Delicious Recipe for Air Fryer Pork Belly Tacos
Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Pork Belly Tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Pork belly transforms in the air fryer into golden, bite-sized pieces with just the right balance of crunch and tenderness. Layered into warm tortillas and topped with fresh, colorful garnishes, these tacos bring restaurant-level flavor straight to your kitchen.
This recipe is versatile and fun, letting everyone customize their taco with toppings like pineapple, avocado, Cotija cheese, and cilantro. With air fryer convenience, it’s a quick and approachable way to make pork belly the star of taco night.
Recipe Ingredients
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1 lb. pork belly
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Canola oil cooking spray
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1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
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2 teaspoons sugar
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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6 flour tortillas (5-inch, warmed)
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Shredded cabbage (optional)
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Fresh pineapple, diced (optional)
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Diced avocado (optional)
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Pico de gallo (optional)
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Pickled red onions (optional)
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Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
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Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
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Lime wedges (for serving)
Pork Belly Tacos Recipe Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer
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Set to 325°F following the manufacturer’s directions.
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Prepare the pork belly
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Cut pork belly into ½-inch-thick slices, then into ¾-inch pieces.
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Transfer to a medium bowl, spray lightly with cooking spray, and toss.
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Season the pork
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In a small bowl, combine chile powder, sugar, and cumin.
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Sprinkle over pork and toss until evenly coated.
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Air fry until crispy
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
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Place pork in a single layer and cook for 16–18 minutes, shaking every 6 minutes, until golden and crisp.
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Assemble the tacos
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Spoon pork belly onto warmed tortillas.
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Top with shredded cabbage, pineapple, avocado, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, Cotija cheese, and cilantro as desired.
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Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Tips for Perfect Pork Belly Tacos
Cut evenly: Uniform pieces of pork belly ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed so the pork crisps properly.
Play with toppings: Sweet pineapple balances the rich pork belly, while pickled red onions add a tangy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Belly Tacos Recipe
These pork belly tacos are the perfect blend of crispy, savory, and fresh. The air fryer does all the work to transform the pork into golden, crunchy bites while you prep simple toppings. With endless ways to customize, it’s a dish that works just as well for casual taco night as it does for entertaining.
Additional Tips
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Pairing Ideas: These tacos shine alongside a side of Mexican rice or charred street corn. A refreshing slaw or simple black bean salad balances the richness of the pork belly, while extra lime wedges and a drizzle of hot sauce can take the flavor to the next level.
- Variations: This recipe can easily adapt to your taste. Swap the ancho chile powder for smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a different heat profile. For a tropical twist, add mango salsa in place of pineapple. You can also make these tacos with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Explore More Delicious Pork Recipes
Ready to keep the flavor going? Check out more ways to make pork the star of your next meal:
From quick weeknight dinners to weekend favorites, MN Pork has the recipes to make your menu unforgettable.
