Air fryer pork belly burnt ends are the perfect addition to your carnivore diet meal plan. With a crispy, caramelized exterior and a juicy, fatty bite, this dish delivers big on flavor while keeping it simple.
Whether you’re new to carnivore cooking or just looking for easy air fryer recipes, this pork belly dish is a must-try.
Why Pork Belly Burnt Ends Are Perfect for the Carnivore Diet
Pork belly is a staple in the carnivore diet because it’s rich in fat and protein, making it a satisfying choice for those following this lifestyle. The air fryer brings out the best in pork belly, creating crispy edges while keeping the inside tender.
This method also cuts down on cooking time compared to traditional oven or smoker methods.
The Best Air Fryer Size for This Recipe
Choosing the right air fryer size is important to ensure even cooking. Since pork belly cubes need space for air circulation, a larger basket-style air fryer works best. Here are some recommended sizes based on your needs:
- Small Air Fryer (3-4 quarts) – Best for 1-2 servings
- Medium Air Fryer (5-6 quarts) – Great for small families or meal prep
- Large Air Fryer (7+ quarts) – Ideal for making big batches or entertaining guests
Using an air fryer with a larger basket ensures the pork belly cubes get crispy on all sides without overcrowding.
Variations to Try for Extra Flavor
While the basic recipe keeps it simple with just salt and fat, there are many ways to enhance the flavor without adding carbs. Try these variations to switch things up:
- Spicy Pork Belly: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a fiery kick.
- Garlic Butter Burnt Ends: Drizzle with melted garlic butter after air frying.
- Cheesy Burnt Ends: Sprinkle with Parmesan or cheddar cheese during the last two minutes of cooking.
- Smoky BBQ-Style: Use a sugar-free smoked seasoning blend for a barbecue-inspired twist.
- Herb Butter Pork Belly: Toss with rosemary, thyme, or sage-infused butter after cooking.
Tips for Getting the Perfect Crispy Texture
Achieving the perfect balance of crispy and tender pork belly is all about technique. Follow these key tips:
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Cut uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is key for crispiness.
- Shake the basket halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the fat to settle for the best texture.
How to Serve & Store Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Pork belly burnt ends are incredibly versatile. Here’s how to enjoy them:
- Serve hot as a main dish or appetizer.
- Pair with dipping sauces like melted butter or homemade carnivore-friendly aioli.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Whether you’re sticking to a strict carnivore diet or just love crispy pork belly, this air fryer recipe is a winner. Quick, easy, and flavorful, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- 4-quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp tallow or clarified butter for greasing
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season the pork belly: Toss the pork belly cubes with salt, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Grease the air fryer basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with tallow or clarified butter.
- Cook the pork belly: Place the pork belly cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pork belly is crispy and caramelized on the outside.
- Serve: Let the pork belly burnt ends rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
Notes
Variations (Flexible Carnivore Diet):
- Spicy Pork Belly: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the pork belly cubes before cooking for a spicy twist.
- Garlic Butter Burnt Ends: Drizzle melted garlic butter over the pork belly after cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheesy Burnt Ends: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the pork belly during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a cheesy finish.
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.