Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Pork Belly – Quick & Easy!

Craving crispy, juicy pork belly without all the hassle? This Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Pork Belly recipe is the ultimate kitchen shortcut! Made with Trader Joe’s precooked pork belly, this easy air fryer method turns it into golden, melt-in-your-mouth perfection in just 9 minutes. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with almost no prep.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Pork Belly

• You only need one ingredient and 9 minutes in the air fryer. No prep, no mess—just slice, cook, and enjoy. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the hassle.

• The air fryer gives the pork belly a crispy browned outside while keeping the inside super tender and moist. It creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves. The fat renders perfectly, adding incredible flavor.

• No need to start from scratch or worry about undercooking. This shortcut saves tons of time while still giving you amazing results. Plus, it’s easy to find in the refrigerated section at Trader Joe’s.

• Serve it with rice, noodles, or a salad for a full meal. Or cut into smaller pieces for a party-ready finger food. It’s versatile and fits into any occasion.

• Just slice and cook! This makes cleanup easier and speeds things up even more. It’s a great option for anyone new to air frying.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Pork Belly

• Trader Joe’s Precooked Pork Belly – This is the star of the recipe! It comes fully cooked and refrigerated, so all you have to do is heat it up and crisp it in the air fryer. The flavor is rich and savory, and the fat layer makes it incredibly juicy and satisfying.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Pork Belly

• Air Fryer – Cooks the pork belly quickly and crisps it up beautifully with no need to preheat.

• Knife – Used to slice the pork belly into smaller, even pieces for better air frying.

• Cutting Board – A clean surface for slicing the pork belly before cooking.

• Tongs – Makes it easy to place and remove the pork belly from the air fryer without burning your hands.

How To Make Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Pork Belly

• Take the pork belly out of the package—it’s already fully cooked, so no need to season or marinate.

• Place it on a cutting board and slice it into smaller pieces for even cooking.

• Arrange the pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket so the heat circulates properly.

• Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 9 minutes—no need to flip or shake.

• Once it’s done, the outside should be golden brown and the fat perfectly rendered.

• Use tongs to remove the slices and serve them hot. Enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness!

Serving Suggestions

• The richness of the pork belly pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice or a bowl of stir-fried cabbage.

• Slice the crispy pork belly into bite-sized pieces and toss it over a fresh green salad for a flavorful protein boost.

• Tuck the pork belly into warm homemade tortillas or fresh lettuce leaves and top with mango jicama slaw or pickled red onions.

• Try serving it with hoisin, homemade spicy mayo, or a tangy, sweet chili sriracha sauce for added flavor.

• Combine with steamed broccoli, brown jasmine rice, and a hard-boiled egg for a fun and satisfying lunch box idea.

Tips For Success

• Slice the pork belly before air frying. This helps the heat circulate evenly and prevents the outside from burning while the inside stays cold. Smaller pieces also brown more consistently and cook faster. It’s the best way to get that crispy, juicy texture.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the pork belly in a single layer for even browning and air circulation. Overlapping pieces can lead to steaming instead of crisping. If you’re cooking a lot, do it in batches for the best results.

• No need to preheat the air fryer. This recipe works great starting from a cold basket. It simplifies the process and still delivers crispy, golden pork belly. One less step makes it even more convenient.

• Stick to 9 minutes at 400°F. This timing gives the pork belly a perfect crispy crust while rendering the fat for extra flavor. Less time may leave it soft or pale, while more time can dry it out. Nine minutes is the sweet spot for that restaurant-quality finish.

• Watch it closely toward the end. Every air fryer is slightly different, so check your pork belly in the last minute or two. Look for that rich golden brown color and sizzling edges. That’s your sign it’s ready to enjoy!

Variations And Substitutions

• Add a glaze for extra flavor. Brush the pork belly slices with a little hoisin sauce, teriyaki, or BBQ sauce before air frying. This adds a sweet and savory layer and gives the outside an even more caramelized finish. You can also sprinkle a little brown sugar or honey if you prefer a touch of sweetness.

• Use different dipping sauces. Instead of serving the pork belly plain, try it with a variety of sauces like sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or soy sauce with chili oil. These sauces can totally change the flavor profile of the dish. Mix and match to find your favorite pairing!

• Add spices before cooking. Even though Trader Joe’s pork belly is already flavorful, you can boost the taste with a sprinkle of garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper before cooking. Just a small amount will make a difference. You can even try a touch of cayenne if you like some heat.

• Swap in other precooked pork. If you can’t find Trader Joe’s pork belly, try using another brand of precooked pork belly or even precooked pork shoulder. Just be sure it’s already cooked so it only needs crisping. The cook time might vary slightly depending on thickness.

• Make it low-sodium or keto-friendly. The pork belly itself is naturally low in carbs, so this dish is great for keto diets. If you’re watching sodium, just skip any extra seasoning or sauces and serve it with fresh veggies or a side salad. It’s rich enough in flavor to stand on its own.

• Try different cooking times or cuts. If your slices are very thick, you might need to add an extra minute or two in the air fryer. For thinner pieces, check after 7-8 minutes to avoid overcooking. This recipe is flexible and can be easily adjusted based on your preferences.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator Storage. Let the pork belly cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

• Freezer Storage. Wrap the cooled pork belly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date!

• Reheating in Air Fryer. Reheat slices at 375°F for 3–5 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. This is the best way to keep that crispy texture.

• Reheating on the Stovetop. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the pork belly slices for a few minutes on each side. This method brings back some crisp and works well if you don’t want to use the air fryer again.

• Avoid the Microwave. While quick, microwaving can make the pork belly soft and rubbery. For the best taste and texture, use the air fryer or stovetop instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook Trader Joe’s pork belly in the air fryer straight from the package?

Yes! Trader Joe’s pork belly comes fully cooked, so it’s ready to go right from the package. There’s no need to marinate or season it unless you want to add extra flavor. Just slice it up and pop it into the air fryer for a quick, crispy finish.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Nope, no preheating required. This recipe is designed to go into a cold air fryer, saving you time and keeping things simple. The pork belly still crisps up beautifully without any extra steps.

How do I prevent the pork belly from burning in the air fryer?

The key is to slice it before cooking. Large whole pieces may burn on the outside before the inside is heated through. By slicing the pork belly, you ensure more even cooking and a perfect golden-brown finish.

Can I use a different brand of pork belly?

Yes, you can use any precooked pork belly. Just make sure it’s fully cooked, refrigerated (not frozen), and slice it as you would with the Trader Joe’s version. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness.

What if my air fryer is smaller or larger than average?

No problem! Just adjust your batch size so the pork belly fits in a single layer. You may need to cook in two rounds for smaller air fryers, or fit more in a larger basket. The cook time should remain around 9 minutes at 400°F.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb?

Yes! Pork belly is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for keto or low-carb diets. Just be mindful of any sauces or glazes you add, as some may contain sugar or carbs.

Can I add seasoning or sauce before cooking?

Absolutely! You can brush the slices with BBQ sauce, hoisin, or a soy-based glaze before cooking. If you prefer dry spices, a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika works well too. Keep an eye on it, as sugary sauces may brown faster.

How do I serve pork belly for a meal?

Pork belly is super versatile. Serve it with rice, on a salad, in tacos, or in lettuce wraps. It can be a hearty main dish or cut smaller for appetizers or snacks.

What if I overcooked it?

If the pork belly gets too dark or tough, it was likely in the air fryer a bit too long. Next time, check it around the 7-minute mark to see how it’s progressing. A slight variation in air fryer models can affect cook times.

Can I meal prep this pork belly?

Yes! Cook the pork belly, let it cool, and store in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer or skillet for a fast, tasty protein that’s already done.

Other Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Spring Rolls – These crispy spring rolls are golden and perfectly cooked in the air fryer with no oil needed—ready in just 10 minutes!

Keto Hearts of Palm Noodles – This low-carb pasta alternative is quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with your favorite sauces for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Trader Joe’s Pastry Pups in Air Fryer – Buttery puff pastry wrapped around mini hot dogs cooks up crispy and delicious in minutes using the air fryer.

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Scallion Pancakes – These savory, flaky pancakes turn out extra crispy and golden brown straight from the air fryer—no flipping required!

Frozen Pretzels In The Air Fryer – Get soft, warm, and golden-brown pretzels in under 5 minutes with this easy air fryer method.

Crispy Air Fryer Corn Ribs – These fun, juicy corn riblets crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and make a tasty, shareable snack or side.

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Falafel – Cooked from frozen in just 10 minutes, these falafel bites come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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• Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sandwich
• Sautéed Air Fryer Mushrooms