Yes. Leftover pork belly keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat it until it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the middle. For crispy skin, use the oven or air fryer, not the microwave.
How to store it
- Refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store it uncovered for the first hour or two, or loosely covered, so the skin doesn’t steam and go soft. Then cover it.
- Freeze it if you won’t eat it within 3 to 4 days. Cooked pork keeps its quality for about 2 to 6 months frozen.
How to reheat it
Oven (best for crackling):
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Put the pork belly skin side up on a rack over a tray.
- Heat it for 10 to 15 minutes for slices, or 20 to 25 for a larger piece, until it’s hot through.
- For extra crunch, finish it for 2 to 3 minutes under a hot grill (broiler), watching closely.
Air fryer (quickest crispy option):
Cook it at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 8 minutes, skin side up.
Pan (for sliced or cubed belly):
Fry it in a dry pan over medium heat, skin side down first, for a few minutes per side.
Microwave:
It works for braised or sauced pork belly, but it turns crackling chewy. Cover it and heat it in short bursts until steaming.
Braised pork belly
Reheat braised or sticky glazed pork belly gently in its sauce in a covered pan, until it’s bubbling and hot through. A splash of water stops the sauce catching.
Quick answers
How many times can I reheat it?
Once is best. Reheat only the portion you’ll eat.
Can I eat leftover pork belly cold?
Yes, if it was refrigerated within 2 hours and is within 3 to 4 days.
Sources: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Leftovers and Food Safety; FoodSafety.gov, Cold Food Storage Chart.
Related: Can You Reheat Roast Pork?