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If you’ve ever craved that irresistible sticky-sweet, smoky flavor of traditional Chinese BBQ pork but wished it could be made easier and quicker at home, you’re in for a treat with this Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe. This version captures all the classic tastes and vibrant hues of char siu, using the magic of an air fryer to create tender, caramelized pork strips that are juicy on the inside and perfectly charred on the outside. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with authentic flavors, this recipe is a total game-changer that turns a beloved classic into a fuss-free, mouthwatering feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each bring their own burst of flavor and texture. These pantry staples combine harmoniously to deliver that unmistakable BBQ sweetness, savory depth, and aromatic charm that make char siu so unforgettable.
- 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin or pork shoulder: Choose tenderloin for leanness or shoulder for a juicier, more succulent bite.
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy base that’s essential to char siu’s signature flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings a salty umami punch and deepens the marinade’s complexity.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps to create that glossy, caramelized finish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances richness with its savory and slightly briny notes.
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry: Lends a subtle warmth and depth to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Boosts sweetness while supporting a luscious caramelization during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder: Infuses the pork with aromatic layers of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty accent that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fresh, pungent kick that balances the sweeter elements.
- Red food coloring (optional): For that classic bright red hue seen in restaurants, though purely aesthetic.
How to Make Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Pork
Start by trimming your pork and cutting it into long strips about 2 inches thick. This size ensures a nice balance of tender interior and caramelized exterior once cooked. Next, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a splash of food coloring if you want that traditional look. Coat the pork strips thoroughly in this fragrant marinade, cover, and let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better for those flavors to really soak in.
Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating is key to giving your char siu that quick sear and caramelized effect right from the start, locking in juices and flavor. A hot air fryer creates the perfect environment for that golden, slightly crispy crust characteristic of great BBQ pork.
Step 3: Air Fry the Pork
Remove the marinated pork from the fridge and place the strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, then turn each piece over. Don’t forget to brush on some extra marinade to keep the pork moist and flavorful as it cooks. Continue air frying for another 8 to 12 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is caramelized and slightly charred at the edges.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Allow your char siu to rest for 5 minutes once it’s cooked through. Resting helps the juices redistribute so every bite is juicy and tender. Slice against the grain into thin pieces, ready to serve.
How to Serve Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Garnishes
A good char siu doesn’t need heavy garnishing, but a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds or finely chopped scallions adds just the right fresh crunch and burst of color. Thinly sliced cucumbers on the side offer a crisp contrast that balances the rich, sticky pork.
Side Dishes
This Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice, soaking up all those luscious juices. Stir-fried bok choy or garlic green beans are perfect veggie companions to keep your meal light yet flavorful, completing a classic and satisfying Chinese-inspired dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the sliced char siu over a bed of cold noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce for a refreshing twist. Or slide the slices into bao buns with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of spicy mayo for an irresistible street-food style snack that’s sure to wow anyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover char siu in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The pork retains its flavor well, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks straight from the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to make this Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Place cooked, cooled pork strips in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the char siu in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes to warm through and regain some crispiness on the edges. Alternatively, a quick microwave zap wrapped in a damp paper towel works for a faster option, though it won’t have the same texture as fresh.
FAQs
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
Pork tenderloin is lean and cooks quickly, making it a great choice for a lighter char siu. Pork shoulder has more fat, which renders down during cooking, giving you a juicier, richer result. Both work wonderfully depending on your texture preference.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can roast the pork strips in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Broiling at the end can mimic the caramelized edges you get from an air fryer.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
Not at all! The red food coloring is purely for achieving that classic bright red appearance of restaurant-style char siu. The flavors are just as delicious without it, so feel free to skip it if you prefer.
How long should I marinate the pork?
For best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This gives the pork ample time to absorb the sweet, savory, and aromatic marinade components fully.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes! This marinade is fantastic on chicken thighs, beef strips, or even tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat or protein cooks through properly.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe is truly a celebration of flavor and convenience that makes whipping up authentic Chinese BBQ at home a joyous and rewarding experience. The tender, juicy pork combined with the sticky, flavorful glaze will quickly become a household favorite. Don’t hesitate to try it out — your taste buds will thank you!
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Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Air Fried Char Siu recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional Chinese BBQ pork by using an air fryer to achieve a perfectly caramelized, juicy, and flavorful pork with less oil and fuss. Marinated in a blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices like five-spice powder, the pork is air fried to tender perfection, making it a quick and easy main course ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, trimmed
Marinade
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork into long strips about 2 inches thick to ensure even cooking and good exposure to the marinade.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, brown sugar, five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red food coloring if using, until well combined.
- Marinate the Pork: Add the pork strips into the marinade and coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the pork strips evenly.
- Air Fry Pork – First Side: Remove the pork from the marinade, shaking off excess, and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes to begin cooking and caramelizing the surface.
- Flip and Glaze: Turn the pork strips over carefully, brush them with some of the remaining marinade to enhance flavor and moisture, then continue air frying for another 8 to 12 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is nicely caramelized.
- Rest the Meat: Once cooked, let the pork rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing, which ensures a tender and juicy bite.
Notes
- For an extra glossy glaze, simmer the leftover marinade in a small saucepan until thickened and brush it on the pork before serving.
- Using pork shoulder results in juicier meat, while pork tenderloin offers a leaner alternative.
- Ensure the pork strips are cut evenly to guarantee consistent cooking.
- Air fryer cooking times may vary depending on device; check doneness with a meat thermometer.
