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Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

Sweet and sour pork is a delightful dish that has made its way from the kitchens of Chinese restaurants into home kitchens all around the world. Combining tender pieces of pork with a tangy, sweet, and sour sauce, it’s a recipe that pleases the palate. Using an air fryer to prepare this dish not only makes it healthier by significantly reducing the amount of oil required but also ensures the pork remains tender and juicy. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to try in your air fryer.

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 500g pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 125ml pineapple juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon cornflour, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• Pineapple chunks (optional)

Method

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

In a mixing bowl, combine the pork pieces with soy sauce, cornflour, garlic powder, ginger powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the pork is evenly coated. Leave the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or, for best results, in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, stir in the cornflour mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional minute until the sauce has thickened, then set aside. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar according to your taste.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pork

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). If you choose to use vegetable oil, lightly spray the air fryer basket with it. Place the marinated pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pieces. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The pork should be golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pork is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. In a bowl, mix the chopped bell peppers and onion. If you prefer, you can air fry the vegetables as well for a couple of minutes until they are slightly tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the pork is cooked, transfer it to a large serving dish. Add the cooked vegetables and pineapple chunks (if using). Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top, tossing everything to ensure the pork and vegetables are well coated.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the sweet and sour pork hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. For an added touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped spring onions before serving.

Conclusion

This air fryer sweet and sour pork recipe is a perfect balance of flavours and textures. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly tasty, and comes together in no time, making it an excellent choice for a midweek meal or a special occasion. The air fryer method ensures you won’t miss the deep-frying, giving you the indulgent taste of sweet and sour pork while keeping it healthier. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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