The sweet-savory smell of barbecue pork instantly transports me to my uncle’s backyard grill smoky, nostalgic, and full of flavor. But this time, there’s no open flame, no charcoal, and no cleanup hassle. Just a trusty air fryer. This flavorful Air Fryer Char Siu Pork is going viral on TikTok and Pinterest and it’s easy to see why. It delivers high reward with minimal fuss. A quick marinade, a bit of patience, and you’ll be rewarded with crisp-tender pork with beautifully caramelized edges.
This shortcut recipe holds onto the sticky, spiced essence of traditional Chinese char siu but skips the time-consuming oven roast. A base of hoisin, honey, garlic, and five-spice powder is the backbone of this dish, creating tender, glossy bites that boast bold flavor using common pantry staples. Think pork chops, but with a serious upgrade. For step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, keep reading!
I tested versions in our cozy kitchen using different glazes, temperatures, and timing until it all lined up the right balance of sweet, savory, and char. Slightly smoky and perfectly reddish-golden, this twist on char siu keeps the spirit of tradition alive with a modern air fryer magic that holds its own on Sunday dinner tables. This final recipe isn’t just a gimmickit’s earned a spot in my favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Char Siu Pork
This recipe is a cozy twist on a classicbig on flavor, low on hassle. Perfect for when you want a restaurant-quality dinner without leaving your kitchen.
No oven needed: The air fryer replicates that perfect caramelized exterior in half the time.
Nostalgic flavors: The warm, spiced aroma of char siu is a hug for your senses.
Beginner-friendly: Simple steps, easy-to-find ingredients, and forgiving techniques make this recipe approachable for all levels.
Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs, like gluten-free options or different types of sweeteners for the glaze.
Key Ingredients and Helpful Substitutions
All the magic starts with this short ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need and how to switch it up if needed:
Pork shoulder: Its marbling keeps the meat juicy and tender, but pork butt works just as well.
Hoisin sauce: Rich, sweet, and a pantry staple. Can also be swapped for a gluten-free option.
Shaoxing wine: Adds depth, but don’t stressdry sherry is an easy sub.
Maltose (or honey): Essential for that sticky, glossy char siu glaze. Honey works perfectly as a substitute.
Five spice powder: The hallmark of char siu’s warm earthiness; don’t skip this one!
Pro Tip: If you’re going gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double-check the oyster sauce label for certified gluten-free markings.
Ingredient
Standard
Gluten-Free Option
Oyster Sauce
Regular
Gluten-Free Oyster Sauce
Soy Sauce
Regular Soy Sauce
Tamari
Shaoxing Wine
Chinese Rice Wine
Dry Sherry
How to Make Air Fryer Char Siu Pork: Step-by-Step
If you can mix a marinade and operate an air fryer, you’re golden. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering meal at home:
Mix the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), soy sauce, brown sugar, molasses, minced garlic, Chinese five spice, salt, and a few drops of red food coloring if desired for a traditional look.
Marinate the pork: Slice pork shoulder into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Coat the pork completely in the marinade, place in a sealed container or large zip-top bag, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (overnight recommended).
Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Cook the pork: Arrange pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even caramelization. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Brush with glaze: In the final 2–3 minutes of cooking, brush the pork with additional honey or maltose for added gloss and stickiness.
Step
Timing
Mix marinade
5 minutes
Marinate pork
12 hours (recommended)
Air fry pork
16–18 minutes
Add final glaze
Last 2–3 minutes
Serving and Storage Tips
Once your Air Fryer Char Siu Pork is golden, glossy, and irresistible, follow these tips to enjoy it now or later:
Serve it right: Slice pork thinly across the grain and serve over steamed jasmine rice, with lightly sautéed bok choy or Chinese broccoli on the side.
Leftovers: Use chilled leftovers in fried rice, noodle bowls, or wrap them in bao buns for tasty lunchboxes.
Storage: Let pork cool to room temperature, then store covered in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or you can freeze for up to 2 months.
Storage Method
Duration
Refrigerator (in airtight container)
Up to 4 days
Freezer (wrapped tightly)
Up to 2 months
Pro Tip: To reheat and restore crisp edges, pop chilled pork back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Char Siu Pork
Using an air fryer to make char siu pork achieves that signature caramelized crust while keeping the center juicy. Unlike traditional roasting, the rapid air circulation intensifies the marinade flavor and shaves down cooking time. It’s the modern edge to this classic dishquicker, cleaner, and just as crave-worthy.
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The Journey to Perfecting Air Fryer Char Siu Pork
After many batchessome overly sweet, others missing that signature charI finally honed this Air Fryer Char Siu Pork into a recipe that satisfies both nostalgia and convenience. Tweaking the glaze ingredients, adjusting thickness, and experimenting with air fryer temperatures paid off. The result is tender pork with deep, rich flavor and crisped caramelized edges that rival any takeout.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Char Siu Pork )
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Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Char Siu Pork
This Air Fryer Char Siu Pork turns out tender, glossy, and full of nostalgic charmall in under 30 minutes of hands-on time. It’s an easy, fuss-free way to bring bold homemade flavors to your kitchen without the usual mess or wait.
Try swapping pork shoulder for tenderloin if you want leaner meat, or add a touch of sriracha for a spicy kick. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer, crisping right back upjust like fresh! That little trick is one I picked up from seasoned home cooks who never waste a bite.
If this dish brings back a familiar cozy scent or sparks new family favorites, don’t keep it to yourselfshare your photos or tweaks! What’s your go-to twist on classic pork? Make this your next easy, crowd-pleasing mealyou’ll wanna make it again and again.
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Char Siu Pork: Simple Delicious Recipe
This easy Air Fryer Char Siu Pork recipe yields tender, flavorful BBQ pork with a glossy sticky glaze, perfect for a quick homemade version of the classic Chinese favorite. Gluten-free adaptable for all diets.
Prepare the pork by cutting it into 2” thick strips.
In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sugar, molasses, grated garlic, five spice powder, salt, and optional red food coloring to make the marinade.
Add pork strips to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Remove pork from marinade and shake off excess.
Place pork strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry for 7-8 minutes, then flip the pork pieces.
Brush the glaze (maltose or honey) on the pork.
Air fry for another 7-8 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and has a glossy sticky glaze.
Remove from air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Notes
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the oyster sauce with a gluten-free version, replace Shaoxing wine with dry sherry, and use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also replace maltose with honey for the glaze. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
