Keto Crispy Pork Belly Bites with Garlic Butter

This is skin-on pork belly scored in a crosshatch, rubbed with salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika, and roasted on a wire rack until the skin crisps. It is cut into bite-sized pieces and drizzled with garlic butter. The recipe uses 2 pounds of pork belly, takes 15 minutes to prepare and about an hour to roast, and serves 6. The card lists 0 g of carbohydrates per serving.

Save this recipe for later:

Two things make the skin crisp: patting it dry before it is seasoned, and roasting it skin side up on a rack so the heat circulates.

What You Need

The recipe card at the bottom has the full measurements. These are the parts that matter.

• Pork belly (2 pounds, skin on): the skin is what gives the crunch.
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika (1 teaspoon each): the rub. The salt also helps the skin crisp, the pepper complements the richness, and the paprika adds depth and smokiness.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): the base of the garlic butter. Ghee can replace it for a dairy-free version.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): cooked in the butter for a robust garlic flavor.
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): a garnish.

Scoring and Roasting

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the skin dry with paper towels, then score it in a crosshatch pattern, taking care not to cut into the meat. Rub the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika over the pork belly, working it into the scored skin.

Set the pork belly skin side up on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, until the skin starts to puff up. Then lower the oven to 350°F (175°C) and roast for another 30 to 40 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

While it roasts, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, add the garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Take it off the heat.

Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes, cut it into bite-sized pieces, drizzle with the warm garlic butter and add parsley if you like.

Tips

• Marinate if you have time. Leaving the pork belly in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight before roasting gives a more flavorful bite.
• Check the temperature. A meat thermometer should read at least 190°F (88°C) for tender meat and crispy skin.
• Change the spices. Cumin, chili powder or a touch of cinnamon give a different flavor.
• Keep the skin dry. A dry surface is the key to a crisp texture.

A sharp knife handles the scoring and cutting. Without a wire rack, the pork belly can go directly on the baking sheet, but it may not get as crisp.

Variations

• Chili flakes: sprinkle them over the pork belly before roasting for some heat.
• Other herbs: add chopped rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix.
• Ghee: use it in place of butter for a dairy-free, lactose-free version.

What to Serve With the Bites

• Creamy avocado dip: mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt and a hint of garlic.
• Spicy mayo: mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
• Coleslaw: shredded cabbage, mayonnaise and a splash of apple cider vinegar for crunch against the richness.
• Sparkling water with lemon: a light drink with the savory pork.

Nutrition per Serving

Each serving has about 350 calories, 30 g of fat, 0 g of carbohydrates, 0 g of fiber, 0 g of sugar and 20 g of protein.

FAQ

How should leftovers be stored?

Place the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they keep for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the skin crisp.

Can I use pork belly without skin?

Yes, but the skin is what gives the crunch, so the bites will be less crunchy.

How can the bites be reheated and kept crisp?

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), set the bites on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm for about 10 to 15 minutes, until they are heated through and crisp again.

Which dipping sauces go well with them?

Creamy avocado dip, spicy mayo or a keto-friendly ranch dressing.

The Foodie Yummy Cookbook

12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.

Made it or loved it? Share this recipe

Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us