Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork: Easy Homemade Recipe

Air fryer BBQ pulled pork is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic dish without the need for a traditional smoker or hours of cooking time. This easy air fryer recipe turn a classic favorite into a quick, delicious meal with minimal fuss.

Using an air fryer ensures that the pork is tender and infused with flavor, while significantly cutting down cooking time. Plus, making your homemade BBQ sauce allows for a fresher, customizable taste that enhances the pulled pork perfectly.

Selecting the Right Pork Cut

Choosing the right pork cut is crucial for making the best BBQ pulled pork. For optimal tenderness and flavor, I always recommend using pork shoulder or Boston butt. These cuts contain the right amount of fat that renders properly in the air fryer, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Here’s why these are the best choices:

• Pork shoulder is well-marbled, which helps the meat stay juicy.
• Boston butt offers a rich texture that shreds perfectly after cooking.
• Both cuts are ideal for long, slow cooking, which is great for cooking pork in air fryer settings.

Selecting the right cut is essential, and I assure you, using either of these will yield excellent results.

Essential Ingredients for Pulled Pork

To get started on this tasty dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to measure them as listed to achieve the best flavor balance:

• 2 kg (4.4 lbs) pork shoulder or Boston butt, trimmed and cut into large chunks
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce (recipe follows)

For the homemade BBQ sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients blend together to create a rich, flavorful sauce that complements the tender pork properly.

Preparation Before Cooking

Mix the spices: Combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.

Rub the pork: Thoroughly rub the mixed spices all over the pork chunks, ensuring they are well coated.

Marinate: Allow the pork to marinate in the spice rub for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Room temperature: Before cooking, let the pork sit out until it reaches room temperature. This step helps the pork cook more evenly.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork

1. Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 150°C (300°F) and allow it to heat up for about 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the pork for cooking: If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the pork in batches. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

3. Place the pork in the air fryer: Arrange the pork chunks in a single layer. For juicier pork, you can wrap the pieces in foil; however, if you prefer a crispier exterior, leave them unwrapped.

4. Cooking time: Cook the pork for about 25 minutes. Check midway and turn the pieces to ensure all sides are evenly cooked.

5. Check doneness: The pork should be tender enough to shred. If not, cook for an additional 10 minutes.

6. Shred the pork: Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into thin strips.

7. Add BBQ sauce: Place the shredded pork back into the air fryer. Pour the homemade BBQ sauce over the pork and toss to coat evenly.

8. Final cook: Cook the sauced pork for an additional 15 minutes at 150°C (300°F), allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.

Essential Note: Always ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 75°C (165°F) to confirm it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer will help you check this accurately.

BBQ Pulled Pork Serving Suggestions

BBQ pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas:

• Sandwiches: Pile the pulled pork on a soft bun, maybe add some coleslaw or pickles for crunch, and you have a classic pulled pork sandwich.
• Tacos: Stuff soft tortillas with pulled pork, topped with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a tasty twist.
• Salads: Mix pulled pork with your favorite greens, add some roasted corn, black beans, and a tangy dressing for a hearty salad.

These options make the dish suitable for various meals, from casual lunches to more formal dinners.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

To keep the pulled pork fresh and flavorful, follow these storage and reheating tips:

• Storage: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in sealed containers or zip-lock bags. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the pork in the air fryer at 150°C (300°F) for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.

Ensuring the pork is stored and reheated correctly will help maintain its texture and taste.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pulled Pork

For the best results when making BBQ pulled pork, consider these pro tips:

• Avoid overcrowding: Cook the pork in batches if necessary to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial to ensure the pork has reached the safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
• Rest the pork: Allow the cooked pork to rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps in retaining more juices, making the meat moister and more flavorful.

Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked, delicious BBQ pulled pork every time.

FAQs on Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Final Words

Trying this BBQ pulled pork recipe at home offers numerous benefits, including ease of preparation and fantastic flavors.

Using an air fryer pork recipe cuts down cooking time and enhances the tenderness of the meat, making it a perfect choice for any meal.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a comforting family dinner, this recipe promises to deliver on both taste and convenience.

I highly recommend giving it a try to see just how simple and delicious air fryer cooking can be. Enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ pulled pork right from your own kitchen!

More Delicious and Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Frozen Chimichanga Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Apple Cider Donut Holes
• Air Fryer Apple Pie Wontons

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

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