🥢 Asian-Inspired Air Fryer Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Sweet & savory outside, roasted duck–style flavor all the way through
⏱ Time
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Prep: 5–10 minutes
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Cook: 30–35 minutes
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Total: ~40 minutes
🍽 Serves
3–4 people (or 2 very hungry ones)
🧾 Ingredients (ONLY 3)
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1½–2 lbs pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1½-inch cubes
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1½–2 tbsp Chinese roast duck seasoning
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¼ cup char siu sauce
(That’s it — no oil needed)
👩🍳 Instructions (Air Fryer Method)
1. Prep the Pork Belly
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Pat pork belly cubes very dry.
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Toss with Chinese roast duck seasoning until evenly coated.
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Let sit 10 minutes if you have time (optional but boosts flavor).
2. First Air Fry (Render the Fat)
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Arrange pork belly in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
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Air fry for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway.
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Pork should be lightly browned and fat mostly rendered.
3. Sauce & Finish
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Transfer pork belly to a bowl.
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Toss with char siu sauce until glossy.
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Return to air fryer.
4. Final Caramelization
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Increase temp to 400°F (205°C).
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Air fry 8–12 minutes, shaking once, until:
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Edges are caramelized
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Sauce is sticky and lacquered
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Cubes look deep red-brown
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5. Rest & Serve
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Rest 3–5 minutes before serving (sauce sets up).
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Serve hot.
🔥 Flavor Profile
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Outside: Sticky, sweet-savory char siu glaze
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Inside: Juicy pork with that unmistakable roasted duck spice aroma
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Texture: Crispy edges + melt-in-your-mouth center
❓ Q & A
Q: Do I need oil?
No. Pork belly renders its own fat.
Q: What brand of Chinese roast duck seasoning works best?
Any Cantonese-style roast duck seasoning works well — they’re usually heavy on five-spice, sugar, and salt.
Q: Can I skip resting time?
You can, but resting helps the glaze cling instead of sliding off.
Q: Why are my burnt ends not crispy?
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Pork belly pieces may be too crowded
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Not enough initial fat rendering
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Sauce added too early
Always air fry first, sauce later.
Q: Can I make these less sweet?
Use less char siu sauce or brush it on lightly instead of tossing.
Q: What should I serve these with?
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Steamed rice
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Garlic noodles
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Stir-fried greens (bok choy, gai lan)
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Pickled cucumbers for contrast
Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes — air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.