Air Fryer Char Siu Recipe

Are you craving the delicious flavors of char siu but don’t want to spend hours marinating and roasting? Look no further than this easy and mouthwatering Air Fryer Char Siu recipe. With the help of your trusty air fryer, you can enjoy this classic Chinese dish in no time.

What is Char Siu?

Char siu, also known as Chinese barbecued pork, is a popular dish that originated in Cantonese cuisine. It is typically made by marinating pork in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasting it until it has a caramelized glaze and tender texture. The result is a flavorful and succulent meat that is often used in dishes like char siu bao (steamed buns) or served over rice.

The Air Fryer Advantage

The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking char siu. Not only does it cut down on cooking time, but it also allows the pork to cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior. The hot circulating air in the air fryer mimics the effect of a traditional oven or grill, giving you that perfect char siu texture without the need for a large outdoor grill or a long roasting process.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pork tenderloin or pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for that classic char siu color)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, five-spice powder, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red food coloring (if using).
2. Cut the pork tenderloin or pork shoulder into long, thin strips, about 1 inch wide.
3. Place the pork strips in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl, and pour the marinade over the meat. Make sure the meat is well coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Remove the pork strips from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
6. Place the pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
7. Cook the pork in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pork is cooked through and has a caramelized glaze.
8. Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
9. Serve the air fryer char siu over steamed rice, in char siu bao, or enjoy it on its own as a flavorful protein option.

With this air fryer char siu recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of this classic Chinese dish without the hassle of a long cooking process. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time while still delivering that delicious caramelized glaze and tender texture. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade char siu!