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
Scale
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.
