Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork

Ready in about 33 minutes.

Updated 7 September 2026

This takeaway favourite gets a lighter makeover in the air fryer, which crisps the battered pork without deep-frying. Tossed in a glossy pineapple sauce, it is tangy, sticky and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 500 g pork loin, cubed
  • 4 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Oil spray
  • 100 ml pineapple juice
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 pepper and pineapple chunks

Method

  1. 1Toss the pork in beaten egg, then coat in cornflour.
  2. 2Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and spray the basket.
  3. 3Air fry the pork 12-14 minutes, tossing halfway and spraying with oil, until crisp and at 63°C/145°F.
  4. 4Meanwhile simmer the juice, ketchup, vinegar, sugar and soy until thickened.
  5. 5Add peppers and pineapple to the basket for the last 4 minutes.
  6. 6Toss the crisp pork and vegetables through the warm sauce and serve with rice.

Tips for the best results

  • Cornflour gives a crisper, lighter coat than plain flour.
  • Sauce the pork just before serving so it stays crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature and time for air fryer sweet and sour pork?+

Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 12-14 min, toss halfway.

Can I make it gluten free?+

Yes, cornflour is naturally gluten free; just use tamari in place of soy sauce.

You might also like