If you’ve ever wanted to bring the vibrant flavors of Chinese BBQ pork right into your kitchen with minimal fuss, this Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. The marriage of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices combined with the ease of air frying results in tender, beautifully caramelized pork that tastes like it’s been slow-roasting for hours. Whether you’re a longtime fan of char siu or trying it for the first time, this recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe plays an essential role in building its signature flavor and irresistible texture. The combination is simple, thoughtful, and easily accessible, so you can prepare this dish without running all over town.
- Pork shoulder or pork butt (1.5 pounds, cut into long strips): The ideal cut for juiciness and flavor absorption in char siu.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a sweet and slightly tangy base that defines much of the sauce’s charm.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings natural sweetness and helps create that glossy finish when cooked.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Balances sweetness with savory saltiness for depth.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances umami richness, giving the pork that savory punch.
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (1 tablespoon): Adds complexity and a subtle aromatic quality.
- Five-spice powder (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that gives char siu its signature warm, slightly exotic spice.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic infuses brightness and sharpness to the marinade.
- Red food coloring (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Traditionally used to give char siu its iconic red hue.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds an additional layer of caramelized sweetness once cooked.
How to Make Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, red food coloring if you choose to use it, and brown sugar. This marinade is where all the magic begins, marrying sweet, savory, and aromatic elements that will soak deep into the pork.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork
Add the long pork strips into the bowl and toss them thoroughly until every piece is generously coated in the vibrant marinade. Cover the bowl and let the pork soak up all those delicious flavors in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or better yet, overnight. This extended marinating time is key for tender, deeply flavorful meat.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking and ensure that golden char forms on the pork pieces as they cook.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pork
Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess drip off to avoid sogginess. Arrange the strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each piece to ensure even cooking and browning. Air fry for another 8 to 10 minutes until the pork is cooked through and beautifully charred at the edges.
Step 5: Add the Final Glaze
For that signature shiny glaze, brush the pork with some extra honey during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This step transforms the char siu by adding a glossy finish and an inviting sweet aroma.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Let the pork rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This resting stage allows the juices to settle, so when you slice it up, each bite stays moist and tender—ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Garnishes
A refreshing handful of chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top of the sliced pork adds texture and a burst of color, complementing the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This char siu pairs wonderfully with fragrant jasmine rice or chewy noodles, making a complete, satisfying meal. Adding steamed bok choy, gai lan, or sautéed Chinese broccoli introduces a crisp, verdant contrast that balances the pork’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your air fried char siu in bao buns with pickled cucumber and a drizzle of chili mayo to give it a contemporary twist. You could also chop it up and toss it through fried rice or wrap it in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs for a light, flavorful bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover air fried char siu keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pork tends to deepen in flavor as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, wrap the pork tightly or store it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven to revive that crisp exterior—just warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Microwave reheating is also fine but won’t keep the same tempting charred edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! Pork shoulder or pork butt is preferred for juiciness, but pork tenderloin can work if you want a leaner option, though it won’t be as rich or fatty.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
No, the red food coloring is optional and purely for traditional appearance. It won’t affect the flavor, so feel free to skip it if preferred.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake this char siu in a high-temperature oven at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack for a similar effect, although the cooking time will be longer and the texture slightly different.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely. The marinade can be prepared a day in advance to save time. Just whisk it all together and store in the fridge until ready to use.
How long should I marinate the pork?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the pork for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. Shorter times will still work in a pinch but won’t develop quite as deep a taste.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe is like unlocking a little culinary treasure in your own kitchen. It’s wonderfully straightforward, bursting with flavor, and rewarding every step of the way. So grab your air fryer, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to discover a new favorite dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 8+ hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes active cooking (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Air Fried Char Siu recipe delivers the classic flavors of Chinese BBQ pork with a healthier twist using an air fryer. Tender pork shoulder strips are marinated overnight in a flavorful mixture of hoisin, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and aromatic five-spice powder, then air fried to perfection for a juicy, slightly charred finish.
Ingredients
Pork and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into long strips
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional for traditional color)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, optional red food coloring, and brown sugar until nicely combined.
- Marinate the Pork: Add the pork strips to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Pork: Remove pork from marinade, letting excess drip off, then place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the pork pieces and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, until cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Optional Glaze: For a glossy finish, brush the pork with extra honey during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Let the char siu rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve over steamed rice or noodles with vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor and tenderness, marinate the pork overnight rather than for just 8 hours.
- Red food coloring is optional but gives the char siu its classic vibrant red hue.
- Serve char siu with steamed greens or in fried rice for a delicious Cantonese-inspired meal.
- Use pork shoulder or butt for the best juicy texture; leaner cuts might dry out during air frying.
