If you want a dish that’s packed with flavor, crispy edges, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this Air Fryer Five-Spice Pork Belly is it. The combination of fragrant Chinese five-spice powder, soy, and a touch of sweetness creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic.
I love making this recipe when I want a dish that’s impressive but doesn’t require hours in the oven. Even my grandkids are drawn to the crispy, caramelized edges, and my husband can’t resist going back for seconds. It’s one of those recipes that fills the kitchen with amazing aromas and makes everyone at the table happy.
Using the air fryer ensures the pork belly is perfectly crisp on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. The seasoning penetrates every bite, giving the pork a rich, flavorful crust that’s irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, caramelized edges with tender, juicy pork
- Fragrant five-spice flavor that elevates a simple pork belly
- Quick cooking time thanks to the air fryer
- Perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, or small gatherings
- Versatile — serve with rice, noodles, or a simple salad
This recipe brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort, and it’s guaranteed to impress both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb pork belly, skin-on, scored
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Score the skin of the pork belly lightly with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut too deep into the meat.
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. This ensures maximum crispiness.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, five-spice powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to form a marinade.
- Rub the marinade evenly over the pork belly, making sure to get some into the scored skin.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, making sure it is not overlapping.
- Air fry for 25–30 minutes, checking halfway through. The skin should be crispy and golden, and the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
- Once done, remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice into pieces and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.
Kitchen Notes From My Experience
- Scoring the skin helps it crisp up evenly in the air fryer.
- Patting the pork dry before seasoning is essential for crispy skin.
- Brown sugar in the marinade caramelizes during cooking, giving the pork belly a beautiful glaze.
- Leftovers can be sliced and pan-fried briefly to re-crisp the edges.
I’ve made this recipe for family gatherings and casual dinners alike, and it’s always a hit. The flavor is bold but balanced, and the air fryer makes cooking less intimidating than traditional oven-roasting.
For more pork cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Recipes Guide.
Flavor Variations
- Add a drizzle of honey or hoisin sauce for extra sweetness.
- Sprinkle chili flakes for a slightly spicy kick.
- Marinate overnight to deepen the flavor and enhance tenderness.
- Pair with pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice.
- Pair with air-fried vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or green beans.
- Great for bento boxes or meal prep — slices stay flavorful when reheated.
- Perfect for weekend family dinners, festive occasions, or small get-togethers.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can make the skin soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork belly?
Yes, but the skinless version won’t have the same crispy texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweetness and mild spice from five-spice powder make it appealing to kids.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooked pork belly slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Five-Spice Pork Belly is a standout dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. The balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic five-spice flavors, combined with the crisp exterior and juicy meat, makes it irresistible.
It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that works for family dinners, entertaining friends, or even meal prep. Every time I make it, it brings smiles to the table — my grandkids love the crispy bits, my husband enjoys the bold flavors, and I love how simple and satisfying it is to prepare. 🐖✨
