Name: Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; ½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional); 1 pound pork shoulder or pork loin, sliced into 1-inch thick strips

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If you love the flavors of classic Chinese BBQ pork but crave a way to make it at home without the fuss of an oven or grill, this Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) is your new secret weapon. Richly marinated pork gets caramelized and glossy in the air fryer, creating irresistible sticky-sweet and savory slices every time. With minimal hands-on time and pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen.

Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) lies in its signature blend of flavors, all created from a handful of essential ingredients. Each item plays an important role, ensuring your pork is juicy, robustly savory, and eye-catchingly vibrant.

Pork shoulder or pork loin (1 pound, sliced into 1-inch strips): Choose pork shoulder for richer, juicier results or loin for leaner slices, both deliver fantastic texture.
Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): This sweet, tangy base creates the deep, signature flavor of char siu.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds essential savory umami and seasoning to the marinade.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Provides irresistible caramelization as the pork air fries, along with gentle sweetness.
Chinese five-spice powder (1 tablespoon): This aromatic blend infuses the pork with iconic warmth and depth.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings bold, complex savory notes that round out the marinade.
Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (1 tablespoon): Lends subtle fragrance and a hint of complexity—don’t skip it if you can help it!
Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Adds nutty aroma and a silky finish.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings a punch of savory depth.
Ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Adds bright freshness and gentle heat to balance the marinade.
Red food coloring (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Provides the traditional, restaurant-style color—use if you crave that signature look.

How to Make Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring if you’re using it. Give everything a thorough whisk so the flavors blend into a thick, fragrant marinade—this is where all the magic begins.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

Add your pork strips to the bowl and toss them until every surface is generously coated in that gorgeous marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but if you have time, let it sit overnight. The longer the pork marinates, the deeper and more complex the flavors will be in your Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork).

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F to get it nice and hot. This ensures the pork starts to caramelize and sizzle the moment it hits the basket, locking in juicy goodness and developing irresistible barbecue edges.

Step 4: Air Fry the Pork

Arrange the pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t crowd them or you’ll miss out on those crispy bits! Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through. If you want an extra glistening finish, baste the pork with a spoonful of leftover marinade during cooking.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once the pork is cooked through and the edges are delightfully caramelized, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step keeps all the juices where they belong, making each bite of your Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) succulent and flavorful. Slice into thin pieces just before serving and get ready for applause from your taste buds.

How to Serve Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds to accent the glistening strips of Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork). If you’re in the mood for freshness, a handful of cilantro leaves or tiny slivers of red chili make for a stunning finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Char siu loves a classic pairing—think fluffy steamed white rice or nutty jasmine rice to soak up all the juices. For crunch and color, serve with simple stir-fried Asian greens or quick-blanched bok choy. And if you want that takeout flair, layer slices over a bed of fried rice or tuck into warm bao buns.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) onto a vibrant noodle bowl, or wrap thin slices inside lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra marinade. For a crowd-pleaser, make rice bowls topped with pickled vegetables and a soft boiled egg for a satisfying, punchy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) keeps beautifully! Once cooled, store the sliced pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors mellow and deepen—making lunches and quick dinners a breeze.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled pork slices (separated by parchment for easy grabbing) in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months and reheat well for sandwiches, rice bowls, or noodle dishes when you’re in a pinch.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the slices in the microwave, gently covered, for about 30–45 seconds, or warm them in a skillet with a splash of water. For a caramelized edge revival, a quick blast in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes does the trick!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Absolutely! Pork shoulder gives you the juiciest, most flavorful slices, but pork loin works if you prefer something leaner. Even pork tenderloin can be used for a faster cook time—just watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Is red food coloring necessary for Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)?

Not at all—it’s optional and only used for that signature bright red color you see in restaurants. The flavor will be spot on without it, so feel free to skip if you prefer a natural look.

What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?

If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a reliable stand-in and can be found in most supermarkets. If you’re avoiding alcohol, a splash of apple juice or a bit of rice vinegar will still add a touch of complexity.

Can I double the marinade for extra dipping sauce?

Yes, just make sure to set aside a portion of the marinade before adding raw pork to it. You can simmer this reserved marinade until it thickens and serve alongside your Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) for dipping or drizzling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap regular soy sauce and oyster sauce for their gluten-free versions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten friendly, making this dish easy to adapt for special dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) at home, now’s the perfect moment to start—the air fryer makes it so simple and satisfying. The flavors are rich, the texture is perfectly juicy, and the whole process feels like a little kitchen magic. Your next home-cooked Chinese feast just got a whole lot more exciting! Give it a try and watch this dish become a go-to favorite.

Air Fried Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Try this delicious Air Fried Char Siu recipe for a taste of Chinese BBQ pork at home. Marinated in a flavorful blend of traditional Chinese ingredients and air fried to perfection, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

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Marinade:

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
2 teaspoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional)

Main Ingredients:

1 pound pork shoulder or pork loin, sliced into 1-inch thick strips

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red food coloring if using. Mix well.
Marinate the Pork: Add pork strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place marinated pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Rest and Serve: Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the pork in a 425°F oven for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Chinese