The moment I smelled that sweet, smoky glaze bubbling in the air fryer, I was back at Grandma’s table sneaking extra bites straight off the cutting board. Air Fryer Char Siu Pork is all over TikTok right now and yep, it lives up to the hype. This easy recipe is surprisingly low-effort (prep under 15 minutes!) and tastes like you spent all day babysitting the grill.
This is that sticky, caramelized pork you dream about. Rich with hoisin, soy, honey, and five-spice but without the grocery store scavenger hunt. It comes together with mostly pantry staples and no weird steps. Full details in the blog!
Grew up watching my uncle roast this over coals, but let’s be honest we’re team air fryer now. After a dozen tests (and a few crispy fails), this version’s got it all. Charred edges. Juicy middle. I even snuck in a tip for no overnight marinating!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Char Siu Pork
No-Fuss Prep: Mix, marinate, and let your air fryer do the work. No grills or babysitting required.
Classic Flavors: The sticky-sweet glaze, balanced with five-spice and soy, tastes just like the char siu from a Chinese BBQ spot.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this pork is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Flexible Options: Gluten-free swaps and no food coloring? Totally doable!
The Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe keeps it simple but flavorful. Here’s what brings the magic:
Ingredient
Purpose
Pork Shoulder or Butt
The starmarbled and juicy, perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
Hoisin & Oyster Sauce
Umami-packed base for depth and sweetness.
Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry)
For richness and a hint of complexityjust leave it out for a non-alcoholic version.
Molasses & Sugar
Key to that caramelized charred glaze.
Five-Spice Powder
The signature warm, slightly smoky flavor that defines char siu.
Maltose or Honey
For that glossy glaze we adore.
Pro Tip: Want this gluten-free? Swap regular soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free oyster sauce.
Step-By-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Char Siu Pork
It’s simpler than you think! Here’s how to bring your char siu cravings to life:
Marinate: In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients. Coat the pork strips thoroughly and let it sit in the fridge for 12 hours (or overnight for best results). Shortcut: Pressed for time? Even a quick 1-2 hour soak works wonders.
Preheat: Turn your air fryer to 400°F for about 2 minutes while letting the pork come to room temperature.
Cook: Place the pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly charred and caramelized.
Glaze: Brush the pork with a mix of maltose (or honey) and a spoonful of the marinade. Air fry for 1-2 extra minutes to set the glaze.
Pro Tip: Insert a meat thermometer to check for an internal temp of 145°F for perfect doneness.
Troubleshooting & Tweaks
Pork Too Dry? Make sure you’re cutting 2” stripsnot thinner. Thinner pieces dry out faster in the air fryer.
No Char? Brush on extra glaze and crank up the air fryer to 420°F for the final 1-2 minutes.
Too Sweet? Reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons in the marinade if you prefer a milder glaze.
Pro Tip: Red food coloring is totally optional. Skip it and the pork will still be just as tastyno judgment here!
Storage & Reheating Tips
This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.
Storage Method
Details
Fridge
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked pork in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to revive that fresh-cooked flavor!
Pro Tip: Slice leftovers thinly and use them in stir-fries, fried rice, or even sandwiches!
Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Char Siu Pork
Achieving the perfect balance of savory sweetness in Air Fryer Char Siu Pork relies on precise temperature control and marination time. The air fryer’s circulating hot air crisps the exterior while retaining the pork’s juicy tenderness, making it a smart, time-efficient method for authentic flavor and texture.
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Perfecting My Air Fryer Char Siu Pork
This air fryer char siu pork recipe didn’t come together overnight. After a few attemptsone where the marinade was too sweet and another where the pork got a little too crispyI finally got the balance just right. Today’s version is a product of all those trial-and-error moments and tasting sessions with the family.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Char Siu Pork )
How long does it take to make air fryer char siu pork?
Air fryer char siu pork typically takes about 20-25 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness of your pork pieces. You’ll want to marinate the pork for at least 2 hours beforehand (or overnight for best results) to get that authentic sweet and savory flavor. The air fryer cuts down cooking time significantly compared to traditional oven methods, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Don’t forget to flip the pork halfway through cooking for even caramelization!
What cut of pork works best for air fryer char siu?
Pork shoulder or pork butt are the traditional choices for char siu because they have enough fat content to stay juicy during cooking. Pork tenderloin also works wonderfully in the air fryer and cooks faster, though it’s a bit leaner. For budget-friendly options, pork chops or even thick-cut pork steaks can work great too. The key is choosing cuts that are at least 1-inch thick so they don’t dry out in the air fryer’s intense heat.
Can I make char siu sauce at home for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade char siu sauce is surprisingly easy and tastes amazing. You’ll need hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine or sherry, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder as your base ingredients. Some recipes add red food coloring for that signature reddish hue, but it’s totally optional. Mix everything together and you’ve got a sauce that’s way more flavorful than most store-bought versions. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your personal taste!
Should I preheat my air fryer for char siu pork?
Yes, preheating your air fryer to 380°F for about 3-5 minutes before adding the pork is definitely recommended. This ensures the pork starts cooking immediately and helps create that beautiful caramelized exterior that char siu is famous for. Preheating also helps cook the pork more evenly throughout. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just run it empty at your cooking temperature for a few minutes. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result!
How do I know when my air fryer char siu pork is done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer – pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption. Visually, the outside should be beautifully caramelized and slightly charred in spots, with a gorgeous glossy finish from the sauce. The pork should feel firm but not hard when you press it gently with tongs. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece to check that it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Char Siu Pork Adventure
Air Fryer Char Siu Pork delivers that perfect balance of sticky-sweet glaze and tender, juicy porkall with less fuss and way less babysitting than the grill. You’ll love how fast it comes together and how much flavor fills your kitchen.
Feel free to swap honey for maltose or add a pinch of chili for a little kick. Leftovers reheat like a charm, and slicing thin means extra tasty stir-fries or sammies next day. (A trick a pro once shared with me!)
Give it a go, snap some pics, and tell me how your kitchen adventure went. Did this recipe spark any family memories or inspire a new favorite? Don’t be shyshare the love and keep cozy cooking alive!
An easy air fryer char siu pork recipe that quickly creates flavorful BBQ pork with a glossy sticky glaze, just like from a restaurant. Gluten-free adaptable for versatile cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs pork shoulder cut into 2” 5 cm thick strips or pork butt
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
1 clove garlic grated or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon five spice powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
10 to 20 drops red food coloring Optional
3 tablespoons maltose or honey
Instructions
Prepare the pork shoulder by cutting it into 2-inch thick strips.
In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, soy sauce, sugar, molasses, grated garlic or garlic powder, five spice powder, salt, and optional red food coloring to make the marinade.
Marinate the pork strips in the mixture and refrigerate for 12 hours.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Place the marinated pork strips in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
Cook pork for 8 minutes, turn the pieces over, brush with maltose or honey glaze, then cook for another 8 minutes or until cooked through and glossy.
Remove from air fryer and let rest before serving.
Notes
To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten free oyster sauce
Replace Shaoxing wine with dry sherry, and tamari to replace soy sauce
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
