If you’ve ever wished for the sweet-salty magic of classic Chinese BBQ pork at home — but without firing up the oven or smoker — Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) is your new go-to. Every bite is sticky with honey glaze, fragrant with five-spice, and edged with irresistible caramelization, all achieved right in the air fryer! This easy version delivers those restaurant-worthy flavors with hardly any fuss, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your favorite people. Get ready to fall in love with this dish that’s just as satisfying as it is simple to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) truly shines through in its ingredient list: each element adds layers of flavor, color, and tenderness that define the dish. Stock up on these pantry classics and watch as they transform pork into something sensational.
- Pork shoulder or pork butt: Choose well-marbled cuts for tender, juicy results—it’s the secret to melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Hoisin sauce: This sweet, savory sauce is the backbone of that signature char siu flavor.
- Honey: Gives the pork its glossy finish and just the right amount of sticky sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty umami depth and a lovely hint of color.
- Oyster sauce: Provides a round, savory boost and richness to the marinade.
- Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): A splash of this Chinese cooking wine enhances aroma and complexity—don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Chinese five-spice powder: Brings the classic warming flavor and gentle anise note found in authentic char siu.
- Sesame oil: Just a dash creates a wonderfully nutty, aromatic finish.
- Garlic: Minced for freshness, it infuses the meat with pungent flavor.
- Red food coloring (optional): For that trademark vibrant color you see in restaurant-style pork; completely optional, but fun!
- Honey-water mixture (for basting): Keeps the char siu extra moist and adds a lovely lacquer as it finishes cooking.
How to Make Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Start by combining hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and (if you’re going full-on traditional) a bit of red food coloring. Whisk until everything is smooth and fragrant—this is the magical blend that makes Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) so addictive.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork
Add your pork strips to the bowl, making sure each piece gets completely coated in the marinade. Cover and let it rest in the fridge for at least 8 hours or, even better, overnight. This long marination time tenderizes the pork and ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Arranging the pork in a single layer gives it plenty of space for those crispy, charred edges to form—don’t overcrowd or the magic won’t happen!
Step 4: Air Fry the Pork
Place the marinated pork strips into the air fryer basket. Let them cook for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces and baste generously with your honey-water mixture. Continue air frying for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the pork is cooked through, glossy, and delectably caramelized along the edges. The aroma at this point will have everyone sneaking into the kitchen for a peek!
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once your Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This gives the juices time to settle in. Slice against the grain for perfect, tender pieces ready to serve over rice, noodles, or whatever you’re craving.
How to Serve Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Garnishes
Scatter thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over your char siu for a colorful, fresh finish. If you want a bit of heat, add paper-thin slices of red chili. These vibrant toppers amp up the look and add tasty contrast to each sweet-savory bite.
Side Dishes
The classic route is steaming white rice, but don’t stop there—Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) sings alongside stir-fried greens, garlicky bok choy, or chewy wheat noodles. Feeling adventurous? Try it atop fried rice or stuffed into soft bao buns for an unforgettable treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform leftovers into lunchtime heroes: slip slices into wraps with crunchy veggies, layer over crisp lettuce for a hearty salad, or tuck them into tacos with a drizzle of sriracha mayo. The flavors are bold enough to shine in almost any context, and the gorgeous pink-edged slices always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) is a true gift! Store any cooled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen as they rest, making the next day’s lunch even more irresistible.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, simply wrap portions tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
For best results, pop slices in a microwave with a splash of water, cover, and heat in short bursts until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the air fryer at a low temperature to maintain that signature charred edge without drying the pork out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely! While pork is traditional for Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork), boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and soak up the marinade for a juicy, quick alternative.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
Not at all! The red hue is nostalgic for many and mimics the look of restaurant char siu, but it’s entirely optional—your pork will still taste incredible without it.
How do I prevent the pork from drying out?
Marinating the pork deeply helps, as does choosing cuts with some fat marbling. Be sure not to overcook—an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) keeps it perfectly juicy every time.
Can I cook this in a conventional oven?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, roast the marinated pork on a wire rack at 425°F (218°C) for about 25–35 minutes, basting halfway through, and finish with a quick broil for charred edges.
What’s the best way to slice the pork for serving?
Let the pork rest first, then slice thinly against the grain. This gives you those tender, restaurant-style pieces that are perfect for layering over rice or noodles.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes are as satisfying and crowd-pleasing as Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork). It’s the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and a little bit of “wow” at the dinner table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a spin, savor every caramelized bite, and maybe even make it your own new classic.
Print
Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 8 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) at home using your air fryer. This recipe results in tender, flavorful pork with a hint of traditional Chinese spices and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a quick and easy Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 1 ½ pounds pork shoulder or pork butt (cut into long strips about 2 inches thick)
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional for traditional color)
For Basting:
- 1 tablespoon honey mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, combine hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, sesame oil, garlic, and red food coloring. Add pork strips and marinate in the fridge for at least 8 hours.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place marinated pork in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, and baste with honey-water mixture. Air fry for another 8–10 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- Pork shoulder’s marbling keeps the meat juicy.
- For extra char, broil the pork briefly at the end.
- Leftovers work well in bao buns or fried rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 5 oz)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
