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5 from 14 votes

Air Fryer Char Siu [Chinese BBQ Pork Recipe]

Char siu or Chinese BBQ Pork, but make it easy! This air fryer char siu recipe is for all my lazy folks out there who want restaurant-quality char siu without having to put in extra time and effort.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 1 day 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 day 22 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly

Sauce Marinade

  • 5 tbsp char siu sauce Lee Kum Kee brand
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
  • 1/8 tsp white pepper powder

Honey Marinade

  • 2 tbsp sauce marinade from above
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp water

Instructions

  • Cut the pork into 1 inch thick slices. Using a fork, stab the pork on all sides to tenderize and allow the marinade to penetrate deeper.
  • In a bowl, mix the sauce marinade ingredients together.
  • In another bowl, set aside 2 tbsp of the sauce marinade. Add honey and water and mix well. This honey marinade will be used to baste the pork while it's cooking.
  • In a Ziploc bag or container, add the pork and sauce marinade. Rub the marinade into the pork to coat well. Let it marinate in the fridge for 12 to 48 hours (the longer the better!).
  • Preheat the air fryer at 400F/205C. Place the marinated pork in the air fryer making sure there is enough space on all sides.
  • Cook for 3 minutes, then baste with the honey marinade. Flip and baste the other side. Cook for another 3 minutes. Repeat 2 more times. Cook for a total of 12 minutes. Depending on the thickness of your pork, you may need to cook it for another minute or two.
  • Remove the char siu from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
  • *Optional* Save the sauce drippings from the bottom of the air fryer pan/tray and pour it over the cooked char siu.
  • Serve with jasmine rice and your favorite vegetables!

Video

Notes

  1. To cook in the oven, bake the char siu at 425F/220C for 40-45 minutes while basting with the honey marinade every 15 minutes. Broil for 10 minutes or until charred.
  2. Feel free to substitute pork shoulder with pork belly.
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Cantonese, Chinese