HONEY GLAZED PORK BELLY (AIR FRYER)

HONEY GLAZED PORK BELLY (AIR FRYER) is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS on YouTube.

Prep: 40 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $6.40 total, $3.20 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Pork Belly (skin on, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (Chinese brand preferred)
  • 2 Tbsp Honey (light, runny honey)
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular light soy sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger (finely grated)
  • 1 tsp Five‑Spice Powder (Chinese five‑spice blend)

Instructions

  1. Pat Dry and Trim Pork Belly

    Remove the pork belly from its packaging, pat it dry with paper towels, and trim any excess fat or loose skin if desired.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare the Honey‑Ginger Glaze

    In a mixing bowl combine oyster sauce, honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and five‑spice powder. Whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Marinate the Pork Belly

    Brush the glaze all over the pork belly, ensuring both sides are coated. Place the meat in the bowl or a shallow dish, cover, and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning once halfway through.

    Time: PT30M

  4. Preheat the Air Fryer

    Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 380°F

  5. Air Fry First Side

    Place the pork belly skin side up in the air‑fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes at 380°F.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 380°F

  6. Flip and Air Fry Second Side

    Using tongs, carefully flip the pork belly and cook the other side for another 15 minutes at 380°F.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 380°F

  7. Rest and Slice

    Remove the pork belly from the air fryer, transfer to a cutting board, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
35 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: High‑Protein, Low‑Carb, Not Vegetarian, Not Vegan

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish, Honey

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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HONEY GLAZED PORK BELLY (AIR FRYER)

Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS

A quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired pork belly cooked in an air fryer with a sweet honey, oyster sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and five‑spice glaze. The result is tender meat with a caramelized, crispy exterior—perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.

EasyChineseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.40
Total cost
$3.20
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season and marinate the pork belly for full flavor penetration.
  • Preheat the air fryer to ensure a crisp exterior.
  • Flip the pork belly halfway to achieve even caramelization on both sides.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw pork with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
  • The glaze can become very hot; use tongs when flipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of honey glazed pork belly in Chinese cuisine?

A

Honey glazed pork belly, known as "蜜汁五香肉" in some regions, reflects the Chinese love for balancing sweet and savory flavors. Historically, pork belly was a celebratory cut, and glazing it with honey and five‑spice became popular during festive meals to add a glossy, caramelized finish.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of honey glazed pork belly in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Cantonese cooking, the glaze often includes hoisin and a touch of Shaoxing wine, while in Sichuan style, chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns add heat. The version in this recipe follows a more neutral northern style using oyster sauce, honey, and five‑spice.

cultural
Q

How is honey glazed pork belly traditionally served in China?

A

It is typically sliced thin and served hot as part of a banquet, accompanied by steamed buns (mantou) or rice, and sometimes garnished with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and aroma.

cultural
Q

During which Chinese celebrations is honey glazed pork belly commonly prepared?

A

The dish appears during Lunar New Year, wedding banquets, and birthday feasts because pork symbolizes prosperity, and the sweet glaze represents a sweet future.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with honey glazed pork belly?

A

Pair it with light vegetable stir‑fries such as bok choy with garlic, a simple cucumber salad, or a bowl of jasmine rice to balance the rich, sweet pork.

cultural
Q

What makes honey glazed pork belly special in Chinese cuisine compared to other pork preparations?

A

The combination of a sweet honey glaze with aromatic five‑spice creates a glossy, caramelized crust while keeping the meat tender, a contrast to the smoky, dry‑rubbed styles like char‑siu or the braised red‑cooked pork.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pork Belly?

A

Common errors include not drying the pork skin, which prevents crisping, over‑cooking the glaze causing bitterness, and flipping too early which can tear the glaze. Follow the timing and temperature guidelines for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use an air fryer instead of a traditional oven or deep‑fry method?

A

The air fryer circulates hot air rapidly, giving a crisp exterior with less oil than deep‑frying and a shorter cooking time than a conventional oven, making it ideal for a quick, healthier preparation.

technical
Q

Can I make Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pork Belly ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the pork up to 4 hours ahead. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS focuses on quick, modern Asian-inspired home cooking, emphasizing the use of convenient appliances like air fryers and pressure cookers to create flavorful dishes with minimal fuss.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS' approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

TIFFYCOOKS blends traditional Chinese flavor profiles with contemporary kitchen gadgets, offering step‑by‑step visual guides that prioritize speed and accessibility, whereas many other channels stick to classic stovetop or wok techniques.

channel

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