Making Char Siu at home is very easy. This Chinese BBQ Air Fryer Char Siu recipe gets the pork perfectly charred, sticky, and moist inside! All you need is 30 minutes, and you can wrap your fingers around this restaurant-quality barbecue pork you are so used to ordering for Chinese take-out!
Jump to:
- What is Char Siu?
- What Cuts of Pork Do You Use For BBQ Pork?
- How To Prepare The Pork For BBQ Pork Char Siu?
- What You Will Need To Make Air Fryer Chinese BBQ Pork
- Authentic BBQ Pork Char Siu Sauce Recipe
- How To Marinate Char Siu BBQ Pork
- How Long To Air Fry Char Siu?
- What Can You Do With Leftover Marinade?
- How Do You Reheat Char Siu?
- What To Make With Leftover Char Siu
- Best Air Fryer Method Tips
- WhatTo Serve With Char Siu Pork
- Air Fryer BBQ Pork Char Siu 氣炸鍋蜜汁叉燒
- More Air Fryer Recipes:
What is Char Siu?
Char Siu / Char Siew 叉燒 is Chinese Cantonese roast meat. This barbecue pork (cha1 shao1 in Mandarin, sometimes spelled "cha siu") literally means "forked roasted." The term Char Siu references the traditional cooking method of barbecue pork. Chinese BBQ Pork is famous for its signature sticky-sweet glaze. When you order Char Siu at the BBQ Master 燒臘店, typically, you will choose between 1. lean meat; 2. fatty meat; or 3. half and half.
What Cuts of Pork Do You Use For BBQ Pork?
When choosing which cut of pork to use for making Chinese BBQ Pork, typically char siu is made with either lean boneless pork loin or fattier cuts like pork shoulder or pork butt. I personally prefer a nice marbled of lean and fat from pork should and the Boston butt.
Boston Butt comes from above the shoulder blades of the pig. Since pork butt has more fat marbling throughout, it is best for fall-apart-tender barbecues like Char Siu. Air frying pork butt also ensures a moist, juicy center with a nice, even charred throughout.
Making Char Siu at home in an air fryer is quick, easy and mess-free. Instead of slow roasting pork shoulder, air frying pork tenderloin or pork shoulder or pork butt take a fraction of the time compared to conventional oven. In less than 30 minutes (not including marinating time), the air fryer air circulation guarantees an even char without drying out the center.
How To Prepare The Pork For BBQ Pork Char Siu?
Wash and pat dry with a paper towel.
Trim the fat and remove the bone should your pork come on the bone.
Cut into long portions.
Portion and slice the pork shoulder or pork butt into large 2 to 3-inch strips in length and approximately 1.5 inches thick.
What You Will Need To Make Air Fryer Chinese BBQ Pork
Pork - Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal for an excellent marbling of fatty and lean meat, while pork tenderloin is best for a leaner pork roast.
Cooking Spray - Use one or two tablespoons of cooking oil spray is enough to toss and evenly coat your Char Siu.
Marinade and Seasoning - make your own char siu sauce recipe or shortcut your way with Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce - available at most asian grocery store.
Honey - glaze your pork with honey to pump up that sticky sweetness and help char extra special.
Authentic BBQ Pork Char Siu Sauce Recipe
If you wonder what traditional char siu sauce is made of, mix the following ingredients together: the essential light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, fermented soybean paste, honey, malt syrup, Shaoxing Wine (rice wine), hoisin sauce (or sub with oyster sauce), garlic and sea salt. The colour of the marinated pork comes from the fermented red bean curd and not from red food coloring. There is no need to add five-spice powder or sesame oil to the char sui sauce.
We've tried making our barbecue pork sauce and using Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce. To be honest, we prefer using Lee Kum Kee Brand Char Siu Sauce for convenience instead of making our own Char Siu Sauce. It tastes fantastic!
How To Marinate Char Siu BBQ Pork
Add ½ cup of Char Siu Sauce to a gallon-sized ziplock bag.
Add 3 to 4 strips of previously cut pork tenderloin, pork shoulder or pork butt to the ziplock bag and seal it. Try to remove as much air as you can before sealing the bag.
Massage the sauce onto the pork through the ziplock bag.
Let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Overnight is preferred.
Once the pork is marinated in the sweet bbq sauce, it is time to cook the Chinese bbq pork in the air fryer.
How Long To Air Fry Char Siu?
It takes approximately 30 minutes to air fryer barbecue pork tenderloin.
Once you baste the top of each pork with 2 tablespoons of char siu sauce, spray cooking oil onto the pork and air fry at 400F for 8 minutes.
After 10 minutes, flip the pork over, repeat the step above and air fry at 400F for another 8 minutes.
At this point, the char siu is done being barbecued. You can opt to skip this next step, but I would highly suggest basting the pork with some honey to allow it to sweeten up and char slightly more.
Baste the top of each pork with 2 teaspoon of honey air fry (room temperature) at 400F for another 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, flip the pork over and repeat this step.
Carefully remove the barbecue pork from the air fryer with kitchen tongs.
Let it rest for a few minutes.
Depending on the air fryer model, you may want to adjust the cooking time, increase or reduce it by 1 to 2 minutes, and avoid overcooking the barbecue pork.
Slice the Char Siu and test for doneness of the pork.
What Can You Do With Leftover Marinade?
Save the honey mixture sweet sauce you can also use this extra sauce as a sticky glaze for grilled pork belly. Simply brush a little on the thinly sliced meat and enjoy a Korean grilled pork belly lettuce wrap.
How Do You Reheat Char Siu?
Reheating leftover BBQ Pork is easy. Simply wrap the Char Siu with tin foil if you want to avoid burning the pork. Bake it for 10 to 12 minutes at 375 degrees F.
What To Make With Leftover Char Siu
Leftover char siu pork is wonderful for making an easy recipe the next day. Even serving the pork slices over white rice is fantastic.
- Char siu bao
- Add char siu and veggies to soupy noodles
- Char Siu Fried Rice
Best Air Fryer Method Tips
If you've never cooked with an air fryer before, this small kitchen appliance can be a little intimidating. However, I swear by its convenience and versatility and its use of rapidly circulating hot air to cook crispy food without using too much oil!
Here are a few tips for anyone who has (or is planning on getting) an air fryer!
1. What is the best temperate to air fry Char Siu?
It is best to air fry Char Siu at 400F to mimic the high heat temperature of a roaster. Don't worry! Your bbq pork will still be tender with just the right about of char.
2. How long should I air fry Char Siu for?
Depending on the size and the thickness of your pork you put into the air fryer, 20 minutes should cook it thoroughly with a beautiful char. This also depends on the model of your air fryer, so you may want to reduce or increase the air frying time by one to two minutes.
3. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Based on experience, you should always preheat the air fryer before filling it with food. By doing this, the air fryer's temperature is more consistent, and your food will cook more evenly. Simply preheat your air fryer for two to three minutes before cooking.
4. How to choose the right air fryer?
Choosing the right air fryer for your kitchen depends on your lifestyle, available counter space, and if you intend to cook small or big batch meals. For us, we like the supersized XL pressure cooker and 7.6L cooking pot that is big enough to cook a small chicken or one large broccoli inside like THIS air fryer!
5. How to clean air fryers easily?
Use air fryer parchment paper and line the bottom of the pan for easy clean ups. Then wash the air fryer basket with warm soapy water.
WhatTo Serve With Char Siu Pork
Fried Garlic Seafood Fried Rice 金蒜海鮮炒飯
Vegan Tofu Stir Fry 五彩金銀滿屋豆乾小炒王
Did you make this Classic Traditional Chinese Barbecue Roast? I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS
Print
Air Fryer BBQ Pork Char Siu 氣炸鍋蜜汁叉燒
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 persons 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Making Char Siu at home is very easy. This Chinese BBQ Air Fryer Char Siu recipe gets the pork perfectly charred, sticky, and moist inside! All you need is 30 minutes, and you can wrap your fingers around this restaurant-quality barbecue pork you are so used to ordering for Chinese take-out!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork butt or pork shoulder, 3-inch length x 1.5 inch thick
- ½ C Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce (for marinating)
- 4 tsp Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce (for basting)
- 6 tsp honey for basting
- vegetable oil or cooking oil spray
Instructions
Marinating
- Wash pork and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Trim excess fat off the pork shoulder or pork butt.
- Portion and slice the pork shoulder or pork butt into large 2 to 3-inch strips in length and approximately 1.5 inches thick.
- Add Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce in an extra-large freezer-safe ziplock bag.
- Add the portioned pork into the ziplock bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing the bag.
- Massage the sauce onto the pork through the ziplock bag.
- Let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Overnight is preferred.
Cooking / Air Frying
- Preheat air fryer at 400F.
- Add the pork into the air fryer basket and baste the top of each pork with 2 tablespoons of char siu sauce, then spray cooking oil onto the pork and air fry at 400F for 8 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, flip the pork over, repeat the step above and air fry at 400F for another 8 minutes.
Honey Glaze
- Baste the top of each pork with 2 teaspoons of honey air fry at 400F for another 2 minutes.
- After 2 minutes, flip the pork over and repeat this step.
Enjoy and Serve
- Carefully remove the barbecue pork from the air fryer with kitchen tongs.
- Let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the Char Siu and test for doneness.
Notes
- Depending on the air fryer model, you may want to adjust the cooking time, increase or reduce it by 1 to 2 minutes, and avoid overcooking the barbecue pork.
- Finish and glaze with honey if desired.
- This recipe was made in a Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Pressure, Slow Cooker, Air Fryer.
- For even cooking, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the barbecue pork in a single layer.
- Preheat the air fryer for a more even cooking heat distribution.
- Use air fryer parchment paper and line the bottom of the pan for easy clean ups
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 lbs pork
- Calories: 209
- Sugar: 10.8 g
- Sodium: 1122 mg
- Fat: 15.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.9 g
- Protein: 5.5 g
- Cholesterol: 13.9 mg
Keywords: Chinese, recipes, char siu, cha siew, bbq pork, roasted pork, pork tenderloin, pork shoulder, boston butt, 氣炸鍋,蜜汁,叉燒
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More Air Fryer Recipes:
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Cat | Curly's Cooking says
I've made char siu before but not in the air fryer - definitely doing that next time!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Such a good way to make char siu quickly!! Love this idea!
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Nancy says
Yes and much cleaner this way too!
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
This is my idea of heaven! Pork with Asian flavours - yes please.
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Nancy says
enjoy this classic recipe with modern techniques!
Janice says
Char Sui is my favourite, this is a brilliant recipe for the air fryer - love it.
★★★★★
Nancy says
So happy you love it! cuz we certainly do toO!
Jo Keohane says
Wow this looks utterly delicious. I must get on the air fryer train. Thanks for posting, great inspiration.
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Nancy says
Thanks Joanna! DO it!! you won't regret getting an air fryer!
Veronica says
I've been looking for an easy char siu recipe for ages. I'm definitely going to try this one. I love the fact that it's made in an air fryer too so it's not too greasy.
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Nancy says
this is totally NOT greasy and super tasty!
Lesley says
One of my favourite ways to eat pork and this recipe shows you just how easy it is to make in the air fryer.
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Nancy says
This recipe is absolutely a flavour bomb!
Terri says
Now I know what to do with pork shoulder! Sounds delicious!!
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Nancy says
Enjoy making char siu Terri!
Bianca says
I always love trying new recipes from different kitchens and this was a huge winner! Plus it's super easy to make with the air fryer! Love it, thank you so much for the great recipe
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Bianca! I love to see your take on it! Happy feasting!
Sean says
Char siu is one of those things I've wanted to try for so long, but I've always been a little intimidated. It doesn't hurt that it's fairly easy to get good takeout char siu here too, lol. But air fryer stuff is something I'm really getting into, so this is perfect! Hoping to perfect my own take on it. Cheers.
★★★★★
Nancy says
Hey Sean - there's something truly satisfying about being able to make homemade char siu even tho it is so handy to get in Vancouver for take out! I won't lie, I kind don't want to pay for it anymore!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
Do you know a method to avoid charring the food? To me, it is a bit of a deterrent in using the air fryer a lot. I was thinking to cover the food with foil, but it might fly during the process. If you have a tip that works, please let me know, thanks! Just trying to avoid ingesting acrylamides which lead to cancer.
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Nancy says
You can most definitely wrap it in tin foil if you please or simply not air fry it to the point of charring. But the whole point of charring is to maintain the classic integrity of the BBQ pork in traditional Chinese recipes. Or you can simply cut off the charred parts after it is fully cooked. You do you! 🙂
Linda says
Love that crusty skin and how juicy it is!
★★★★★
Nancy says
It's the best part! I always ask for the charred edges 🙂
Jean says
I always wonder how to make my own char siu instead of buying. Glad I found your recipe! It has the right sweet and delicious flavor. I use maple syrup too
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Nancy says
maple syrup is a great glazing option!
Bernice says
OMG I am already OBSESSED with my air fryer! And now you tell me I can make bbq pork in it too? I see a lot of bbq pork fried rice in my future....
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Nancy says
BBQ pork fried rice sounds absolutely amazing!
Stine Mari says
Such a great recipe, I love how flavorful it is!
★★★★★
Nancy says
high five to this!
Sam says
This is absolutely delicious!! The flavors are awesome. Such a great meal.
★★★★★
Nancy says
how did you enjoy it?
Freya says
This looks so delicious and full of flavour! I must try this in my air fryer!
★★★★★
Nancy says
you have to!! it's life changing 🙂
Audrey says
I love that I can make recipes like this in my airfryer - it is such a handy kitchen gadget!
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Nancy says
Totally! i highly recommend this kitchen appliance for anyone looking for easy and tasty meals
Nora says
Super delicious recipe and easy to make! Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Nancy says
you are so very welcome NOra
Alexandra says
This is my new favourite way to do pork!
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Nancy says
i don't blame you! it's the tastiest!
Amy says
This was really good! Never thought to do char siu in the air fryer before but was a great idea!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Enjoy and happy feasting!
Kyleigh says
Love that I can make it in the air fryer!
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Nancy says
i love my air fryer so much!
Tatiana says
Air fried pork is the best and easiest
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Nancy says
pretty easy clean up too!
Cindy says
I love the flavors in this bbq pork. Can’t wait to try
★★★★★
Nancy says
I can't wait to see your results!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
This is such a flavourful quick and easy to prepare a pork roast. Thanks for sharing!
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Nancy says
happy BBQ Pork feastin!
Shilpa says
Great recipe! Loads of flavours going on here!!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Shilpa!
Deb says
Just the look of this gorgeous pork meat makes me salivate, I can only imagine how good it must taste! I'm earmarking this to try it out ASAP
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Nancy says
can't wait to see how it turns out!! I add this to everything - noodles, rice, sandwiches 🙂
Jean says
Char siu is the perfect pair with rice and goes well for savory lunch or dinner. The steps in this recipe are easy to follow.
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Nancy says
OH yes1!! i add this to everything! and pick at straight from the fridge too to snack on!
Emily Flint says
I love that I can make this in my air fryer! Such a delicious treat.
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Nancy says
So wonderful That you can make this at home now!
Shaina says
Looks delicious I must try!
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Nancy says
you totally need to!