Air Fried Char Siu is a quicker and easier version of the traditional Chinese BBQ pork. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the crispy, lacquered skin and tender, flavorful meat in half the time it would take in a conventional oven. This recipe combines pork shoulder, a rich marinade of fermented red soybean curd, hoisin sauce, and maltose (or honey) for the perfect glaze that gives Char Siu its signature glossy finish. Ideal for a quick and delicious dinner or served with rice or noodles.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork Marinade:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (trimmed and cut into 2-inch thick strips)

• 2 cubes fermented red soybean curd (nam yee)

• 2 tbsp Shao Hsing rice wine

• 1 tsp dark soy sauce

• 4 tbsp maltose or honey

• 4 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp five-spice powder

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Glaze:

• 2 tbsp maltose or honey

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 to 2 tbsp water

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: Mash the fermented red soybean curd in a bowl. Add Shao Hsing rice wine, dark soy sauce, maltose, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, and minced garlic. Stir until maltose melts and the mixture is combined.

2. Marinate the Pork: Place the pork strips in a bowl, pour the marinade over them, and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or up to 48 hours for maximum flavor.

3. Prepare the Glaze: Mix maltose or honey, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and water in a bowl and set aside.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil.

5. Air Fry the Pork: Place the marinated pork strips in the basket and cook for 8 minutes on one side. Flip the strips and cook for another 8 minutes. Brush half of the glaze on the pork, and cook for 4 more minutes. Flip again, apply the remaining glaze, and cook for the final 4 minutes.

6. Check for Doneness: Ensure the pork’s internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

7. Rest and Serve: Let the pork rest, then slice it thinly. Strain the remaining marinade into a pan, add any leftover glaze, and simmer until the sauce thickens into a syrupy consistency. Serve the sliced Char Siu with some of the sauce drizzled on top.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~342 kcal (per serving)

• Fat: 21g

• Protein: 27g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

  • Sugar: 8g

• Sodium: ~700mg

• Cholesterol: ~70mg

• Potassium: ~400mg

• Fiber: ~1g

• Vitamin A: ~100 IU

• Vitamin C: ~1mg

• Calcium: ~20mg

• Iron: ~2mg

What Makes Char Siu Special?

Char Siu is one of the most iconic dishes in Chinese cuisine, famous for its tender meat and caramelized, slightly sweet exterior. Traditionally, Char Siu is made by marinating pork (usually pork shoulder or pork loin) in a flavorful mixture and then roasting it until it’s tender and beautifully glazed. The key ingredients that give Char Siu its distinct flavor are fermented red soybean curd, hoisin sauce, and maltose. These ingredients create a savory-sweet balance that coats the pork in a lacquered glaze that’s irresistible.

Fermented red soybean curd (or nam yee) is an essential ingredient in Char Siu marinade, contributing a unique depth of flavor. Shao Hsing rice wine and sesame oil add a savory and aromatic base, while the maltose (or honey) is what helps create that signature glossy, slightly sweet finish on the pork.

While traditionally made in an oven or on a spit, the air fryer offers a faster way to get the same caramelized, crispy skin without the long cooking times.

Key Ingredients for Air Fried Char Siu

The ingredients for this Air Fried Char Siu are simple but packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pork Marinade:

• Pork Shoulder: The primary cut of meat used in Char Siu. Pork shoulder is perfect for this dish due to its tenderness and the fat marbling that helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.

• Fermented Red Soybean Curd (Nam Yee): This ingredient is key for authentic Char Siu flavor, contributing a rich umami taste and deep color.

• Shao Hsing Rice Wine: A type of Chinese rice wine that adds a slight sweetness and aromatic complexity to the marinade.

• Dark Soy Sauce: Adds color and depth to the marinade, enhancing the savory aspects of the dish.

• Maltose or Honey: Maltose is a traditional ingredient used to achieve the glossy, sweet coating on the Char Siu. Honey can be used as a substitute for a sweeter glaze.

• Hoisin Sauce: A sweet and savory sauce that brings additional depth to the marinade.

• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Five-Spice Powder: A Chinese spice blend that adds warmth and complexity with ingredients like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns.

• Garlic: Provides a fragrant, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor.

For the Glaze:

• Maltose or Honey: Used again to coat the pork and create the signature glossy glaze.

• Hoisin Sauce: For added sweetness and flavor.

• Sesame Oil: To deepen the richness of the glaze.

• Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the glaze, making it easier to brush onto the pork.

The Cooking Process: Marinade, Air Fry, and Glaze

The cooking process for Air Fried Char Siu is simple and straightforward, yielding flavorful results in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Prepare the Marinade: Start by mashing the fermented red soybean curd in a bowl. Then, add Shao Hsing rice wine, dark soy sauce, maltose or honey, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, and minced garlic. Stir well until the maltose melts and the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined.

2. Marinate the Pork: Cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch thick strips. Place the pork strips into a bowl and pour the marinade over the meat. Stir the pork to ensure it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate the pork for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

3. Prepare the Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix maltose (or honey), hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and water. Set aside the glaze for later use.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil to catch any drips from the glaze and prevent sticking.

5. Air Fry the Pork: Once the pork is marinated, place the strips into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook the pork for 8 minutes on one side. After 8 minutes, flip the pork strips and cook for an additional 8 minutes. Brush half of the glaze over the pork and cook for another 4 minutes. Flip the pork again, apply the remaining glaze, and cook for the final 4 minutes, or until the pork is fully cooked and caramelized.

6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork has reached 145°F (63°C). This ensures the pork is cooked to the perfect tenderness.

7. Rest the Pork: Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork moist.

8. Make the Sauce: While the pork rests, pour the remaining marinade into a pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens into a syrupy consistency.

9. Slice and Serve: Slice the pork belly thinly and return it to the pan with the sauce to coat the slices. Serve the Char Siu with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fried Char Siu

Air Fried Char Siu is perfect when paired with simple sides that complement the rich flavors of the pork. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Steamed Rice: A bed of fluffy steamed rice helps absorb the delicious sauce, creating a satisfying base for the Char Siu.

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve the Char Siu with stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.

• Noodles: Ramen or egg noodles can be served with the Char Siu, drizzled with some of the thickened glaze for a complete meal.

• Asian Pickles: A side of pickled vegetables such as cucumbers or radishes provides a tangy contrast to the sweet and savory pork.

Conclusion: A Quick and Flavorful Char Siu

Air Fried Char Siu is a perfect option for those who want to enjoy the iconic flavors of Chinese BBQ pork without the long cooking times. The use of the air fryer ensures crispy skin and tender meat in just a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting methods. The marinade and glaze bring out a rich, savory-sweet flavor that coats the pork beautifully, while the simple garnishes of sliced green onions and sesame seeds provide a fresh crunch. Whether enjoyed with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.