Air-Fryer Pork Belly

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.