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Air fryer char siu recipe, perfectly caramelized.
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4 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Char Siu

This Air Fryer Char Siu recipe is absolutely the BEST, delivering sweet, savory flavors and a beautifully sticky glaze—in just 15 minutes of cook time! Check out my video guide and tips to get tender, caramelized BBQ pork every time!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Marinating Time30 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Pork
Cuisine: Chinese Recipes
Keyword: Air Fryer Char Siu
Servings: 4 people
Author: Bee Yinn Low

Ingredients

  • 300 g pork belly skin removed, cut into 3 strips
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Char Siu Sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon five spice powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maltose
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Cut the pork belly into strips to fit your air fryer. In a bowl, mix the pork belly, garlic, and all the ingredients in Char Siu Sauce until well combined. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Place the pork belly in the air fryer basket, spoon over some of the leftover marinade, and air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 10 minutes. Reserve the remaining marinade.
  • Flip the pork belly, spoon over the remaining marinade until it is all used up, and air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the Char Siu to a chopping board lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Slice into pieces and serve. Save the dripping in the air fryer by pouring it out into a small bowl. If it’s too greasy, spoon out the oil from the top and serve the dripping with the pork.

Video

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, cut the pork belly into equal-sized pieces that fit well into the air fryer basket.
  • Let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you’ve got the time, 1–2 hours is even better. The longer it soaks, the more flavor it picks up!
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate around the pork, giving it an even cook and that perfect crispy, caramelized finish.
  • I skip the brush and just spoon the marinade over the pork before air frying. It helps build up that glossy, sticky glaze without thinning it out.
  • Save the drippings and pour them into a small bowl. If they're too greasy, spoon out the oil from the top. These drippings make a perfect dip for the pork or a delicious drizzle over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 4people | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 421mg | Potassium: 166mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg