Crispy, juicy, and packed with rich flavor, pork belly strips cooked in an air fryer are the perfect addition to a carnivore diet. This simple yet indulgent dish delivers incredible texture with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of air frying.
Whether you’re following a strict meat-based diet or just love savory, protein-rich meals, this recipe is a must-try. The combination of pork belly and bacon drippings ensures every bite is loaded with mouthwatering goodness.
Why Pork Belly Is Perfect for a Carnivore Diet
Pork belly is a staple in many meat-based diets due to its high-fat content and natural richness. It provides a satisfying texture that crisps up beautifully while staying tender on the inside.
This cut of meat is an excellent source of energy for those eliminating carbs and focusing on animal-based nutrition. When cooked in the air fryer, pork belly strips develop the perfect golden-brown crust without needing additional oils or frying methods.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ons
While this dish sticks to the basics with bacon drippings and salt, there are simple ways to enhance the flavor while staying carnivore-friendly:
- Garlic Pork Belly Strips – Add a pinch of garlic powder to the seasoning for extra depth.
- Cheesy Pork Belly – Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last minute of cooking for a rich, melty finish.
- Spicy Kick – If you tolerate spices, a dash of black pepper or smoked paprika adds a bold touch.
- Beef Tallow Drizzle – Swap bacon drippings for beef tallow for a slightly different, hearty flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Pork Belly on a Carnivore Diet
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
- As a Main Dish – Serve as-is for a satisfying, high-fat meal.
- With Eggs – Pair with scrambled or fried eggs for a breakfast-style plate.
- Dipped in Butter – Enhance the richness with a side of melted butter for dipping.
- Alongside Bone Broth – Sip on warm bone broth to complement the crispy pork belly with a nourishing, hydrating element.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
If you love easy meal prep, this recipe is perfect for making ahead.
- Batch Cooking – Make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer – To maintain crispiness, reheat at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Freezing – Cooked pork belly strips can be frozen and reheated when needed for a quick carnivore-friendly meal.
With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking process, this pork belly recipe is an easy go-to for anyone following a carnivore diet.
The air fryer transforms simple ingredients into a crispy, flavorful dish that fits perfectly into any high-fat, low-carb meal plan.
Best Pork Belly Strips with Bacon Drippings Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- 4-quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly cut into strips
- 2 tbsp bacon drippings or tallow
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season the pork belly strips by lightly coating them with bacon drippings and seasoning with salt.
- Cook the pork belly strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and browned.
- Serve immediately, drizzling with any remaining bacon drippings for extra flavor.
Notes
Variations (Flexible Carnivore Diet):
- Garlic Pork Belly Strips: Add a pinch of garlic powder to the seasoning before air frying.
- Cheesy Pork Belly Strips: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last minute of cooking for a cheesy topping.
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.