.
    Air Fryer Bananas
  • Two chicken shish kebabs on sticks laying on top of salad and pitta bread on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
  • Close up of cajun fries in a small metal bucket.
    Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)

If you loved this recipe, please leave me a 5🌟 rating or comment below. I really do appreciate it. 😊

📖 Recipe

Cooked pork belly strips on a brown chopping board.

Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly Slices

Crispy & succulent, these pork belly slices cooked in the air fryer are a mouthwatering treat that will leave your taste buds begging for more! They are also gluten and dairy free.
5 from 25 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 829kcal
Author: Lauren Woodger

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Pastry Brush
  • Meat thermometer optional
  • Air fryer liner optional

Ingredients

  • 300 g (10.5 oz) pork belly slices
  • 2 tablespoon BBQ sauce check packaging for allergens
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
Metric - Us Customary

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F / 200˚C.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Pat the pork belly slices dry with paper towels.
  • Add the pork belly slices to the mixing bowl and using your hands or a spoon, toss the pork until evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
  • Line the air fryer with baking parchment or an air fryer liner, then place the pork belly slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
  • Cook for 15 minutes, flipping the slices every 5 minutes.
  • Baste the pork belly with the BBQ sauce and cook for a further 5 minutes.
  • Turn over the pork slices, baste the other side with the BBQ sauce and cook for a final 5 minutes.
  • Remove the pork belly slices from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • ✔️ Cooking times will vary, depending on the make of your air fryer and the thickness of the belly slices, so I always recommend keeping an eye on the food and checking with a meat thermometer that the meat is cooked.
  • ✔️ Pat the skin dry with kitchen paper towel before cooking. Dry skin is crucial for achieving a crispy finish.
  • ✔️ I really recommend getting a meat thermometer, it will become your new best friend in the kitchen! Pork is cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F, but we are going to cook it until it reaches around 195˚F, so it gives time for the outside of the pork to really crisp up.
  • ✔️ Use baking parchment or an air fryer liner in the air fryer basket. This will help keep any mess to a minimum.
  • ✔️ Avoid Overcrowding. Arrange the pork belly strips in a single layer without overcrowding. This ensures that each strip gets enough hot air circulation for optimal crispiness.

Nutrition

Calories: 829kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 82g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 39g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 526mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

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About Lauren Woodger

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum. As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies and intolerances, I know how tough it can be to cook meals that are both safe and delicious.

That’s why I share easy, allergy-friendly recipes to help families enjoy stress-free mealtimes.

Comments

    5 from 25 votes (19 ratings without comment)
  1. Brigitte says

    July 12, 2024 at 12:06 am

    I made this tonight but the pork was a little undercooked and chewy. I was reluctant to cook them longer in case they burnt. Flavour was great though. Should I cook them longer at a lower temperature before crisping them up?

    • Lauren Woodger says

      July 12, 2024 at 11:28 am

      Depending on how thick the belly strips are, they could need a little bit longer than stated on the recipe. Different makes of Air Fryer take different times too. I would cook them for longer at 190C / 375F and check with a meat thermometer to see if when they are cooked. Its hard for pork belly to go dry, due to the high fat content, so they should still be juicy.

  2. Tatjana says

    April 15, 2024 at 4:38 pm

    5 stars
    Honestly surprised how well it turned out! Tender inside and crispy outside, lots of flavour. This recipe is super easy and quick, you just have to time the basting. We had it with rice and a side salad. Will definitely recommend and use it again thanks 😀

    • Lauren Woodger says

      April 16, 2024 at 9:58 am

      Ahh I'm so glad you loved it! They are super juicy aren't they, perfect with rice and salad 🙂

  3. Kay says

    February 25, 2024 at 1:10 pm

    5 stars
    Going to try this tonight with rice and asparagus.

    • Lauren Woodger says

      February 28, 2024 at 10:04 am

      I hope you enjoyed it! 🙂

  4. Tara says

    November 03, 2023 at 12:35 pm

    5 stars
    So so crispy! I love how easily these pork belly slices come together in the air fryer. They look so good.

    • Lauren Woodger says

      November 03, 2023 at 5:50 pm

      The air fryer really helps to crisp them up! Thanks for your lovely comment 🙂

  5. Carrie Robinson says

    November 03, 2023 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    I just LOVE pork belly- especially when it has crispy edges! 🙂 Genius idea to make it in the air fryer.

    • Lauren Woodger says

      November 03, 2023 at 5:49 pm

      The crispy bits are the best aren't they!

  6. Ann says

    November 03, 2023 at 12:09 pm

    5 stars
    I love pork belly and using air fryer means I can do portion control. Thanks!

    • Lauren Woodger says

      November 03, 2023 at 5:49 pm

      So happy to hear you loved the recipe 🙂

  7. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    November 03, 2023 at 10:12 am

    5 stars
    I love sweet and sticky pork belly and using the airfryer makes it all so easy. Love this.

    • Lauren Woodger says

      November 03, 2023 at 5:49 pm

      Glad you loved it.. the air fryer is a game changer isn't it!

Lady sitting on a kitchen side with a coffee cup in her hand.

Hey, I'm Lauren!

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum.

As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies, I know how challenging mealtimes can be when you’re trying to please everyone.

That’s why I share easy, family-friendly recipes and meal planning tips to help busy families enjoy tasty, stress-free dinners that work for all dietary needs.

MORE ABOUT ME

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