Crispy Air Fryer Korean Pork Belly (Ssam)

Master the art of Korean BBQ at home with this easy air fryer pork belly. Perfectly charred, savory-sweet meat meets fresh lettuce and pungent garlic for the ultimate bite.

Ingredients

• 500 g pork belly, thinly sliced
• 1 large red onion
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• 1 tbsp BBQ seasoning powder
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 head Romaine or Butter lettuce
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 green chili peppers, sliced

Instructions

1. 1Begin with the onion base

   

   Start your preparation by placing two handfuls of freshly sliced red onions into a large, clean white mixing bowl. These onions provide a sharp, aromatic foundation for the marinade and will caramelize beautifully during the air-frying process.

   Tip: Red onions are preferred for their mild sweetness and vibrant color, which adds a professional touch to the final dish.
2. 2Add the pork belly

   

   Place the sliced pork belly directly into the bowl with the red onions. The onions will serve as a flavorful base during the marinating and cooking process, helping to infuse the meat with their natural sweetness as they break down.

   Tip: Ensure the pork belly is sliced into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly in the air fryer later.
3. 3Pour in liquid seasonings

   

   Add a splash of soy sauce and a spoonful of oyster sauce to the bowl. These liquid ingredients provide the essential salty and savory umami base for the marinade while also helping to keep the meat moist.

   Tip: If you prefer a lower sodium version you can use light soy sauce or slightly reduce the amount of oyster sauce.
4. 4Season with dry spices

   

   Sprinkle a generous spoonful of BBQ seasoning and red chili powder over the pork. The BBQ seasoning adds a complex, smoky depth, while the chili powder provides a kick of heat that balances the richness of the pork belly.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your personal spice tolerance; paprika is a great mild alternative for color.
5. 5Add cooking oil

   

   Drizzle a small amount of cooking oil over the spices and meat. The oil acts as a binder, helping the dry seasonings adhere better to the pork and ensuring the meat achieves a perfect crispness in the air fryer.

   Tip: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, to avoid burnt flavors.
6. 6Mix and marinate

   

   Using a gloved hand, mix the pork belly, onions, and all seasonings together thoroughly. Ensure every piece of meat is well-coated for maximum flavor. Once mixed, let the meat marinate for about 15 minutes.

   Tip: Gently massaging the meat while mixing helps the marinade penetrate more deeply for a more flavorful result.
7. 7Transfer meat to the air fryer

   

   Line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil to catch juices and make cleaning easier. Carefully place the marinated pork belly pieces onto the foil, spreading them out to ensure they arent clumped together for better heat distribution.

   Tip: Do not overcrowd the basket; leaving a bit of space between the meat slices allows the hot air to circulate properly, giving you that perfect crispy texture.
8. 8Lightly oil the meat

   

   Once the meat is spread out evenly in the basket, apply a light coating of cooking oil over the surface. This extra bit of fat helps the marinated meat brown beautifully and prevents it from drying out during the high-heat cooking process.

   Tip: Using an oil sprayer or mister is better than pouring, as it provides a fine, even coat without adding excess calories.
9. 9Set the cooking parameters

   

   Close the air fryer and use the touch panel to set the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius. Set the timer for 20 minutes to begin the cooking process. The consistent high heat will render the fat and crisp up the marinade.

   Tip: If your air fryer is a smaller model, you might want to preheat it for 3 minutes before adding the meat to ensure it starts cooking at the right temperature immediately.
10. 10Flip the meat halfway

    

    At the 10-minute mark, open the air fryer basket. Use a pair of tongs or chopsticks to flip the pork belly pieces over. This ensures that both sides are exposed to the direct heat and cook evenly until they are golden brown.

    Tip: Dont forget to give the basket a little shake after flipping to redistribute the heat and any accumulated juices.
11. 11Prepare the lettuce wraps

    

    While the meat finishes, prepare your fresh wraps. Take a clean leaf of lettuce and place a few thin slices of raw garlic and some additional fresh red onion slices on top. This creates a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich, grilled meat.

    Tip: If the garlic is too pungent for your taste, you can briefly sauté the slices beforehand to mellow their flavor.
12. 12Assemble the wrap

    

    Once the meat is crispy and the fat has rendered, take a prepped lettuce leaf. Use your chopsticks to place a hot, sizzling piece of pork belly directly onto the garlic and onion base.

    Tip: Romaine or Butter lettuce works best for wraps as they have a sturdy structure that can hold the weight of the meat and toppings.
13. 13Add a spicy kick

    

    To finish the wrap, add a couple of small green chili peppers on top of the meat. The fresh heat of the peppers perfectly balances the savory richness of the marinated pork belly. Your homemade BBQ wrap is now ready to enjoy!

    Tip: If you are sensitive to heat, you can remove the seeds from the chilies or substitute them with milder pickled jalapeños.

Storing & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions