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Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Char Siu (BBQ Pork) Recipe

Char Siu, the iconic Cantonese BBQ pork, is a beloved dish that perfectly marries sweet and savoury flavours, making it a favourite in Chinese cuisine. Traditionally, this dish is slow-roasted in a humid oven to achieve its signature tender texture and caramelised exterior. However, with the convenience and efficiency of an air fryer, you can create this delightful dish in a fraction of the time, while still achieving mouth-watering results. Here’s an easy and delicious air fryer recipe for Char Siu that will have your taste buds dancing!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 500g pork fillet (or pork shoulder, cut into strips)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably light soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maltose for a more authentic touch)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (can be adjusted to taste)
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small piece of ginger, grated
• A pinch of black pepper

For Glazing:

• 1 tablespoon honey (for the glaze)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

1. Begin by preparing your marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, honey, sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

2. Place your pork fillet or shoulder strips into the marinade, ensuring that they are well coated. Cover the bowl with cling film or transfer everything to a zip-lock bag. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavour.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Once your pork has marinated, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for around 5 minutes. Preheating is essential for achieving that delicious charred texture.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pork

1. Take the marinated pork out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature (around 10 minutes). This step ensures even cooking.

2. Place the marinated strips of pork in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are laid out in a single layer without overcrowding. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

3. Air fry the pork for 10 minutes. After this time, flip the strips over to ensure even cooking. Continue to air fry for another 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Glaze the Pork

1. While the pork is air frying, prepare the glaze by mixing honey and water in a small bowl. After the initial cooking time, brush the glaze generously over the pork and return it to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes. This step will give your Char Siu its characteristic sticky and shiny finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once cooked, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bite.

2. Slice the Char Siu into thin pieces and serve it over steaming bowls of rice or noodles. Garnish with spring onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch. You can also serve it alongside pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion

Cooking Char Siu in an air fryer is not only easy but also yields delicious results that will impress friends and family alike. The tender, sticky, and sweet-flavoured pork makes for a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or serving it at a gathering, this air fryer Char Siu recipe proves that you can bring authentic flavours to your kitchen with minimal fuss. Give it a try and savour the taste of this classic dish without the long wait!

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