crispy honey-glazed pork belly bites

Ingredients (Serves 4 to 6)

• The Pork & Prep:
  • 2 lbs fresh pork belly (skinless, or skin removed, cut into uniform 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • $\frac{1}{2}$ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt and $\frac{1}{2}$ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• The Sticky Honey Glaze:
  • $\frac{1}{3}$ cup raw honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar (to cut the richness)
  • 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for a subtle kick)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Season:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) (or see the air fryer option below). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top. (Elevating the bites lets the fat drip away so every side gets ultra-crispy).
   • Pat the pork belly cubes completely dry with paper towels (dryness is the secret to a great crust!). Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. First Bake (Render & Crisp):
   • Arrange the seasoned pork belly cubes in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving a little space between each piece.
   • Bake at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the fat has rendered significantly and the cubes are deeply golden brown and crispy on the outside.
3. Mix the Glaze:
   • While the pork is baking, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glossy, aromatic glaze.
4. Glaze and Caramelize:
   • Remove the pork belly bites from the oven and transfer them into a clean mixing bowl.
   • Pour the sticky honey glaze over the hot pork bites and toss gently until every single piece is thoroughly coated.
   • Return the glazed bites to the wire rack (or spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch the bubbling honey) and pop them back into the oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Watch them closely so the honey caramelizes and bubbles without burning!
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Let them rest for 5 minutes so the sizzling glaze sets into a gorgeous, sticky lacquer. Serve warm on their own as an appetizer or spooned over a bed of steamed jasmine rice.

Air Fryer Shortcut: You can easily make these in an air fryer! Air fry the seasoned cubes at 380°F for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Toss them in the prepared glaze, then air fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at 400°F until sticky and caramelized.