Ingredients
For the Pork Belly
- 700 g pork belly, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil, optional
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
For Garnishing
- Sliced spring onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh coriander or parsley, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces. Try to make the pieces approximately the same size so they cook evenly.
Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the outside become crisp during cooking.
Place the pork belly in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the Pork
Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Toss everything together until the pork is evenly seasoned.
Add the cornstarch and toss again. A light coating of cornstarch helps create a crisp exterior as the pork cooks.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and water.
Mix well.
If you enjoy a little heat, add chili flakes. Sesame oil can also be added for extra flavor.
Set the sauce aside while you cook the pork.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pork Belly
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for about 3 minutes.
Lightly coat the air-fryer basket with cooking oil if needed.
Place the pork belly pieces into the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for approximately 18–25 minutes, shaking the basket every 6–8 minutes.
The pork should be browned and crisp on the outside and thoroughly cooked.
Cooking times vary between air fryers, so check the pork according to your appliance’s instructions.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the pork is cooking, pour the honey garlic sauce into a small saucepan.
Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sauce becomes slightly thicker and glossy.
Don’t let the sauce boil aggressively because the honey can burn.
Step 6: Coat the Pork
Once the pork belly is crispy, transfer it to a bowl.
Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the pork.
Toss gently until every piece is coated in the shiny glaze.
For an even stickier finish, return the glazed pork to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Watch carefully because the honey glaze can caramelize quickly.
Step 7: Garnish
Transfer the pork belly bites to a serving plate.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions.
Add a little fresh coriander or parsley if desired.
Serve immediately while the pork is hot and crisp.
Oven Method
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make these pork belly bites in the oven.
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Arrange the seasoned pork pieces on a lined baking tray, preferably on a rack so the heat can circulate around them.
Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through.
Prepare the honey garlic sauce separately.
When the pork is cooked and crisp, toss it with the sauce and return it to the oven for a few minutes until the glaze becomes sticky.
Always make sure pork reaches a safe internal temperature according to your local food-safety guidance.
Helpful Tips
Don’t overcrowd the basket
Give each pork belly piece some space. Overcrowding traps moisture and can prevent the pork from becoming properly crisp.
Dry the pork first
Patting the pork dry before seasoning is one of the easiest ways to improve browning.
Use moderate heat for the glaze
Honey contains natural sugars and can burn quickly. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.
Add the glaze near the end
Cooking the pork first and adding the honey sauce afterward helps prevent the sugary glaze from burning before the pork is fully cooked.
Cut evenly
Similar-sized pieces cook at approximately the same rate, making the finished dish more consistent.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Pork Belly
These pork belly bites are especially good with steamed white rice. The rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce and balances the richness of the pork.
You can also serve them with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Cucumber salad
- Coleslaw
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Steamed jasmine rice
For a lighter meal, serve a smaller portion with plenty of fresh vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container.
For the best texture, reheat the pork in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) until hot and crisp again.
Avoid overheating the honey glaze because it can become very sticky or burn.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Honey Garlic Pork Belly Bites are packed with sweet, savory, garlicky flavor. The key is to crisp the pork first and add the honey glaze toward the end. This gives you tender pork with caramelized edges and a glossy coating without burning the sauce.
Serve them hot with rice, vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce for an incredibly satisfying meal.
