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Air Fryer Pulled Pork: A Quick and Delicious Delight

Pulled pork, a barbecue classic, is known for its rich flavours and tender texture. Traditionally slow-cooked for hours to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth quality, it might seem daunting to replicate in a time-efficient manner. However, the air fryer offers a convenient alternative that produces similarly exquisite results in a fraction of the time. In this article, we’ll explore how to make succulent pulled pork using an air fryer, along with tips to ensure your dish is the star of any gathering.

What You Will Need

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Your favourite barbecue sauce (optional)
• Burger buns, coleslaw, or other accompaniments for serving

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer

Preparation Steps

1. Marinate the Pork:
   Begin by combining all the dry spices — smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper — in a mixing bowl. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Drizzle olive oil over the pork before wrapping it in cling film and marinating it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if time permits. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat deeply.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   It’s essential to preheat your air fryer to ensure that the pork cooks evenly. Set it to 200°C (about 400°F) for approximately 5 minutes.

3. Cook the Pork:
   Once preheated, place the marinated pork shoulder in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach at least 71°C (160°F).

4. Shred the Pork:
   Once cooked, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.

5. Add Barbecue Sauce:
   For an extra burst of flavour, toss the shredded pork with your preferred barbecue sauce. You can either mix it in directly or serve it on the side, allowing guests to customise their pulled pork experience.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve it on soft burger buns for a classic pulled pork sandwich, topped with crunchy coleslaw for added texture and flavour. Alternatively, enjoy it as a filling for tacos, or serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. For those looking to stick to a lower-carb option, consider serving the pulled pork in lettuce wraps.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Cut: While pork shoulder is the ideal choice for pulled pork due to its marbling and fat content, you can also use pork loin. Just bear in mind that it may require slightly less cooking time and could be less tender.

• Experiment with Flavours: The beauty of pulled pork lies in its adaptability. Feel free to customise the seasoning to suit your taste, whether it’s adding a dash of cayenne for heat or incorporating herbs like thyme and oregano.

• Make Ahead: Pulled pork can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, making it a great option for meal prep. You can also freeze portions for easy, future meals.

Conclusion

With its ease of preparation and the unbeatable convenience of an air fryer, making pulled pork has never been simpler. This dish is not just a fuss-free way to impress family and friends but also an opportunity to enjoy the comforting tastes of homemade barbecue in record time. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, air fryer pulled pork is sure to become a cherished favourite in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!

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