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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pork Belly: Pork shoulder, Pork loin
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: Hoisin sauce, Soy sauce mixed with a splash of fish sauce
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free), Coconut aminos
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (¼ tsp), Ginger paste
- Instead of Five‑Spice Powder: Ground cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel seed, Sichuan pepper (¼ tsp each)
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Microplane Grater
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Tongs
- Measuring Spoons
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Score the pork skin in a crosshatch pattern to help the fat render and the glaze caramelize.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar to the glaze for a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Use a silicone brush for an even glaze coat and less mess.
Troubleshooting
Pork belly skin is not crispy.
Pat the skin extra dry before glazing, increase the final cooking time by 3‑5 minutes, or raise the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes.
Glaze burns before the meat is cooked through.
Lower the air‑fryer temperature to 350°F after the first 10 minutes, and cover the pork loosely with foil to protect the glaze.
Meat is undercooked in the center.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; if below 145°F, continue cooking in 3‑minute increments.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked pork belly in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat in the air fryer.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The pork can be marinated up to 4 hours ahead; keep covered in the refrigerator.
- Cooked pork belly reheats well in the air fryer for 3‑4 minutes at 350°F to restore crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of honey glazed pork belly in Chinese cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of honey glazed pork belly in Chinese cuisine?
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.
How is honey glazed pork belly traditionally served in China?
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.
During which Chinese celebrations is honey glazed pork belly commonly prepared?
The dish appears during Lunar New Year, wedding banquets, and birthday feasts because pork symbolizes prosperity, and the sweet glaze represents a sweet future.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with honey glazed pork belly?
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.
What makes honey glazed pork belly special in Chinese cuisine compared to other pork preparations?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pork Belly?
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.
Why does this recipe use an air fryer instead of a traditional oven or deep‑fry method?
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.
Can I make Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pork Belly ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS' approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
