Crispy Pork Belly Bites
Ingredients:
1½–2 lbs (700 g–1 kg) pork belly, skin on
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for skin)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
Optional glaze (sticky finish):
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prep the pork belly
Pat pork belly very dry with paper towels (important for crispiness).
Score the skin lightly (don’t cut into the meat). - Season
Rub meat side with olive oil, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Rub salt generously on the skin. - Cut into bites
Slice into bite-sized cubes (about 2–3 cm pieces). - Cook (Oven Method – best for crispiness)
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Arrange pork belly pieces on a rack over a baking tray (or directly on tray lined with parchment).
Bake for 30–40 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
For extra crunch, broil/grill for 3–5 minutes at the end. - Optional glaze
Mix honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Toss cooked pork bites in the glaze and return to oven for 5 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
Air Fryer Method:
Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.
Tips:
Dry skin = crispy skin (don’t skip drying step).
Don’t overcrowd—space helps them crisp.
For ultra-crispy skin, refrigerate uncovered for a few hours before cooking.