Air Fryer Char Siu
Ready in about 40 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Sticky, lacquered Chinese char siu develops caramelised, slightly charred edges beautifully in the air fryer. Strips of pork shoulder soak up a sweet-savoury glaze then bronze under the fierce circulating heat.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 700 g pork shoulder, cut into long strips
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red food colouring (optional)
Method
- 1Combine hoisin, half the honey, soy, wine, five spice and garlic to make a marinade.
- 2Coat the pork strips and marinate at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 190°C/375°F.
- 4Cook the strips 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, and brushing with the remaining honey in the last 5 minutes.
- 5Cook until caramelised at the edges and the pork reaches 63°C/145°F.
- 6Rest 5 minutes, then slice across the grain and serve with rice.
Tips for the best results
- Brush the honey glaze on only near the end so it caramelises without burning.
- Choose a fattier shoulder cut for the juiciest, most authentic char siu.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer char siu steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Char Siu is ready at 63°C / 145°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer char siu?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 18-22 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer char siu is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Char Siu should reach 63°C / 145°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer char siu serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.
What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry is the closest substitute, or use extra soy with a splash of rice vinegar.