There’s something absolutely irresistible about the sweet, sticky glaze that coats perfectly cooked pork belly. Each bite of this Honey Glazed Pork Belly has the power to transport you to a cozy restaurant, all while being prepared right in the comfort of your home. Recently, I found myself craving something satisfying after a long day—something that was far from the usual fast food fare. That’s when I turned to my trusty air fryer and uncovered a treasure worth sharing.
With a delicious blend of smokiness from soy sauce and sweetness from honey, this recipe is a delightful mix of flavors that will excite your taste buds without stressful prep work. In under 35 minutes, you’ll have a dish that feels fancy yet is wonderfully simple—making it perfect for weeknight dinners and weekend get-togethers alike. So, let’s dive into the recipe and create that melt-in-your-mouth sensation we all love!
Why is Honey Glazed Pork Belly So Irresistible?
Succulent Pork: The air frying method ensures the pork belly remains tender and juicy, elevating your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Sweet and Savory: A perfect balance of honey, hoisin, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that hits all the right notes!
Quick & Easy: With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying a delightful meal.
Impressive Presentation: The glossy finish and rich aroma will leave your family and friends guessing your secret chef skills!
Versatile Dish: Pair it with rice, vegetables, or even in tacos for a flavorful spin on your favorite staples.
This recipe is a must-try to break free from boring meals; enjoy your feast without compromising your time.
Honey Glazed Pork Belly Ingredients
Unlock the secrets to creating delicious Honey Glazed Pork Belly with this simple ingredient list!
For the Pork
• Pork belly – 3-3.5 lbs; the star of the dish, providing that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
For the Marinade
• Garlic powder – 1 tablespoon; enhances the flavor with a gentle garlic kick.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon; balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors in the dish.
• Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons; adds sweetness and caramelization for that irresistible glaze.
• Dark soy sauce – 1 tablespoon; brings depth and a rich color to your pork belly.
• Honey – ¼ cup; the essential ingredient for creating that delightful sticky glaze.
• Hoisin sauce – ¼ cup; adds a sweet and tangy profile that elevates the dish.
• Oyster sauce – ¼ cup; introduces umami richness, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
• Soy sauce (Low Sodium or regular) – 2 tablespoons; perfect for marinating without overpowering the dish.
• Five spice powder – 1 teaspoon; a fragrant blend that adds an exotic twist.
• Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon; brings warmth and nuttiness to the marinade.
• Cooking wine – 1 tablespoon; helps tenderize the meat while adding a slight acidity.
Now you have all the essentials to make this mouthwatering Honey Glazed Pork Belly. Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Honey Glazed Pork Belly
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Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix all marinade ingredients except for the pork. Remember to set aside 5 tablespoons of marinade for basting later—this will elevate the glaze!
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Prepare Pork: Slice the pork belly into 1″ strips and then cube them into 1″ pieces. For better flavor absorption, poke holes into two sides of the meat with a fork or meat tenderizer.
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Marinate: Add the pork to the bowl with marinade and mix well. For the best flavor, refrigerate overnight. If time is short, allow it to marinate at least 10 minutes, generously basting every few minutes.
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Preheat: Set your air fryer or oven to preheat at 385°F—this will ensure a perfect cooking environment for your honey glazed pork belly.
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Cook Pork: Place the marinated pork belly in the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes—this is where the magic starts to happen!
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Baste After 5 Minutes: After the first 5 minutes of cooking, open the fryer and baste the pork with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
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Flip & Baste After 10 Minutes: At the 10-minute mark, carefully flip the pork pieces over and baste again to ensure an even glaze.
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Check the Temperature After 15 Minutes: After another 5 minutes (15 minutes total), baste one last time and check the internal temperature. This ensures it’s cooking evenly.
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Finish Cooking: At the 20-minute mark, check the internal temperature. If using an oven, consider moving the pork up a rack for the last 5 minutes for that charred finish, adjusting oven temperature to 350°F if necessary.
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Serve: Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145-160°F before serving. Enjoy the succulent joy of each bite!
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added touch of flavor and elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Honey Glazed Pork Belly
Marinade Time Matters: For optimal flavor, aim to marinate the pork belly overnight; if short on time, at least 10 minutes will do, but be generous while basting.
Pork Preparation: Poking holes in the pork belly not only helps with flavor absorption but prevents the meat from becoming rubbery during cooking.
Temperature Check: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Ensure it reaches 145-160°F for perfectly cooked honey glazed pork belly.
Basting Best Practices: Use the reserved marinade for basting frequently throughout cooking; this enhances the glaze and brings out the delicious flavors.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the char; if the edges darken too quickly in the oven, lower the temperature to 350°F for the last few minutes.
What to Serve with Honey Glazed Pork Belly?
Enjoy this delicious meal with a few carefully chosen sides that will balance the rich flavors of your pork belly.
- Steamed Rice: The fluffy, neutral flavor of steamed rice is perfect for soaking up the sweet glaze from the pork.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas add a delightful crunch and freshness, complementing the richness of the pork.
- Crispy Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw with cabbage and carrots offers crunch and a refreshing contrast, making every bite exciting.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness enhances the dish, while a crispy exterior provides a lovely contrast to the succulent pork.
- Chili Garlic Noodles: A little heat in these noodles pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze, creating a satisfying flavor journey on your plate.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: This light and refreshing dish brings a cool crunch, balancing the richness of the pork belly perfectly.
- Chardonnay or Riesling: A glass of chilled white wine serves as a delightful complement, its crispness cutting through the richness of the dish.
- Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, a fruity sorbet is a refreshing finish that brightens your palate after the savory meal.
Storage Tips for Honey Glazed Pork Belly
Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving honey glazed pork belly out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain its freshness and safety.
Fridge: Store any leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the honey glazed pork belly for up to 3 months in a well-sealed freezer bag. Allow it to cool before packaging.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring it retains that delightful glaze.
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Glazed Pork Belly are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can marinate the pork belly up to 24 hours in advance (refrigerating enhances flavor and tenderness). Simply combine all marinade ingredients, add the pork, and store it in an airtight container. If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 10 minutes, but be generous with the marinade for basting. When it’s time to cook, preheat your air fryer or oven, and follow the usual instructions – the pork will still turn out just as delicious! Your make-ahead prep ensures that you can enjoy a delightful meal with minimal effort.
Honey Glazed Pork Belly Variations
Feel free to explore these delicious twists that can elevate your Honey Glazed Pork Belly experience!
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Spicy Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for a delightful heat boost. It complements the sweetness beautifully!
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Citrus Burst: Incorporate the zest of one orange into the marinade for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens each bite. The aroma will be heavenly!
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Asian Twist: Swap half the hoisin sauce for a combination of peanut butter and a teaspoon of lime juice for a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions before marinating for an added burst of freshness. It brings a garden-like essence to your dish.
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Maple Sweetness: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different but equally delicious sweetness, perfect for fall-inspired flavors. It offers a warm, inviting touch!
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Smoky Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade for a deliciously smoky essence that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a savory surprise!
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Fruit Glaze: Top the pork belly with diced pineapple or mango during the last few minutes of cooking; it caramelizes slightly and adds a tropical note. Each bite becomes a mini-vacation!
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Vegan Option: Substitute the pork belly with tofu or seitan, marinating and cooking the same way for a plant-based delight. You’ll enjoy the same savory glaze without the meat!
Honey Glazed Pork Belly Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to choose ripe pork belly?
Absolutely! For the best Honey Glazed Pork Belly, look for pork belly that has a good balance of fat and meat. The fat should appear creamy white, while the meat should be a healthy pink color without any dark spots. This ensures a juicy and flavorful final dish.
How should I store leftover Honey Glazed Pork Belly?
Easily! You should store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the pork belly has cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make it soggy.
Can I freeze Honey Glazed Pork Belly?
Definitely! To freeze your Honey Glazed Pork Belly, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a well-sealed freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What if my pork belly is too tough after cooking?
Don’t worry if your pork belly turns out a bit tough; it happens! To remedy this, you can slice the pork and simmer it in a bit of liquid—like broth or a little extra hoisin sauce—on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help tenderize the meat and enhance the flavors.
Is Honey Glazed Pork Belly safe for pets?
Very! While pets may find the smell irresistible, it’s best to give them only small amounts of plain cooked pork without any marinades or sauces, as these often contain ingredients that are not ideal for them. Always check with a veterinarian if you’re unsure about your pet’s diet!
How do I know when the pork belly is fully cooked?
Checking the temperature is essential! Use a meat thermometer to ensure your Honey Glazed Pork Belly reaches an internal temperature of 145-160°F. This is crucial for both safety and achieving the perfect texture. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also look for a nice caramelized glaze and a slightly firm texture as a sign of doneness.
Sweet and Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly for Air Fryer Lovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix all marinade ingredients except for the pork. Remember to set aside 5 tablespoons of marinade for basting later.
- Slice the pork belly into 1" strips and then cube them into 1" pieces. Poke holes into two sides of the meat for better flavor absorption.
- Add the pork to the bowl with marinade and mix well. Refrigerate overnight or marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Set your air fryer or oven to preheat at 385°F.
- Place the marinated pork belly in the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes.
- After the first 5 minutes, baste the pork with the reserved marinade.
- At the 10-minute mark, flip the pork pieces over and baste again.
- After 15 minutes, check the internal temperature and baste one last time.
- At the 20-minute mark, check the internal temperature. Serve once it reaches 145-160°F.
- Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.