Air Fryer Char Siu Pork: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Perfectly Tender BBQ Pork

Air Fryer Char Siu Pork is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of traditional Chinese barbecue right into your kitchen with minimal fuss. As someone who has always been captivated by the vibrant culinary traditions of Asia, I find that this recipe not only satisfies my cravings but also pays homage to the cultural significance of Char Siu, which has been enjoyed for centuries. The sweet and savory marinade, combined with the tender, juicy pork, creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.

People love Air Fryer Char Siu Pork for its incredible taste and texture. The air fryer ensures that the pork is perfectly cooked, with a slightly crispy exterior and a succulent interior, all while being a healthier alternative to traditional roasting methods. Plus, the convenience of preparing this dish in an air fryer means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served over rice or as part of a larger feast, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch thick strips
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for color)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Preparing the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red food coloring (if using). 2. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. The marinade should be thick and glossy, with a beautiful deep color. 3. Taste the marinade and adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey; if you prefer it saltier, add a touch more soy sauce.

Marinating the Pork

4. Place the pork strips into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. 5. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring that each piece is well coated. 6. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply, making it incredibly flavorful.

Preparing the Air Fryer

7. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that the pork cooks evenly and develops a nice crust. 8. While the air fryer is preheating, remove the pork from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off, but don’t rinse the pork. You want that flavor to stay on the meat.

Cooking the Pork

9. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. 10. Arrange the pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded; you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. 11. Cook the pork for 15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time. This helps to ensure that both sides get that lovely caramelization. 12. After 15 minutes, check the internal temperature of the pork. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. If it hasn’t reached that temperature yet, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until done. 13. Once cooked, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the pork more tender and juicy.

Glazing the Pork

14. While the pork is resting, you can prepare a glaze if you want an extra layer of flavor. In a small saucepan, take the leftover marinade (make sure it’s not contaminated with raw pork) and bring it to a boil over medium heat. 15. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will create a delicious glaze to brush over the pork. 16. After the pork has rested, brush the thickened glaze over the pork strips for an extra burst of flavor and shine.

Assembling and Serving

17. Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces or serve it whole, depending on your preference. 18. Arrange the pork on a serving platter. 19. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a beautiful presentation and added crunch. 20. Serve the char siu pork with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in a bao bun for a delightful meal.

Storage Tips

21. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 22. To reheat, simply place the pork in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This will help retain the crispy texture. Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Char Siu Pork! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and tender texture.

Conclusion:

In summary, this Air Fryer Char Siu Pork recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking game. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the tender, juicy texture of the pork, makes it a standout dish that will impress your family and friends. Plus, the air fryer makes it incredibly easy and quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing the Char Siu Pork with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. You can also slice it thinly and use it as a filling for bao buns or in a rice noodle salad for a delightful twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different marinades or adding a touch of spice to the glaze for a unique flavor profile. I encourage you to give this Air Fryer Char Siu Pork recipe a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any variations you might have tried. Cooking is all about creativity and making it your own, so don’t hesitate to put your personal spin on it. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see your delicious results!

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