Air Fryer Char Siu Pork: Quick, Flavorful Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe

Air fryer char siu pork, or Chinese BBQ pork, is a dish with deep roots in Chinese cuisine. Traditionally roasted in large ovens, this recipe is often found in Cantonese-style dishes.

Using an air fryer for this easy char siu recipe not only makes it more accessible for home cooks but also results in a delicious, crispy exterior and juicy interior with minimal fuss. This method is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the flavors of char siu pork without the complexity of traditional cooking techniques.

Necessary Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer char siu pork:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch thick strips
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Pork shoulder: You can also use pork tenderloin for a leaner option.
• Hoisin sauce: Can be substituted with a mix of soy sauce and sugar if unavailable.
• Chinese cooking wine: Dry sherry or sake works well as a substitute.

Essential Cooking Equipment

To make this char siu pork, you will need:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs
• Basting brush (for applying extra marinade during cooking)
• Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)

How to Make Air Fryer Char Siu Pork

Marinating the Pork

1. Prepare the pork: Cut 2 pounds of pork shoulder into 1-inch thick strips.

2. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine, 1 tablespoon five-spice powder, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional), and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.

3. Marinate the pork: Place the pork strips in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the pork marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated.

4. Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let the pork marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor. Marinating Char Siu overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, creating a rich and authentic taste.

Preparing the Glaze

1. Reserve marinade: After marinating, reserve the marinade in a small saucepan.

2. Make the glaze: Add an extra tablespoon of honey to the reserved marinade. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens into a sticky glaze. If it’s too thick, add a little water until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Alternative ingredients: If you prefer, you can use maple syrup instead of honey for the Char Siu glaze.

Air Frying the Char Siu

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.

2. Arrange the pork: Place the marinated pork strips in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

3. First cook: Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.

4. Flip and glaze: Flip the pork strips over using tongs and brush with the honey glaze.

5. Second cook: Cook for another 10 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure even cooking.

6. Final glaze: For extra stickiness, brush with more glaze after cooking.

Essential Note: Make sure to flip the pork halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect char siu pork.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Char Siu Pork

To achieve the best texture and flavor for your char Siu pork, here are some expert cooking tips:

• Baste frequently: Basting with the glaze during cooking ensures a rich, sticky exterior. Brush the pork with glaze every time you flip it for the best results.
• Monitor internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 145°F to ensure the pork is fully cooked but still juicy.
• Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and crispiness.
• Rest the meat: After cooking, let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, making your perfect Char Siu tender and flavorful.

Air Fryer Char Siu Pork Serving Suggestions

• Serving Char Siu pork is versatile and can be pair with various sides for a complete meal:
• With rice: Serve Chinese BBQ Pork over steamed white or jasmine rice. The rice absorbs the delicious juices from the pork.
• With noodles: Toss with stir-fried noodles or place on top of noodle soup for a hearty meal.
• In bao buns: Slice the char siu and stuff it into steamed bao buns with pickled vegetables for a tasty treat.

Side dishes for Char Siu:

• Stir-fried bok choy or other greens
• Simple cucumber salad
• Pickled radish and carrot slaw
• Steamed dumplings

These serving ideas ensure your char siu pork is enjoyed to the fullest, complementing its flavors with perfect accompaniments.

FAQs on Air Fryer Char Siu Pork

Final Words

Making air fryer char siu pork is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Chinese BBQ dish with less hassle.

This easy char siu recipe brings out the authentic flavors while making the process simpler and quicker. The air fryer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy pork every time.

I hope you find this recipe both convenient and delicious. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, savory taste of delicious air fryer pork at home.

Happy cooking!

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