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Crispy chicharrón served with creamy guacamole—perfectly golden bites with a flavorful dip.
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Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly (Chicharrón de Cerdo)

These crispy pork belly bites are seasoned with garlic, Dominican oregano, and cooked in the air fryer until golden and delicious. A quick and easy way to enjoy chicharrón de cerdo at home!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Dominican, Latin
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 1186kcal
Author: Vanessa

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs 900g pork belly, skin-on, cut into large strips
  • ½ red onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dominican oregano
  • Cooking spray or oil for air fryer

Instructions

  • Boil the pork belly:
  • Place the pork belly pieces in a large pot and cover with water. Add the red onion, garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes. This helps soften the meat and infuse flavor.
  • Remove the pork from the pot and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Pat the top with more paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. The drier the pork, the crispier the chicharrón will be.
  • Sprinkle the pork belly pieces with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Dominican oregano. Make sure to season both sides evenly.
  • Air fry the pork:
  • Preheat your air fryer to 395°F (200°C) if needed. Spray the basket lightly with oil and place the pork belly pieces in a single layer. Air fry for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • About 2 minutes before it’s done, reposition the pork with the skin side up to allow the skin to crisp up even more.
  • Let the chicharrón rest for a few minutes once out of the air fryer. Then, slice into 2-inch pieces using a sharp knife and serve hot.

Notes

  • Drying the pork thoroughly is key to getting crispy skin. Don’t skip this step!
  • Dominican oregano has a bold, earthy flavor that gives this dish a distinctive touch. If using regular oregano, use slightly less.
  • You can add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving for an extra punch.
  • Serve with tostones, yuca, or rice and beans—or as an appetizer with guacamole.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 1186kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 44g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 56g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1237mg | Potassium: 460mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg