Description
This Air Fryer Crispy Meat Belly delivers irresistible texture and flavor with golden, crunchy skin and juicy, tender meat. Using an air fryer makes the process quicker and less greasy while still achieving restaurant-quality results.
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)
Instructions
- Pat the skin side of the meat belly dry with paper towels. Use a fork or knife to poke small holes all over the skin, avoiding piercing into the meat.
- Flip to the meat side and score shallow cuts in a grid pattern. Brush lightly with Shaoxing wine.
- In a small bowl, mix five-spice powder, white pepper, garlic powder, sugar, and salt. Rub this spice blend evenly over the meat side, pressing it into the cuts.
- Place two sheets of foil in a cross pattern in the air fryer basket. Position the meat belly skin-side up in the center and fold foil around the sides, leaving the skin exposed.
- Brush the skin with rice vinegar, then evenly pack a layer of Kosher salt across the surface.
- Air fry at 250°F (121°C) for 30 minutes. Then remove the salt crust and gently brush off excess salt.
- Increase air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C). Lightly brush the skin with neutral oil.
- Air fry for another 30 minutes or until the skin is golden, blistered, and crispy.
- Remove and let rest for several minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the skin is thoroughly dry before air frying for the crispiest texture.
- Brushing with vinegar and packing salt helps draw out moisture for better results.
- Boneless cuts make slicing easier, though either option works well.
- Leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight improves skin texture.
- Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (176°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
