How To Cook Char Siu In Air Fryer

If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of char siu. This delicious dish features tender, marinated barbecued pork that bursts with sweet and savory flavors. Traditionally, char siu is cooked on a BBQ grill or in an oven, but did you know that you can also make it in an air fryer? That’s right, this versatile kitchen appliance can deliver the same amazing taste and texture in a fraction of the time.

Using an air fryer to cook char siu offers a few fantastic benefits. First, it allows for a quicker cooking time, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. Second, the air fryer helps to achieve that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside. Lastly, it requires minimal oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste. So, if you’re ready to take your char siu game to the next level, let’s dive into the simple steps for cooking it in an air fryer!

Before we get started, it’s important to note that you’ll need to marinate your pork ahead of time. This step is crucial for infusing the meat with incredible flavor. The marinade typically consists of a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sugar, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. Simply mix all these ingredients together in a bowl, add the pork, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight for even more flavor).

Key Ingredients for Authentic Char Siu

1. Pork: The main ingredient for char siu is pork. It is traditionally made using pork shoulder or pork belly. The marbling and fat content in these cuts of meat add richness and flavor to the dish.

2. Char Siu Sauce: A crucial component of authentic char siu is the marinade or sauce. It typically consists of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, and sometimes red food coloring. This sauce is what gives char siu its signature sweet and savory taste.

3. Chinese Five-Spice Powder: This aromatic blend of spices is a key ingredient in char siu marinade. It typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. The combination of these spices adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the dish.

4. Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder is often used in the marinade to enhance the savory taste of char siu. The pungent and slightly sweet flavor of garlic complements the other ingredients in the dish.

5. Honey or Sugar: Sweetness is an important element in char siu, and honey or sugar is used to achieve this. It balances out the savory flavors and enhances the caramelization of the pork during cooking.

6. Red Food Coloring (optional): Some traditional recipes call for the addition of red food coloring to give the char siu a vibrant, reddish-brown hue. However, this ingredient is optional and can be skipped if desired.

7. Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil may be added to the marinade to impart a nutty and aromatic flavor to the char siu.

8. Rice Wine: Chinese rice wine or shaoxing wine is sometimes included in the marinade to add a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the char siu.

9. Char Siu Buns: While not an ingredient for the marinade, char siu is often served in steamed or baked buns, known as char siu buns. These fluffy buns provide a perfect vessel for enjoying the tender and flavorful char siu.

By using these key ingredients, you can create an authentic and delicious char siu that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Preparing the Char Siu Marinade

Before we can cook the char siu in the air fryer, we need to prepare the delicious marinade that will infuse the meat with its signature sweet and savory flavors.

Here is a simple recipe for preparing the char siu marinade:

1. Start by combining 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder in a bowl.
2. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined and the honey has dissolved.
3. Next, take your choice of protein for the char siu, such as pork tenderloin or chicken thighs, and place it in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
4. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring that it is completely coated. If using a plastic bag, seal it tightly, squeezing out any excess air, and massage the marinade into the meat.
5. Marinate the meat for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it tender and flavorful.

Once the char siu marinade is prepared, you are ready to move on to the next steps of cooking it in the air fryer. The longer you marinate the meat, the better the flavors will be, so try to plan ahead if possible.

Steps for Air Frying Char Siu

To cook char siu in an air fryer, follow these simple steps:

1. Marinate the meat: Start by marinating your choice of meat, such as pork shoulder or pork tenderloin, in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice powder. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

3. Prepare the meat: Remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Place the meat in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each piece. You may need to cook the meat in batches if your air fryer is small.

4. Air fry the meat: Cook the meat in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the meat over and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges.

5. Baste the meat: While the meat is cooking, baste it with the leftover marinade every 5 minutes to enhance the flavor and add a glossy glaze to the char siu.

6. Rest and slice: Once the meat is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and make it easier to slice. Slice the char siu into thin slices and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade char siu cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Char Siu

Once your homemade char siu is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of your char siu:

• Slice the char siu into thin pieces before serving. This allows the flavours to evenly distribute and enhances the overall experience.
• Char siu is often served with steamed rice or noodle dishes. The sweet and savoury flavours of the char siu complement these dishes beautifully.
• You can also enjoy char siu in a variety of wraps and sandwiches. Add some fresh vegetables and a drizzle of hoisin sauce for a tasty and filling meal.
• Garnish your char siu with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Char siu can be reheated in the air fryer for a quick and convenient meal later on.

Remember, char siu is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Get creative and explore different serving options to find your favourite combination.

Questions and Answers

What is char siu?

Char siu is a popular Chinese dish made of marinated and roasted pork. It has a sweet and savory flavor and is often enjoyed as a filling in buns or served over rice.

Can I cook char siu in an air fryer? How?

Yes, you can cook char siu in an air fryer. To do so, marinate the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. Place the marinated pork in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) before serving.