Air Fryer Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly Bites

Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly Bites

Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly Bites


Imagine biting into a perfectly rendered cube of pork belly – impossibly crispy on the outside, meltingly tender and succulent on the inside. Now, picture that rich, savoury bite enveloped in a dazzling glaze that dances between sweet and spicy. These Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly Bites are an addictive symphony of flavours and textures. The initial crunch gives way to the luxurious fattiness of the pork, which is then awakened by a sticky, vibrant sauce. The sweetness hits first, a delightful counterpoint to the inherent saltiness of the pork, quickly followed by a gentle, warming heat that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Each bite is a miniature explosion, a perfect balance that will leave you craving more. They are an irresistible appetiser, a fantastic addition to a rice bowl, or simply a magnificent snack that satisfies every craving.

Ingredients

For the Pork Belly

  • 1 lb pork belly, skin on or off (preferably skin on for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sweet and Spicy Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork Belly: If the skin is on, score it lightly in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat. Cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels – this is crucial for crispiness! Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Air Fry the Pork Belly: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned pork belly cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Cook for Crispy Perfection: Air fry for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the pork belly is deeply golden brown and incredibly crispy. The internal fat should be rendered and the meat tender. Remove from the air fryer and set aside.
  4. Make the Glaze: While the pork belly is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  5. Thicken the Glaze: Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
  6. Toss and Serve: Add the crispy pork belly bites to the saucepan with the glaze. Toss gently until all the pork belly pieces are evenly coated.
  7. Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the sweet and spicy pork belly bites to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and prepare for them to disappear quickly!

Tips

  • Dry is Key: Seriously, patting the pork belly dry is the most important step for achieving truly crispy results in the air fryer.
  • Don't Overcrowd: Give the pork belly space in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will steam the pork instead of crisping it.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of sriracha in the glaze to match your preferred level of heat.
  • Skin On vs. Off: Pork belly with skin on will yield an even crispier, crackling texture, but skinless works perfectly fine too.
  • Serve Versatilely: These bites are fantastic on their own, but also make a stellar addition to bao buns, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of jasmine rice.

 

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