Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pork Belly

I’ll keep the ingredients the same, but make the layout If you love crispy, juicy, and flavorful pork belly, then you’ll fall in love with these Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pork Belly Bites. Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky-sweet honey glaze, this recipe is one of the easiest yet most delicious ways to cook pork belly. Using the air fryer gives you that irresistible crunch without the need for deep frying, making this dish lighter but just as satisfying.

These pork belly bites are versatile—you can serve them as an appetizer for parties, a snack for game nights, or even as a main dish alongside rice or roasted vegetables. They’re a great alternative to traditional fried pork belly, and the honey glaze takes them to a whole new level of flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb pork belly, cut into bite-size cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pork Belly
Start by cutting the pork belly into bite-sized cubes. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
Season the Meat
In a bowl, toss the pork belly cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the pork belly cook evenly and crisp up faster.
Air Fry the Pork Belly
Place the pork belly cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The pork should be crispy and golden brown.
Make the Honey Glaze
While the pork is cooking, mix honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
Coat the Pork Belly
Once the pork belly is done, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Pour the honey glaze over the crispy pork and toss until evenly coated.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while hot and crispy. These pork belly bites are perfect on their own or paired with rice, noodles, or fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Place them on skewers or serve with toothpicks for a party snack.
Main Dish: Pair with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a full meal.
Asian-Inspired Bowl: Serve over rice with pickled cucumbers and sesame seeds.
Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a satisfying crispy bite.

Health Benefits

While pork belly is naturally rich and indulgent, using the air fryer helps reduce excess oil, making it a better choice compared to deep-fried versions. Pork belly is also a good source of protein and healthy fats, and when paired with honey instead of refined sugar sauces, this recipe offers a more balanced option for enjoying comfort food.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the pork belly in batches if needed. Overcrowding prevents proper crisping.
For Extra Crispy Results: Pat the pork belly dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Moisture prevents it from crisping.
Spice It Up: Add sriracha, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicier version.
Glaze at the End: Always glaze the pork belly after air frying, not before, to avoid burning the honey.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back crispiness.

Notes

Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork belly cubes and your air fryer model.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the honey-soy mixture in a saucepan for 2–3 minutes before tossing it with the pork belly.
This recipe works best with skinless pork belly, but if you have pork belly with skin, it will turn out extra crispy.