Caramelized Pork Belly Bites in the Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 2 kg Thick-cut pork belly cubes (Bacon or pork can also be used; keep the cubes very dry before seasoning.)
• 2 tbsp Paprika
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tsp Onion powder
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 cup Ketchup or tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup Honey
• 0.5 cup Brown sugar
• 0.25 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Onion powder

Steps

1. 1

   Pat the pork belly cubes very dry with paper towels. Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and dried oregano.

3. 3

   Add the pork belly cubes to the bowl and toss until each piece is completely coated with the spice mixture.

4. 4

   Place the seasoned pork belly in the air fryer basket, arranging it in a single layer so it browns evenly.

5. 5

   Cook at 180 °C for 20 minutes, until the pork belly is well browned, crisp on the outside, and tender inside. Shake the basket halfway through, at approximately 10 minutes.

6. 6

   While the pork belly cooks, prepare the Honey BBQ sauce. In a bowl, mix the ketchup, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.

7. 7

   Remove the browned pork belly bites from the air fryer and coat them with the Honey BBQ sauce. Toss gently until all the cubes are completely covered.

8. 8

   Increase the air fryer temperature to 220 °C. Return the sauced pork belly bites to the basket, arranging them in a single layer.

9. 9

   Cook at 220 °C for 6 to 8 minutes, watching closely to prevent the sauce from burning. They are ready when they look glossy, sticky, and caramelized, while the meat remains tender.

10. 10

    Serve immediately while hot, browned, and crisp on the outside.

Notes

The sauce is mixed directly and is not cooked before coating the pork belly. Work in batches if the basket is small; overcrowding the cubes will prevent them from browning. The sauce contains sugars, so watch the final stage at 220 °C especially closely to prevent burning.

Nutrition per serving

• snack
• pork
• air fryer
• air frying
• caramelized
• Honey BBQ
• crispy
• comfort food