Fried Pork Belly in the Air Fryer: Crispy and Easy in Just 20 Minutes
Fried pork belly in the air fryer takes only 15-20 minutes at 200 degrees – and the result is crackling crispy pork without grease splatter. This classic Danish dish with potatoes and parsley sauce has been a favourite on Danish dinner tables for generations. I love this simple yet flavourful dish myself, as it is deeply rooted in Danish food culture.

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of Contents:
- Fried Pork Belly in the Air Fryer: Crispy and Easy in Just 20 Minutes
- What is the history behind Fried Pork Belly:
- Types of pork for fried pork belly in the air fryer:
- I recommend this fresh pilsner with our classic fried pork belly
- Qualities of Pork:
- How to get fried pork belly crispy in the air fryer (the wooden skewer trick)
- The Advantage of Making Fried Pork Belly in an Air Fryer:
- Enjoy every bite of fried pork belly in the air fryer
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history behind Fried Pork Belly:
The history of fried pork belly with potatoes and parsley sauce goes back to the Danish farmhouse kitchen. Originally, it was a dish created out of necessity and the availability of local ingredients. Pork was a common and fairly cheap food in Denmark, and potatoes were a basic crop that was easy to grow in the Danish fields. Parsley was a herb that was abundantly available in Danish gardens. This simple combination of ingredients developed into the classic dish we know today.
Types of pork for fried pork belly in the air fryer:
When it comes to choosing the pork for this dish, there are several options. Traditionally, pork belly slices cut from the pork belly with a good amount of fat are used. This fat gives the pork its characteristic juiciness and crispiness during cooking. However, some also prefer to use leaner pork belly cuts if they want a less fatty alternative.
I recommend this fresh pilsner with our classic fried pork belly
Fried pork belly with parsley sauce is one of Denmark’s most beloved everyday dishes, and in my opinion it calls for a cold, crisp pilsner. The slightly bitter taste and the fine carbonation cut through the fatty pork and cleanse the palate in a way no other drink can – it is the perfect contrast to the creamy parsley sauce. I can warmly recommend Pilsner – Can 44cl – a Danish lunch beer that lifts the whole meal and makes this classic dish even cosier.
Qualities of Pork:
The quality of the pork plays an important role in the result of the dish. Fresh, high-quality meat, preferably from a local butcher or farm shop, will give the best result. It should be fresh and not too old, and it is important to choose pork with good fat marbling, as this contributes to the juiciness and flavour.
How to get fried pork belly crispy in the air fryer (the wooden skewer trick)
The secret behind crispy fried pork belly in the air fryer is good air circulation. My best trick: thread the pork slices onto 2 wooden skewers so they stand upright in the basket. That way the hot air circulates around each slice, and you get evenly crispy pork without turning it. Fry at 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes – and remember to pour a little water into the bottom of the air fryer to avoid smoke from the dripping fat.
Try sprinkling a little smoked paprika over the pork slices before frying to add a subtle smoky flavour that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
The Advantage of Making Fried Pork Belly in an Air Fryer:
Using an air fryer to cook fried pork belly has several advantages. Besides achieving crispy pork with less grease splatter and without burning it, the air fryer is also a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooking method compared to traditional frying in oil. In addition, the air fryer is easy to clean and requires minimal supervision during cooking, which makes it a practical choice for busy households.
Enjoy every bite of fried pork belly in the air fryer
Fried pork belly with potatoes and parsley sauce is not just a simple recipe – it is a culinary experience that brings back memories of cosy dinners with family and friends. Feel free to serve it with caramelised potatoes from the air fryer for the perfect meal. With this recipe, you will never again have to eat dry and boring fried pork belly at a café.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pork belly needs 15-20 minutes at 200°C (390°F). For extra crispiness, you can use the wooden skewer trick, where the slices stand upright in the basket.
No, there is plenty of fat in the pork. You can brush the air fryer basket with a little oil so the meat doesn’t stick to the rack.
Pour a little water or place a slice of bread in the bottom of the air fryer before frying. It catches the fat and prevents smoke.
Recipe

Fried Pork Belly in the Air Fryer with Potatoes and Parsley Sauce
Cooking Guide
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Recommended equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Airfryer Holder Til Flæsk
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Small pot
Shopping list
Ingredients
- 500 g pork belly slices
- 800 g potatoes
- 1 tsp Salt

- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 3 dl milk
- 1 bunch Fresh parsley
How to make it
Prepare the potatoes
- Peel the 800 g potatoes and cut them into smaller pieces. Rinse them under cold water and boil them until tender in a pot of lightly salted water.
- While the potatoes are boiling, sprinkle the 500 g pork belly slices with 1 tsp Salt and 1 tsp black pepper on both sides.
Prepare the pork
- Preheat the air fryer to 200 ℃ for a couple of minutes.
- Brush the air fryer basket with a little oil to prevent the pork from sticking.
- Place the pork belly slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Fry them in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.Start the online kitchen timer here
- Turn them halfway through frying to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the parsley sauce
- While the pork is frying, prepare the parsley sauce. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a pot and add 2 tbsp plain flour. Stir well and let it cook for a minute to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Gradually add 3 dl milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.Let the sauce simmer and thicken until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Add the finely chopped 1 bunch Fresh parsley to the sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When the potatoes are tender, drain them and serve together with the crispy fried pork and parsley sauce.
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Your notes for the recipe
Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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