Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that bursts with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Air Fryer Char Siu Pork! This Chinese classic combines tender, juicy pork with a sweet and savory marinade that will have your taste buds dancing. In just 40 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure better marinade absorption.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until well combined to create a smooth marinade.
- Place the pork tenderloin in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it's completely coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade for basting. Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded.
- Cook the pork for 12-13 minutes, turning and basting with reserved marinade halfway through cooking to maintain moisture and enhance caramelization.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more tender result.
- Slice the char siu pork against the grain into thin pieces and serve hot with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the pork tenderloin overnight. This allows the spices and sauces to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a richer taste.
- Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the marinated pork sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly and retain moisture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When placing the pork in the air fryer, make sure there's enough space around it. This ensures proper air circulation for even cooking and crispy edges.
- Baste for Flavor: Remember to baste the pork with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking. This not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the pork to rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking. This step is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute, making every slice tender and juicy.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your char siu pork with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
