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Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites With Asian Glaze - Crispy, Sticky, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1–2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry), as needed
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges
  • Steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce cups

Method
 

  1. Prep the pork belly: Pat the pork belly cubes dry with paper towels. Dry meat browns better. Toss with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oil until evenly coated.
  2. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating helps crisp the exterior quickly.
  3. Arrange and cook: Place pork belly pieces in a single layer in the basket. Leave a little space between each piece. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes.
  4. Shake and continue: Shake the basket or flip the pieces. Air fry another 8–12 minutes, until deep golden and crisp on the edges. Thicker pieces may need an extra 2–3 minutes.
  5. Make the glaze: While the pork cooks, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.
  6. Thicken the glaze: Stir in half the cornstarch slurry and simmer 30–60 seconds. If you want it thicker, add the rest. The glaze should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
  7. Toss to coat: Transfer hot pork belly bites to a large bowl. Pour over the glaze and toss until every piece is coated. The glaze will cling as it cools.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges over rice or noodles, or in lettuce cups.