Ingredients:
- 1 pound pork belly, skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork Belly:
- If the pork belly has not been pre-cut into slices, you can cut it into 1-inch thick strips or cubes.
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Pork Belly:
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to form a seasoning paste.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the pork belly pieces, ensuring they are well coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Pork Belly:
- Place the seasoned pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pork belly pieces halfway through the cooking time. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your pork belly and the specific air fryer model.
- Check for Crispy Skin:
- If your pork belly has the skin on, you can increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure the skin gets crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Once the pork belly is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the air-fried pork belly with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.
