Name: Air Fryer Crispy Meat Belly
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds skin-on meat belly slab (such as beef or lamb); 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry cooking wine); 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder; ½ teaspoon white pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for brushing skin); 2-3 tablespoons Kosher salt (for packing on skin); 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for brushing during crisping stage)

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Crispy Meat BellyRecipe

This crispy meat belly is all about contrast: golden, crunchy skin and moist, flavorful meat. The air fryer does the work, making this dish not only quicker but healthier too. It’s a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for gatherings or a special treat for any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
skin-on meat belly slab
Shaoxing wine (or dry cooking wine)
five-spice powder
salt
white pepper
garlic powder
sugar
rice vinegar (for the skin)
Kosher salt (for the skin)

Directions

Prepare the skin: Pat the skin side of the meat belly dry using paper towels. Use a fork, tenderizer, or knife to poke tiny holes across the surface—avoid going too deep into the meat.
Score and season the meat: Flip to the meat side and score shallow cuts in a grid pattern. Brush lightly with Shaoxing wine.
Spice rub: Mix five-spice powder, white pepper, garlic powder, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Rub this blend into the meat side, pushing it into the scored lines.
Foil setup: Place two foil sheets in the air fryer basket in a cross shape. Position the meat belly skin-side up in the center and fold the foil around the meat (leaving the skin exposed).
Dry the skin: Brush the skin lightly with rice vinegar. Then pack a layer of Kosher salt across the skin surface to help dry and crisp it.
First cook: Air fry at 250°F (121°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the salt crust and gently brush off excess salt.
Crisping stage: Raise the temperature to 400°F (204°C), lightly brush the skin with oil, and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the skin is golden, blistered, and crunchy.
Rest and slice: Allow to rest for several minutes before slicing. Serve hot for maximum crisp.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 5 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

• Add a pinch of chili powder or paprika to the rub for a spicy twist.
• Swap out Shaoxing wine with apple cider vinegar or a mild cooking wine alternative.
• Finish with a drizzle of honey-soy glaze for a sweet-savory finish.
• Try seasoning with cumin and coriander for a different regional flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (176°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. For freezing, wrap sliced portions and store for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How do I make sure the skin turns crispy?

Ensure the skin is thoroughly dry before air frying. Salt and vinegar help draw out moisture to create a crispy surface.

Can I use boneless meat belly for this?

Yes, boneless cuts work well and make slicing easier. Just adjust cook time slightly depending on thickness.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or pickled sides to cut through the richness.

Is there a way to reduce the fat?

Trim off excess fat from the meat belly before seasoning. Also, using the air fryer reduces overall grease compared to traditional methods.

Can I marinate the meat overnight?

Yes, you can season the meat the night before for deeper flavor. Keep the skin dry and uncovered in the fridge.

What if I don’t have five-spice powder?

You can substitute with a blend of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and a pinch of pepper if five-spice isn’t available.

How do I know it’s done cooking?

The skin should be blistered and crisp, and the internal meat temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, follow the same steps and use a rack in your oven for air circulation. Adjust the temperature as needed for your oven model.

What oil is best for brushing the skin?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for best results.

Can I add glaze after air frying?

Absolutely. A light brush of honey-soy or hoisin glaze adds extra depth of flavor and gloss.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Crispy Meat Belly is a flavorful, crackling-skinned delight that delivers on both texture and taste. With simple ingredients and a smart air-frying method, it’s the perfect dish for special occasions or when you’re craving something bold and satisfying. Once you try it, it might just become a regular in your rotation.