If you’ve ever craved that irresistible, glossy, and tender Chinese BBQ pork but wanted an easier, quicker way to achieve it at home, then you are going to absolutely love this Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe. This dish elevates traditional flavors with the magic of the air fryer, giving you that perfect balance of smoky-sweet char and juicy meat without the need for an outdoor grill or complicated equipment. It’s a beautiful marriage of bold spices, honeyed glaze, and rich pork shoulder that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting adventurous in the kitchen, this recipe promises a mouthwatering experience packed with flavor and minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward nailing this dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tender pork shoulder that stays juicy to the fragrant five-spice powder that lends that unmistakable Chinese BBQ aroma. The sauces and seasoning blend together to create a luscious marinade that clings deliciously to every strip of pork.
- 1 ½ pounds pork shoulder or pork butt: thick strips ensure juicy, tender meat that caramelizes beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: adds sweetness and depth with its rich, slightly tangy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: brings natural sweetness and helps create that gorgeous glaze during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: gives salty umami richness that enhances overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: contributes a savory, slightly briny boost essential for authentic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): adds subtle fruity complexity and tenderizes meat.
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder: the aromatic heart of the dish, delivering warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: infuses a nutty fragrance and rounds out the seasoning.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): brings sharpness and layers of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional): provides the classic red tint for that traditional appearance.
- 1 tablespoon honey mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water: used for basting to keep the pork shiny and caramelized.
How to Make Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade and pork
Start by combining the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red food coloring in a large bowl. Whisk these together until you have a smooth, vibrant marinade. Add your pork shoulder strips and make sure each piece is thoroughly coated with this flavor-packed mixture. Cover the bowl and let it chill in your fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. This slow soak really lets the pork soak up all the delicious seasoning, resulting in a richly flavored char siu.
Step 2: Preheat and arrange pork in the air fryer
About 5 minutes before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pork starts cooking immediately and evenly. Take the marinated pork strips out of the fridge and place them carefully in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid crowding so each piece can cook perfectly with that iconic slightly charred edge we all adore.
Step 3: Air fry and baste
Cook the pork for 10 minutes initially, then flip the strips and give them a generous brush with the honey-water mixture. This basting step is key to creating that shiny, caramelized finish and adds extra sweetness that balances the savory notes. Continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes until the pork is cooked through and edges are beautifully charred. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s perfectly safe and juicy.
Step 4: Rest and slice
Once cooked, remove the pork and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and moist. After resting, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces depending on what dish you plan to serve it with.
How to Serve Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add bursts of fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over your sliced char siu. A light drizzle of extra hoisin or a dash of chili oil can also complement the sweet-savory profile wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for soaking up those juices. Stir-fried noodles or steamed bok choy add crunch and balance the richness of the pork. For a low-carb option, crisp roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad works great.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little creative, try stuffing the char siu into fluffy bao buns with pickled vegetables and a dab of spicy mayo for a fun twist. Alternatively, dice leftovers into fried rice for an easy and flavorful meal the next day. You could even serve it sliced on top of a crunchy Asian slaw for a light lunch option full of texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it separately from sides if you want to keep flavors fresh and reheat more evenly.
Freezing
This pork freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking. Wrap the cooled pork tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the char siu in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges again. You can also microwave, but it may lose some of its lovely crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, while pork shoulder is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness, pork butt or even pork loin can be used. Just be aware loin is leaner and can dry out more quickly, so monitor cooking time carefully.
Do I have to use red food coloring?
No, the red food coloring is optional and mainly for the classic Char Siu appearance. It doesn’t affect the flavor, so you can skip it if you prefer a more natural look.
Can I marinate the pork for less time?
Marinating for at least 8 hours or overnight is best for flavor infusion. However, if you’re short on time, even 2-4 hours can work, though the taste won’t be as deep.
My air fryer is small; can I cook in batches?
Absolutely! It’s better to cook in single layers to ensure even air circulation and proper caramelization. Just keep cooked batches warm while finishing the rest.
Can I broil the pork instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can broil the pork on high for a few minutes on each side to achieve a charred finish, but the air fryer makes it easier and cleaner while still delivering fantastic results.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe is truly a game-changer – it’s straightforward, full of authentic flavor, and perfect for anyone craving that beloved Chinese BBQ experience at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy those tender, sticky, slightly charred pieces that are as good as any restaurant. Once you make it, this will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Happy cooking!
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Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 8 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Air Fried Char Siu is a delicious Chinese BBQ pork recipe featuring marinated pork shoulder cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The pork is tender, juicy, and slightly charred, infused with classic flavors from hoisin sauce, five-spice powder, and a honey glaze. Ideal for a quick yet authentic meal, it’s perfect served with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Pork and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into long strips about 2 inches thick
- 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) until well combined.
- Marinate the Pork: Add the pork strips to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Pork: Remove the pork from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place the strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Baset: Flip the pork strips over and baste them with the honey-water mixture to add glaze and sweetness. Continue air frying for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until pork is cooked through and edges are slightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the cooked char siu rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve hot alongside rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Pork shoulder is preferred for its marbling, which keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- If you desire more charred edges, you can broil the pork for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
- Leftover char siu makes a fantastic filling for bao buns or a flavorful addition to fried rice dishes.
