Have you ever opened your fridge, only to find ingredients staring back at you, begging for transformation? That was me last week, when a few simple items turned into a delectable journey of flavors. Enter my Air Fried Char Siu, a dish that not only awakened my senses but also highlighted how easy and rewarding home cooking can be. The combination of tender pork marinated in a zesty mix of fermented red soybean curd, hoisin sauce, and five-spice powder fills the air with a sweet and savory aroma that has become a household favorite.
Not only is this recipe a delicious way to shake off fast food fatigue, but it’s also an impressive dish to serve at your next gathering, making you the star of the show! The best part? With only 15 minutes of active prep time and the air fryer doing most of the heavy lifting, this meal is as approachable as it is mouthwatering. So, if you’re ready to discover just how easy it is to create restaurant-quality char siu at home, let’s dive in!
Why is Air Fried Char Siu a Must-Try?
Flavor Explosion: The rich marination with fermented red soybean curd and sweet hoisin creates a delightful balance of taste.
Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of hands-on work, it’s perfect for busy schedules.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your friends and family with this gorgeous and flavorful dish at your next gathering!
Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer keeps it crispy without the excess oil, making it a healthier version of a classic favorite.
Versatile Serving: Whether served as a main dish or in a delightful bao, the possibilities are endless.
Make-Ahead Marvel: The marinated pork can be prepped in advance, making meal prep a breeze! For more easy-to-make recipes, check out my collection of quick dinner ideas.
Air Fried Char Siu Ingredients
Unlock the secrets to mouthwatering goodness with these ingredients!
For the Marinade
• Pork shoulder – 3 lbs, trimmed and cut into thick strips for that juicy, tender bite.
• Fermented red soybean curd (nam yee) – 2 cubes, this adds a unique depth of flavor to your air fried char siu.
• Shao Hsing rice wine – 2 tbsp, enhances the authenticity of Chinese flavor profiles.
• Dark soy sauce – 1 tsp, contributes a rich color and slight sweetness.
• Maltose or honey – 4 tbsp, provides a glossy finish and sweetness to balance the savory notes.
• Hoisin sauce – 4 tbsp, introduces a delightful spice and umami depth.
• Sesame oil – 1 tsp, for that aromatic finish that complements the dish beautifully.
• Five-spice powder – 1 tsp, a fragrant blend that elevates your air fried char siu experience.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for a punch of flavor that’s hard to resist!
For the Glaze
• Maltose or honey – 2 tbsp, this adds sweetness and shine to finish your dish.
• Hoisin sauce – 1 tbsp, a touch for retaining that impactful flavor in each bite.
• Sesame oil – 1 tsp, enriches the glaze with a nutty aroma.
• Water – 1 to 2 tbsp, to adjust the consistency of the glaze for perfect application.
Get ready to elevate your home cooking with these essential ingredients for your air fried char siu!
How to Make Air Fried Char Siu
-
Prepare the Pork: Trim off excessive fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 2-inch thick strips. Place in a large bowl, ready to soak up all that delicious marinade.
-
Mash the Curds: Take the fermented red soybean curd and mash it in a bowl or measuring cup with a spoon until it’s nice and smooth. This forms the base of your flavorful marinade.
-
Mix the Marinade: Add Shao Hsing rice wine, dark soy sauce, maltose, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, and minced garlic to the mashed soybean curd. Stir vigorously until maltose melts and all ingredients blend into a vibrant mixture.
-
Marinate the Pork: Pour the marinade over the pork in the bowl and stir well to coat the pork strips thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 48 hours to let those flavors meld perfectly.
-
Remove from Fridge: Take the marinated pork strips out of the refrigerator. Remember to reserve the remaining marinade for later use.
-
Make the Glaze: In a bowl, combine all glaze ingredients—maltose, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and water. Stir vigorously until everything is well mixed and ready to shine on the pork.
-
Prepare the Air Fryer: Line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil, which will help keep things tidy during cooking. Set it aside for now.
-
Preheat the Air Fryer: Place the air fryer basket (without aluminum foil) in the unit. Close the hood and set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 24 minutes to preheat it perfectly.
-
Arrange the Pork: Once preheated, open the hood and place aluminum foil in the basket. Arrange the marinated pork strips on the aluminum foil, making sure they have enough space for even cooking.
-
Initial Cooking: Close the hood and cook the pork strips for 8 minutes. Your kitchen will soon be filled with irresistible aromas!
-
Flip the Pork: After 8 minutes, open the hood and flip the pork strips over. Close the hood and continue cooking for another 8 minutes, ensuring a thorough cook.
-
Glaze the Pork: Open the hood and brush the prepared glaze generously on top and sides of the pork strips. Close the hood and let it cook for another 4 minutes, letting that glaze caramelize beautifully.
-
Final Flip and Glaze: After 4 minutes, open the hood and flip the pork strips again. Brush the remaining glaze on top. Close the hood and continue cooking for another 4 minutes to finish with a glossy shine.
-
Check Doneness: Ensure the thickest part of the pork strips registers 145°F/63°C. Remove the char siu from the air fryer and let it rest on a tray covered with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
-
Prepare the Sauce: Strain the reserved marinade into a saucepan, adding any leftover glaze and ¼ cup (60ml) water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, boiling until the sauce thickens and becomes syrupy, about 10 minutes. Turn off the stove.
-
Serve with Love: Slice the char siu into thin, tender pieces and arrange them beautifully on a plate. Pour some of the delicious sauce over the sliced char siu to serve and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Optional: Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Air Fried Char Siu?
Cooking up a storm in your kitchen has never been this enticing, and it only gets better with the right sides.
- Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The light and fragrant nature of jasmine rice perfectly balances the rich flavors of char siu, making each bite a delight.
- Crispy Stir-Fried Vegetables: A medley of colorful, crunchy veggies adds freshness and texture to your meal, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor.
- Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: This cool, tangy salad contrasts the sweet char siu beautifully, providing a refreshing touch that lifts the palate.
- Savory Bao Buns: Soft and pillowy bao buns are perfect for wrapping around slices of char siu, creating a satisfying handheld treat that bursts with flavor.
- Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles: For those who crave a kick, noodles tossed in a spicy chili garlic sauce add a vibrant punch to accompany your char siu.
- Fruity Lychee Martini: Enjoy a refreshing lychee martini alongside the rich pork. Its sweet and floral notes elevate your dining experience to a whole new level!
- Mango Sticky Rice: This delightful Thai dessert combines the sweetness of ripe mango with creamy coconut sticky rice, making for a lovely finish to your meal.
- Sesame Garlic Green Beans: Tender green beans tossed in sesame oil and garlic bring a delightful crunch, complementing the char siu’s smoky sweetness perfectly.
With these delicious pairings, your Air Fried Char Siu becomes the star of a memorable meal!
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fried Char Siu are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time in the kitchen! You can marinate the pork shoulder up to 48 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply for that mouthwatering taste we all love. Simply follow the marinade instructions, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. You can also prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just give it a good stir before using. When you’re ready to cook, simply preheat the air fryer, arrange the marinated pork, and glaze away! This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal last-minute effort.
Expert Tips for Air Fried Char Siu
Marination Magic: Start marinating your pork at least 48 hours in advance for the best flavor absorption. Don’t rush this; it’s worth the wait!
Perfect Glaze: Ensure your glaze is thick enough to cling to the pork—adjust with water gradually to avoid it becoming too runny.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the pork reaches 145°F/63°C. This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked air fried char siu without guesswork.
Avoid Overcrowding: When placing pork strips in the air fryer, make sure not to crowd them. Allowing space ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
Resting Is Key: Always let your cooked pork rest covered in aluminum foil. This prevents it from drying out and locks in flavors for a tender bite.
Sauce Perfection: Strain your reserved marinade for a smooth sauce, enhancing the presentation and flavor when serving your air fried char siu.
How to Store and Freeze Air Fried Char Siu
Refrigerator: Keep any leftover air fried char siu in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps retain its flavorful marinade and tenderness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the char siu in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it for easy identification!
Reheating: To enjoy your char siu again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes for that delicious crispy exterior.
Sauce Storage: Store any reserved sauce in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring it’s in a sealed container to prevent spoilage.
Air Fried Char Siu Variations
Customize your char siu experience with these delightful twists that will make every bite an adventure.
- Dairy-Free: Replace maltose with agave syrup for a sweet, vegan-friendly alternative that maintains the flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or chili paste to the marinade to bring a fiery heat that complements the savory sauce.
- Fruit Infusion: Mix in chopped pineapple or mango into the glaze for a fruity twist that balances sweetness with the savory pork.
- Smoke & Spice: Incorporate smoked paprika into the marinade for an unexpected depth of flavor that adds a touch of BBQ flair.
- Nutty Flavor: Swap sesame oil with peanut oil for a richer, nutty finish that enhances the overall taste experience.
This is just the right opportunity to explore new flavor profiles and textures that intrigue your palate! These variations not only keep things interesting for you but also ensure a char siu everyone will rave about.
- Herbaceous Delight: Toss in fresh cilantro or basil into the glaze. This infusion of herbs adds freshness, turning every bite into a delightful experience!
Air Fried Char Siu Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my pork shoulder is ripe for marinating?
Absolutely! When choosing pork shoulder, look for a piece that is bright pink to pale red, with even marbling of fat. Avoid any cuts with dark spots or excessive liquid, as these could indicate spoilage.
What’s the best way to store leftover Air Fried Char Siu?
Very! Store any leftover char siu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re storing it for longer, freeze it—just make sure to place it in a freezer bag or airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture!
Can I freeze Air Fried Char Siu? If so, how?
Certainly! To freeze, allow the cooked char siu to cool to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label it with the date, and place it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months! When ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for that crispy finish.
What if my char siu is not cooking evenly?
A common issue is overcrowding your air fryer basket. Make sure your pork strips have space between them for even air circulation. If they’re still not cooking evenly, try flipping them halfway through the cooking time to promote uniform cooking and browning.
Are there any dietary considerations for Air Fried Char Siu?
Absolutely! This recipe uses ingredients like Shao Hsing rice wine and fermented red soybean curd. If you’re avoiding alcohol, substitute the rice wine with apple cider or white grape juice. Additionally, check the labels for any allergies related to soy or gluten in sauces like hoisin or soy sauce. As always, adjust ingredients based on your dietary needs!
How long should I let my Air Fried Char Siu rest before serving?
I often recommend allowing your char siu to rest covered in aluminum foil for about 10 minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.
Savory Air Fried Char Siu that Elevates Your Home Cooking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Trim off excessive fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 2-inch thick strips. Place in a large bowl.
- Mash the fermented red soybean curd until smooth for the marinade.
- Mix marinade ingredients in the bowl with the mashed soybean curd and stir vigorously.
- Pour the marinade over the pork and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 48 hours.
- Take the marinated pork out of the refrigerator, reserving the marinade.
- Combine the glaze ingredients in a bowl and stir until mixed.
- Line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 24 minutes.
- Arrange the marinated pork strips on the foil in the air fryer.
- Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8 minutes.
- Brush the glaze on the pork and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
- Flip again, brush with remaining glaze, and cook for another 4 minutes.
- Check doneness; remove from air fryer and let rest covered with foil.
- Strain the reserved marinade into a saucepan, add water, and boil until thick.
- Slice the char siu and pour the sauce over before serving.