Air Fryer Pork Belly Tacos: Easy, Crispy, and Delicious

Air fryer pork belly tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together crispy pork belly with fresh toppings. Using an air fryer ensures the pork belly turns out perfectly crispy without the mess of deep frying.

I love making these tacos because they are simple, quick, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just craving something tasty, these tacos are sure to hit the spot.

Essential Ingredients

For the Pork Belly:

• 1 lb pork belly, skinless
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Tacos:

• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup cabbage slaw (finely shredded cabbage)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup salsa or hot sauce (optional)

Necessary Cooking Tools

How to Prepare Pork Belly for Air Frying

Preparing pork belly for air frying is straightforward and ensures a flavorful, crispy result. Here’s how to do it:

1. Score the Pork Belly: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the seasoning penetrate and creates crispy edges.

2. Season the Pork Belly: Rub the pork belly with olive oil to help the spices stick. Then, season generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

3. Rest the Pork Belly: Let the seasoned pork belly sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the spices to absorb into the meat.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy skin.

How to Cook Pork Belly in the Air Fryer

Cooking pork belly in an air fryer is quick and simple. Follow these steps for the best results:

5. Place the Pork Belly in the Air Fryer: Arrange the pork belly pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking.

6. Set the Time and Temperature: Air fry the pork belly at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the pieces to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

7. Check for Crispiness: After 25 minutes, check the pork belly. If it’s not crispy enough, air fry for an additional 5 minutes. The pork belly should be golden brown and crispy.

8. Rest the Cooked Pork Belly: Once done, remove the pork belly from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes it easier to slice.

9. Slice the Pork Belly: Using a sharp knife, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.

Essential Note: Always check the internal temperature of the pork belly to ensure it reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

How to Make Your Air Fryer Pork Belly Tacos

Assembling pork belly tacos is quick and fun. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat the Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
2. Add the Pork Belly: Place a few pieces of the crispy pork belly on each tortilla.
3. Add Toppings: Top the pork belly with a handful of cabbage slaw, a sprinkle of diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
4. Finish with Extras: Squeeze a lime wedge over each taco and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco. Add a dollop of sour cream or salsa if you like.
5. Serve: Arrange the tacos on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pork Belly Tacos

For the best pork belly tacos, keep these tips in mind:

• Dry the Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a crispy texture.
• Work in Batches: If you’re making a large amount, cook the pork belly in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and crispier results.
• Flip Halfway: Remember to flip the pork belly pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are crispy on all sides.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

To keep your pork belly tacos interesting, try these variations and serving suggestions:

• Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different spices such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to change the flavor profile of the pork belly.
• Topping Variations: Swap out the cabbage slaw for pickled red onions, or add avocado slices for a creamy texture.
• Side Dishes: Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad.
• Sauce Options: Try drizzling the tacos with a chipotle mayo or a tangy tomatillo salsa for extra flavor.

These tips and variations will help you make the most of your pork belly tacos, ensuring they are always delicious and exciting.

FAQs about Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Final Thoughts

Air fryer pork belly tacos are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. With crispy pork belly and fresh toppings, these tacos are sure to become a favorite.

Using an air fryer simplifies the cooking process while still delivering great results. I would like you to try this recipe and see just how tasty it can be.

Remember, the key is in the preparation and seasoning of the pork belly. Enjoy these delicious pork belly tacos with your favorite toppings and sides.

Huge Delicious Air Fryer Beef & Pork Recipes

• Air Fryer Beef and Bean Burritos
• Air Fryer Pork Milanese
• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Beef Flautas
• Air Fryer Beef Pot Roast

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

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