Why Make This Recipe
Air Fried Char Siu is a delicious twist on the classic Chinese BBQ pork. It’s a healthier option because it’s made in an air fryer, using less oil while still delivering on flavor. The sweet and savory marinade gives an incredible taste, making it a perfect dish for any meal. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home.
How to Make Air Fried Char Siu
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder or belly
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Sugar
- Chinese five-spice powder
- Rice vinegar
- Honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
Directions
- Slice the pork into long strips.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, rice vinegar, honey, crushed garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
- Marinate the pork strips for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the marinated pork strips in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and nicely glazed.
- Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
How to Serve Air Fried Char Siu
Serve Air Fried Char Siu with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables. You can also pair it with a side of pickled cucumbers or a light salad for extra crunch. For added flavor, drizzle some extra hoisin sauce on top.
How to Store Air Fried Char Siu
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
Tips to Make Air Fried Char Siu
- For the best flavor, marinate the pork overnight.
- Cut the pork into even strips for uniform cooking.
- If you like a smoky flavor, you can use smoked soy sauce.
Variation
You can use chicken or tofu instead of pork for a different twist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will cook faster and tofu may require less marinating time.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen pork?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it completely before marinating for optimal flavor.
2. Is an air fryer necessary for this recipe?
While an air fryer gives it a nice crispy finish, you can also bake it in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
3. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add some chili flakes or Sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Air Fried Char Siu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine hoisin, honey, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, white pepper, and red food coloring (if using). Whisk until well combined to create the marinade.
- Cut the pork into long strips, about 1.5-2 inches thick, then place them in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, turning occasionally; reserve about 1 tablespoon of the marinade for basting.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the marinated pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd, and cook for 10-12 minutes before flipping.
- In a small bowl, mix the reserved marinade with 1 tablespoon of honey, then brush this glaze onto the pork and continue to air fry for another 8-10 minutes, flipping once and basting again until caramelized and cooked through.
- Remove the char siu from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, then serve warm with rice or noodles.