Spicy Pork Belly (Air Fryer) | Easy Korean BBQ at Home

Crispy, spicy, and loaded with flavor — this air fryer pork belly is everything you love about Korean BBQ without the grill.

If you’re craving the bold, smoky flavors of Korean BBQ but don’t have a grill (or the time to fire one up), this Spicy Pork Belly Air Fryer recipe will hit the spot. Think tender pork belly coated in a spicy-sweet marinade, then air-fried until perfectly caramelized with crispy edges. All done in under an hour — most of which is just hands-off marinating.

This dish brings the heat, the umami, and the crunch — all from the convenience of your countertop.

It’s the kind of dish your tastebuds remember. Soft, caramelized edges meet a mild crisp bite in the center, all wrapped in a deeply umami soy sauce glaze. It’s comfort food, but on the lighter side — fast, fragrant, and full of warmth.

Whether you're short on time or want a simple yet flavorful addition to your meal, this is one recipe you'll come back to again and again.

What Is Spicy Pork Belly (Jeyuk Bokkeum)?

Spicy Pork Belly (Air Fryer) | Easy Korean BBQ at Home

In Korean, spicy grilled pork belly is often called Jaeyuk Boggeum (제육볶음) — a fiery twist on the traditional pork dish served as main dish. The pork is marinated in a gochujang-based sauce, then grilled or pan-seared until crisp. It is mostly made with pork neck, but I prefer pork belly so I made it with bork belly. Also, it's a soul dish to most of Korean guys.

This air fryer version skips the smoke and flames while delivering all the addictive flavor you’d expect from a Korean meat dish. It’s tender inside, lightly charred on the outside, and soaked in spicy, savory-sweet goodness.

Why Air Fryer Pork Belly Works So Well

Pork belly is naturally fatty, which makes it the perfect candidate for the air fryer. The circulating heat renders the fat quickly, crisping up the edges without drying out the center. Plus, with the marinade caramelizing slightly under heat, every bite is sticky, spicy perfection.

Forget flipping over a hot grill — your air fryer does the heavy lifting.

The Marinade: Bold, Balanced, and Beautiful

Let’s break it down:

• Gochujang brings the heat and rich chili depth.

• Gochugaru adds texture and additional spice.

• Soy sauce, sugar, and oligo syrup (or honey) balance saltiness with sweetness.

• Mirin adds acidity and gloss.

• Sesame oil and garlic round it out with nutty, aromatic notes.

This marinade is a symphony of classic Korean flavors — bold yet harmonious. If you’re used to takeout Korean BBQ, this might actually taste better… and definitely fresher.meal prep — refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Recipe Video

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Serving Suggestions: Wrap It Up or Bowl It Down

Once the pork belly comes out of the air fryer, the options are endless:

• Wrap it in lettuce or perilla leaves with sliced garlic, rice, and ssamjang for a true K-BBQ bite.

• Serve over steamed white rice with a side of kimchi.

• Plate it next to grilled veggies, a fried egg, or pickled radish for a balanced meal.

• Or snack on it straight from the tray. (No judgment.)

Make It Your Own

• Add sliced green chilies for a fresh kick of spice.

• Mix in thin-sliced onions or mushrooms before air frying for added flavor.

• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving for texture.

• Want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey or oligo syrup.

This dish is flexible, foolproof, and flavorful — a triple win for weeknight cooking or weekend indulgence.

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