That looks like crispy pork belly bites (Southern-style cracklins / burnt ends style) — deep golden, caramelized, and insanely crispy 🔥🐖

Here’s the full recipe plus Q&A to help you nail it.

🐖 Crispy Pork Belly Bites

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 2–3 lbs pork belly (skin removed if possible)

• 1½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½–1 tsp cayenne (optional)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for caramelized edges)

• 1–2 tbsp oil (if pan-frying)

Optional glaze:

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp hot sauce or BBQ sauce

🔪 Step 1: Prep

1. Pat pork belly very dry.

2. Cut into 1–1½ inch cubes.

3. Toss with all seasonings.

4. Let sit uncovered in fridge 1–4 hours (dries surface = better crisp).

🔥 Method 1: Oven (Easiest & Reliable)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line baking sheet with foil + rack.

3. Spread pork belly cubes evenly (don’t overcrowd).

4. Bake 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Broil 3–5 minutes at end for extra crisp.

Internal temp should be at least 190°F for tender bites.

🔥 Method 2: Air Fryer

1. 380°F (193°C)

2. Cook 18–25 minutes.

3. Shake halfway.

4. Increase to 400°F for last 5 minutes for crisp boost.

🔥 Method 3: Pan-Fry (Extra Crispy)

1. Place pork belly in cold skillet (no oil needed).

2. Turn heat to medium.

3. Let fat slowly render.

4. Cook 20–30 minutes, turning occasionally.

5. Drain excess fat if needed.

🍯 Optional Glaze Finish (Game Changer)

In a pan:

• Melt butter

• Add honey + hot sauce

• Toss crispy pork belly for 1–2 minutes until sticky

❓ Q & A

Q1: Why isn’t my pork belly crispy?

✔ Surface wasn’t dry
✔ Overcrowded pan
✔ Temp too low
✔ Didn’t render long enough

Q2: Can I cook from frozen?

No — fully thaw first and pat dry.

Q3: Why cook to 190°F+?

Pork belly has lots of collagen. Higher temp = melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Q4: Can I make them like BBQ burnt ends?

Yes!

• Smoke at 250°F for 2 hours

• Toss in BBQ sauce

• Bake covered 30 minutes

• Uncover and caramelize

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Reheat in air fryer for best crisp.

Q6: Best dipping sauces?

• Spicy mayo

• Honey mustard

• Alabama white sauce

• Sweet chili sauce