Easy Keto Pork Belly Bites

Keto Pork Belly Bites are a crispy and savory dish made from seasoned cubes of pork belly cooked until the edges are browned and crisp while the centers stay juicy and tender. Coated with a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, these bites deliver a deeply porky, salty, and slightly smoky flavor that feels indulgent yet stays low carb. They are perfect as a rich and filling snack, appetizer, or main protein and pair beautifully with keto sides like roasted low carb vegetables, salads with tangy vinaigrette, or creamy cauliflower mash.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American, Keto, Low Carb

Keyword air fryer pork belly, crispy pork belly, keto appetizer, keto pork belly bites, low carb snack, oven baked pork belly

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 540kcal

Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
large mixing bowl
rimmed baking sheet
Parchment Paper
Wire rack
Tongs
air fryer (optional)
skillet (optional)

Ingredients

Pork belly bites

2 pounds pork belly skin on or off, cut into about 1 inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt or to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Optional serving ideas

2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
1/2 cup sugar free dipping sauce such as spicy mayo or avocado lime sauce, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, placing a wire rack on top if you have one.
Pat the pork belly cubes very dry on all sides with paper towels to remove as much surface moisture as possible.
Add the pork belly cubes to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the olive oil, tossing until the pieces are lightly coated.
In a small bowl mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using, then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the pork belly and toss until every piece is well coated.
Arrange the seasoned pork belly cubes on the prepared rack or baking sheet in a single layer with a little space between each piece so they can crisp rather than steam.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, turning the pieces once halfway through cooking, until the fat has rendered, the edges are deeply browned, and the bites are crisp to your liking.
Transfer the pork belly bites to a plate or tray lined with a clean piece of parchment paper and let them rest for a few minutes to firm up and become even crispier.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot as a snack or appetizer, or pair with keto friendly sides and dipping sauces for a complete meal.
For an air fryer version, preheat the air fryer to 375°F, arrange the seasoned pork belly in a single layer in the basket, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking or turning a few times, until crisp and browned to taste.
For a skillet version, heat a large heavy skillet over medium high heat, add the seasoned pork belly in a single layer without crowding, and cook while turning occasionally until the pieces are golden brown and crispy on all sides, then drain on paper towels before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, use pork belly with a balance of meat and fat and be sure not to overcrowd the pan, air fryer basket, or skillet so that the bites render fat and crisp instead of steaming. Leftover pork belly bites can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp, avoiding the microwave if you want to preserve the crunch. Serve as a stand alone snack, on top of salads, with roasted low carb vegetables, or alongside eggs for a hearty keto breakfast.

Nutrition