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
Scale
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.
