If you have ever dreamed of recreating that perfectly tender, sweet, and smoky pork you find at your favorite Chinese BBQ spot, then this Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. With its vibrant flavors soaked into juicy pork shoulder and a quick air fryer finish that locks in delicious charred edges without the mess of traditional grilling, this recipe brings restaurant-quality char siu right into your kitchen in a snap. It’s irresistible, easy to make, and perfect for satisfying all your BBQ cravings any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and that characteristic red hue that makes this dish so eye-catching and mouthwatering.
- Pork shoulder or pork butt (1 ½ pounds): Ideal for marbling which keeps the meat tender and juicy after air frying.
- Hoisin sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings rich sweetness and depth of flavor that’s signature to char siu.
- Honey (2 tablespoons, plus for basting): Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the edges beautifully.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides savory saltiness and umami that balances the sweet components.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall richness with a subtle briny note.
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (1 tablespoon): A classic Chinese cooking wine that tenderizes and imparts aroma.
- Chinese five-spice powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers warm, fragrant hints of anise, cinnamon, and clove that define the dish.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a toasty, nutty layer of complexity.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Freshness and a little pungency to brighten the flavors.
- Red food coloring (½ teaspoon, optional): For that traditional vibrant red hue if you want to go authentic in appearance.
- Honey mixed with warm water (1 tablespoon each, for basting): Helps achieve a shiny, sticky glaze during air frying.
How to Make Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by whisking together all the sauces: hoisin, honey, soy, oyster, Shaoxing wine, the fragrant five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and if you’re using it, the red food coloring. This marinade, packed with sweet, savory, and aromatic elements, is the heart of your dish. Pour this mixture over the pork strips in a large bowl and toss gently until every piece is generously coated. Cover it up and let the pork soak in all those fabulous flavors by refrigerating for at least 8 hours or overnight. This patience pays off with incredible depth.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. This crucial step helps ensure your pork will sear beautifully instead of steaming, giving you those coveted caramelized edges.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Remove the pork from the marinade and arrange the strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip each piece over carefully and brush with the honey-water mixture. This glaze will create that sweet, sticky exterior that’s a hallmark of char siu. Continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes until the pork is cooked through with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The edges should be slightly charred and irresistibly glossy.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Rest the pork strips for about 5 minutes before slicing. Letting it rest locks in all those delicious juices so each bite stays perfectly moist and tender.
How to Serve Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions can add just the right pop of freshness and texture. For a little extra flair, drizzle a bit of chili oil or sprinkle some pickled ginger alongside—it complements the richness of the pork beautifully.
Side Dishes
Char Siu pairs wonderfully with plain steamed jasmine rice, helping to soak up every luscious drop of sauce. For a more vibrant meal, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness. Noodles tossed in a light soy and sesame dressing make for another superb partner to this Chinese BBQ classic.
Creative Ways to Present
Leftover Air Fried Char Siu can shine in bao buns for a trendy snack or lunch. You could also chop it up to toss into fried rice or noodle bowls for an easy but impressive weeknight dinner. Feeling adventurous? Use slices of this pork as a filling for crispy spring rolls or lettuce wraps to bring a delicious crunch alongside the tender meat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover char siu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days and keeps its flavor beautifully, ready to be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooked pork tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen char siu maintains its taste and texture well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, you can use your air fryer again at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to regain that crispy exterior, or simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or pork butt is preferred for its marbling and juiciness, you can use pork loin for a leaner option, but just be careful not to overcook it as it can dry out more easily.
Do I have to use red food coloring in the recipe?
No, red food coloring is completely optional and only used for that traditional glossy bright red appearance. The flavor will be just as amazing without it.
Can I marinate the pork for less than 8 hours?
Marinating for at least 8 hours or overnight is best for full flavor penetration, but if you’re short on time, even 2 to 3 hours will add some tasty results—just not as deeply infused.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I cook this in an oven?
You certainly can! Roast or broil the pork strips at 400°F (205°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping and basting halfway through, until nicely charred and cooked. The air fryer just speeds things up and gives a great crisp.
How do I know when the char siu is fully cooked?
The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and has a slightly charred, caramelized exterior. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method to check doneness.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese BBQ into your own kitchen with minimal fuss. The harmony of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices paired with juicy, tender pork is simply unbeatable. I can’t wait for you to try it, enjoy it, and make it a staple in your recipe collection—trust me, it will become one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 8 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Air Fried Char Siu recipe brings the bold, sweet, and savory flavors of traditional Chinese BBQ pork with a healthier twist using an air fryer. Marinated pork shoulder is air fried until perfectly cooked and slightly charred for a deliciously juicy and tender dish, ideal for serving with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into long strips about 2 inches thick
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional for traditional color)
Basting Sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red food coloring if using. This mixture forms the flavorful base that will tenderize and season the pork.
- Marinate the Pork: Add the pork strips into the marinade and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
- Cook the Pork: Remove the pork from the marinade and arrange the strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes to start cooking the meat evenly.
- Flip and Baste: Flip the pork pieces over and brush them with the honey-water mixture. This step adds an additional layer of sweetness and aids in creating a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Continue Cooking: Air fry for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and edges are slightly charred for that authentic BBQ effect.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork from the fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice and serve hot alongside rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.
Notes
- Pork shoulder is preferred due to its marbling, which keeps the meat juicy and tender after cooking.
- For extra char, you can broil the pork for a few minutes after air frying if desired.
- Leftover char siu works wonderfully in bao buns or fried rice for a quick meal.
