To make hot honey crispy air fryer pork belly, begin by selecting a good quality piece of pork belly, preferably with an even balance of meat and fat and, if possible, skin attached for extra crispiness. Pat the pork belly thoroughly dry with paper towels, as removing excess moisture is essential for achieving a crisp texture. If the skin is on, score it carefully in shallow cuts without going too deep into the meat, which helps the fat render and the skin crisp up during cooking.
Season the pork belly generously with salt, black pepper, and a little garlic powder, making sure to rub the seasoning into all sides and into the scored skin if present. For deeper flavor, you can let it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, which helps dry out the surface and improves crisping.
Preheat the air fryer to around 180°C (350°F). Place the pork belly into the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up if applicable, ensuring there is enough space around it for air to circulate. Cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through if it is skinless, or keeping it skin side up if it has skin. During this time, the fat will begin to render and the exterior will start to firm up.
After the initial cooking stage, increase the temperature to about 200°C (390°F) and continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes. This higher heat helps to develop a deep golden crust and crisp texture on the outside. Keep an eye on it during this stage to prevent burning, as the fat can cause rapid browning.
While the pork belly finishes cooking, prepare the hot honey glaze by gently warming honey in a small pan and mixing in chilli flakes or finely chopped fresh chilli, along with a small splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness. You can also add a bit of soy sauce for a savory depth if desired. Let the mixture warm just enough to combine and slightly infuse the chilli heat into the honey.
Once the pork belly is cooked through and crispy on the outside, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute and the exterior firms up slightly. Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces or strips, then drizzle or toss it in the warm hot honey glaze, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. For extra stickiness, you can return the glazed pork to the air fryer for a few minutes to let the glaze caramelize further.
Serve the hot honey crispy pork belly immediately while it is still hot and crisp. The final result should have a rich combination of textures, with a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior, balanced by the sweetness of honey and the heat from the chilli. It pairs well with rice, flatbreads, or a simple fresh salad to cut through the richness.
