Pieces of seasoned pork belly are cooked crispy in an air fryer with less oil and mess than deep-frying. They are called Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. Try my Bacon Chicken Bites for another bite-sized appetizer packed with flavor. Or, try the Maple Mustard Pork Belly Bites for a fun twist!.
As a busy home cook I’m always looking for quick and easy ways to put tasty meals on the table. Pork rashers are a family favorite but pan frying can be messy and take too long on a hectic weeknight. Enter the air fryer – this handy appliance makes it so simple to enjoy deliciously crispy pork rashers with hardly any effort.
After testing every air fryer technique under the sun, I’ve honed my method for cooking perfect pork rashers every time. Keep reading for my complete guide to crispy, juicy, flavor-packed pork rashers straight from your air fryer.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Rashers in an Air Fryer
Air frying pork rashers offers several advantages over stovetop cooking:
- Uses little to no oil for healthier results
- Cooks food quickly with powerful, rapid air circulation
- Produces crispy texture without deep frying
- Easy cleanup compared to dealing with hot grease splatters
- Allows you to cook a small batch rather than heating up a skillet
The concentrated heat from all sides seals in moisture while rendering the fat for scrumptious crispiness Let’s look at how to maximize these benefits,
Choosing the Right Pork Rashers
Not all pork rashers are created equal. For the best results, look for rashers that are:
- About 1⁄4 inch thick – too thin becomes leathery
- Have visible streaks of fat – adds flavor and moisture
- Are boneless and skinless – skin can block airflow
- Bright pink in color – indicates freshness
Avoid very lean rashers, as these can dry out. Heritage breed pork offers fantastic flavor.
Trimming and Scoring for Crispiness
Excess fat can cause smoking issues in the air fryer, so I recommend trimming thick areas of hard white fat from the rashers. Leave about 1⁄8 inch fat intact for flavor and juiciness.
Use a sharp knife to lightly score the fat side of the rashers in a diamond pattern. This allows the heat to better penetrate and renders the fat for deliciously crispy results. Don’t cut into the meat.
Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
One of the beauties of the air fryer is that it really locks in seasoning and spice rubs, intensifying their flavor. Before air frying, I always coat my pork rashers with:
- Smoked paprika – for smokiness
- Chili powder – subtle heat
- Granulated garlic and onion – aromatic flavor
- Salt and pepper – essential for pork
I mix these all together to create a spice rub. Coat the rashers evenly on both sides, pressing in the mixture so it adheres.
Feel free to customize your rub with cumin, oregano, cayenne or other favorite spices. Get creative!
Air Frying Methods
There are a couple techniques for cooking pork rashers in the air fryer. I’ll outline my favorites:
Method 1: Straight Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F
- Arrange rashers in a single layer in the basket
- Air fry 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway
Method 2: Pre-Boil then Air Fry
- Boil rashers 2 minutes to pre-cook
- Pat dry and season with rub
- Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until crispy
The pre-boil method shrinks cooking time but you lose a bit of smoky flavor from direct air frying. Play around to see which you prefer.
Doneness and Carryover Cooking
Pork needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F to be safely cooked through. Use a thermometer to be sure.
Remember, the rashers will continue cooking for a few minutes after removing from the air fryer due to residual heat. I take them out at 140°F for perfect doneness without overcooking.
Let the rashers rest 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Enjoy your crispy rashers as a delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack!
Troubleshooting Issues
Having trouble getting crispy rashers? Here are some tips:
- Pat rashers very dry before seasoning
- Use high heat – at least 380°F
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Cook in batches for even crisping
- Add a few minutes to cooking time if needed
With the right techniques, your air fryer will produce phenomenal pork rashers every time. Now you can say goodbye to lackluster rashers!
Air Fryer Pork Rashers Recipes to Try
Looking to amp up your pork rashers game? Give these creative recipes a whirl:
Maple Bourbon Pork Rashers
- Toss rashers in maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, salt and pepper
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway
BBQ Pork Rashers
- Toss rashers in BBQ sauce, salt and pepper
- Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway
Hawaiian Pork Rashers
- Toss rashers in soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and pineapple juice
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, pre-boiled
Cajun Pork Rashers
- Season rashers with Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper
- Air fry at 390°F for 14 minutes, flipping halfway
Thanks to the air fryer, you can now enjoy restaurant-quality pork rashers from the comfort of your own kitchen. Crispiness and juiciness is just minutes away.
Can I Make Pork Belly Bites in the Oven?
Yes, you can make these in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer or are using one to make something else tasty, like Air Fryer Pulled Pork Egg Rolls. If making them in the oven, first, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Be sure the pork belly pieces are flat and in a single layer on the lined sheet. Bake at 400°F for 42-45 minutes.
Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
One good reason to try air-frying with this recipe is that it is lower in fat than deep-frying. But, just because it saves on some fat and calories doesn’t mean it is light on flavor. These pork belly bites still turn out crispy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I dare you to eat just one!.
