Char Siu Pork Air Fryer Recipe

1. Classic Char Siu Pork

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, trimmed and sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Pork:
   • In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring (if using). (Tip: Adjust the amount of honey and sugar for desired sweetness.)
   • Add pork strips and coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Preheat Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
3. Cook:
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. (Tip: This prevents the pork from sticking and makes cleanup easier.)
   • Place the marinated pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (Tip: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.)
   • Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning the pork halfway through. (Tip: Check for caramelization and a slight char.)
4. Serve:
   • Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, trimmed and sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Pork:
   • In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha or chili paste. (Tip: Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level.)
   • Add pork strips and coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
3. Cook:
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. (Tip: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning easier.)
   • Arrange the marinated pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (Tip: Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.)
   • Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. (Tip: Look for a crispy exterior and tender interior.)
4. Serve:
   • Allow the pork to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite Asian-style sides.

3. Honey-Garlic Char Siu Pork

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, trimmed and sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Pork:
   • In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger. (Tip: Double the garlic for a more pronounced flavor.)
   • Coat the pork strips in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
3. Cook:
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. (Tip: This helps prevent sticking and aids in cleanup.)
   • Place the marinated pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (Tip: Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.)
   • Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. (Tip: Ensure the pork is well caramelized and has a slight char.)
4. Serve:
   • Let the pork rest before slicing. Serve with a side of rice, vegetables, or even in a sandwich.

Additional Tips:

• Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the pork overnight.
• Texture: For a more tender result, use pork shoulder, but tenderloin will also work if you prefer a leaner option.
• Cooking in Batches: If you have a lot of pork, cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.