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These Maple Mustard Pork Belly Bites are the ultimate sweet-savory appetizer. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these air-fried pork belly cubes are tossed in a tangy maple-Dijon mustard glaze with just a hint of vinegar to cut the richness. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a dinner party, or as a snack, they’re dangerously addictive—and oven-friendly, too!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1½ pounds Pork Belly, patted dry and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons Canola Oil
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
¼ cup Pure Maple Syrup
4 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
1½ teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season:
In a large bowl, mix oil, salt, and pepper.
Toss pork belly pieces in the mixture to coat evenly.
Cook:
Arrange pork belly bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
Air fry for 18–20 minutes, shaking or flipping a couple of times until crispy.
Make Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Reserve 3 tablespoons for dipping.
Toss & Serve:
Place cooked pork belly in a bowl and toss with the sauce.
Serve warm with reserved sauce on the side.

Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange seasoned pork belly in a single layer.
Bake for 42–45 minutes, then toss in sauce and serve.

Nutrients (Per Bite, Approximate)

Calories: 104
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~9g
Carbohydrates: ~3g
Sugar: ~2g
Sodium: ~120mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pork belly bites check all the boxes: texture, flavor, simplicity, and versatility. With just a few pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you can create restaurant-worthy bites that feel indulgent but are surprisingly easy to make. The rich pork belly is rendered until crisp, then tossed in a tangy, sweet, sticky glaze that clings to every crevice. The air fryer method delivers extra crispiness without the need for deep frying, while the oven method makes it easy to scale up for a larger crowd. The glaze itself strikes the perfect balance—bold from Dijon mustard, sweet from maple syrup, and just sharp enough with a hint of apple cider vinegar to cut through the richness.

The Perfect Sweet and Savory Glaze

The maple mustard glaze is what transforms these pork belly cubes from basic to unforgettable. The natural sweetness of pure maple syrup caramelizes slightly when tossed with the hot pork, creating a sticky coating that enhances the bite. Dijon mustard brings tangy sharpness and a smooth, velvety consistency, while a splash of apple cider vinegar adds brightness that balances the fattiness of the meat. It’s a trio that hits every note on your palate—sweet, savory, tangy, and rich—without being overwhelming. You’ll want to make extra just for dipping.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Two Great Options

These bites work beautifully in both the air fryer and the oven, depending on your setup and how much you’re making.

Air Fryer Method
The air fryer method ensures incredibly crispy edges and quicker cooking. It’s perfect for smaller batches or when you want that deep-fried texture without the mess or excess oil. By cooking the pork belly pieces in a single layer and flipping a couple of times, you allow maximum exposure to hot air, which renders the fat and crisps the surface evenly.

Oven Method
The oven method is better for serving a crowd. While it takes slightly longer, it still delivers deliciously crispy pork and allows for hands-off cooking. Just spread the seasoned pork belly pieces in a single layer and let them roast until golden brown. Finish them in the glaze just like in the air fryer version, and you’ve got a party-ready platter.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Maple Mustard Pork Belly Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of settings:

Game Day Snacks: Serve with toothpicks or skewers and a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping.
Dinner Party Appetizers: Plate them with microgreens or pickled onions for a gourmet starter.
Buffet-Style Gatherings: Pair with sliders, wings, and deviled eggs for a well-rounded table.
Small Plate Dinner: Serve over polenta, rice, or in lettuce wraps for an upscale small plate or tapas-style course.

They’re rich and satisfying enough to stand alone or shine as part of a larger menu.

Tips for Success

Cut pork belly evenly: This ensures uniform cooking and consistent texture. Aim for 1-inch cubes.
Pat dry thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Make sure the pork belly is dry before seasoning.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches to ensure good air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
Shake or flip during cooking: This helps each piece brown evenly and prevents sticking.
Toss in sauce while hot: Warm pork belly absorbs the glaze better, and the residual heat helps it cling perfectly.
Save extra glaze: The reserved 3 tablespoons of sauce make a fantastic dip or drizzle just before serving.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ons

While the maple mustard glaze is a winner, you can easily mix things up for variety:

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or sriracha to the glaze for heat.
Herbed Finish: Toss with chopped fresh thyme or rosemary after glazing for a fragrant touch.
Asian-Inspired: Swap Dijon for soy sauce and maple syrup for honey. Add minced garlic and ginger for a sticky, umami-rich twist.
Smoky Sweet: Add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a barbecue-inspired flavor.
Crunch Factor: Top with crushed candied nuts or toasted sesame seeds before serving for added texture.

These variations allow you to tailor the bites to your event, theme, or personal craving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While pork belly bites are best served fresh and hot, you can prep and reheat them successfully:

Prep Ahead: Cut and season pork belly up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Make the Glaze Ahead: Store the glaze in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm gently before using.
Reheat: Reheat cooked pork belly in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crispy again. Add glaze just before serving.
Freeze: You can freeze cooked, unglazed pork belly bites and re-crisp them in the oven or air fryer, then glaze before serving.

Nutritional Snapshot

Each pork belly bite packs a punch in flavor and richness. At around 104 calories per piece, they’re indulgent but perfect for portioned enjoyment. Each bite includes:

Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~9g (with crispy rendered fat for flavor)
Carbs: ~3g
Sugar: ~2g (mostly from maple syrup)
Sodium: ~120mg

To lighten them up slightly, you can:

Use smaller portions for serving.
Opt for center-cut pork belly with less fat.
Reduce the maple syrup slightly or use a sugar-free alternative.
Serve over greens or in lettuce wraps to balance richness with freshness.

Conclusion

Maple Mustard Pork Belly Bites are a next-level appetizer that brings together the irresistible combo of crispy pork, sweet maple glaze, and tangy mustard in one bite-sized package. Whether you’re using the air fryer for extra crunch or roasting them in the oven for a crowd, these bites are guaranteed to be the hit of any gathering. Their balance of rich, bold flavor and crispy texture makes them endlessly snackable—and with a dipping sauce on the side, they become downright irresistible. Quick to prep, flexible to serve, and absolutely unforgettable, this is a recipe worth repeating.

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