Image Source from husseyj

Air Fryer Chinese Take Out Sweet ‘N Sour Pork

If you’ve ever craved the bright flavours and satisfying crunch of Chinese takeaway, look no further than this recipe for Air Fryer Sweet ‘N Sour Pork. This beloved dish, characterised by tender pieces of pork coated in a tangy, sweet sauce, can now be enjoyed guilt-free thanks to the air fryer. This appliance uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, allowing you to indulge in this classic dish with a lighter twist.

Why Choose Air Fryer Sweet ‘N Sour Pork?

The air fryer circulates hot air to cook food evenly and create a crisp exterior, mimicking the texture of deep-fried dishes without the added calories. Not only does this method reduce fat content, but it also preserves the flavours and juiciness of the pork. This delightful combination makes air frying an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a healthier take on their favourite takeaway.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 500g pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or a tablespoon of oil

For the Sweet ‘N Sour Sauce:

• 1/3 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry)
• Pineapple chunks and sliced bell peppers (for garnish)

Method

1. Prep the Pork:
   Begin by marinating the pork in a bowl. Add the cornflour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper to the pork cubes. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow the pork to sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavours.

2. Air Fry the Pork:
   Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a tiny amount of oil. Place the coated pork pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them for proper air circulation. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The pork should be golden brown and cooked through.

3. Prepare the Sauce:
   While the pork is cooking, combine the pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Combine and Serve:
   Once the pork is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and pour the sweet ‘n sour sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat the pork evenly. If you like, you can add some pineapple chunks and sliced bell peppers at this stage for added texture and colour.

5. Enjoy Your Meal:
   Serve your air fryer sweet ‘n sour pork with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the satisfying crunch along with the tangy, sweet flavours. You might even want to garnish with some freshly chopped spring onions or sesame seeds for a touch of elegance.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet ‘N Sour Pork

• Marination: For even deeper flavour, marinate the pork for a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge.
• Additional Veg: Feel free to include other vegetables such as onions or courgettes for a more colourful and nutritious dish.
• Storing Leftovers: Leftover sweet ‘n sour pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and can be reheated in the air fryer for a quick meal.

This Air Fryer Sweet ‘N Sour Pork recipe offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. So why not bring the taste of Chinese takeaway into your kitchen, with all the benefit of cooking it healthily? Enjoy!

No items listed in the response.