Air Fryer Pork Shoulder
Ready in about 75 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
A boneless pork shoulder roasts to tender, crackling-topped glory in the air fryer, with the fat rendering into crisp crackling above juicy meat. It is a hands-off Sunday roast that frees up the oven.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg boneless pork shoulder, skin on
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp black pepper
Method
- 1Score the skin deeply, pat very dry, and rub with oil and salt.
- 2Sprinkle over the fennel seeds and pepper.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 170°C/340°F.
- 4Cook skin-side up 55-65 minutes until the meat is tender.
- 5Raise to 200°C for the final 5-8 minutes to blister the crackling, checking the meat reaches around 90°C/195°F.
- 6Rest 15 minutes before pulling or carving.
Tips for the best results
- Bone-dry skin is the secret to shattering crackling.
- Do not rush the internal temp; shoulder must pass 88°C to become tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer pork shoulder?+
Cook at 170°C / 340°F for 55-65 min, flip halfway.
How do I get better crackling?+
Leave the scored, salted skin uncovered in the fridge overnight to dry out before cooking.