Easy Airfryer Char Siu
Char siu, also known as Chinese barbecue pork, is one of the most iconic Cantonese dishes—and now you can make it right at home with your airfryer! Traditionally roasted over open flames, char siu is famous for its sweet, savory, and smoky glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Using the airfryer, you’ll get that same caramelized char on the outside while keeping the pork tender and juicy inside, all with less mess and in less time.
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Why use an airfryer? Can I use an oven?
An airfryer makes things a little quicker and easier since it heats up fast and crisps beautifully without much effort. But if you don’t have one, the oven works just fine — just cook at 400°F (200°C). In my experience, it takes about 20 minutes on each side and then finishing the broiler for 5 minutes. It might take a few extra minutes compared to the airfryer, but you’ll still get delicious results! To make our lives easier, I still recommend the airfryer. This is the one I use and I can definitely vouch for it!
What is Char Siu sauce?
Char siu sauce is a classic Cantonese barbecue sauce made with a blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors—typically soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and spices. While you can make it from scratch, I personally love using store-bought Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce. It saves so much time, and honestly, the flavor is spot on—rich, glossy, and perfectly balanced—so you can enjoy restaurant-quality char siu at home without the extra work.
Why do we finish with a broil at the end?
Broiling at the very end gives the char siu that irresistible caramelized glaze you expect from restaurant versions. The high heat helps the sugars in the sauce bubble and darken slightly, creating those glossy, sticky edges without overcooking the pork. It’s the quick finishing touch that takes your airfryer char siu from good to authentic-tasting.
Ingredients
- 2 lb Pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp Char siu sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1 tsp White pepper
- 1 tsp Five spice powder
- 1 tsp Sugar
Step by step instructions
1. Preheat your airfryer
Set your airfryer to 380°F so it’s ready to go once the pork is marinated and brushed with sauce.
2. First cook
Place the marinated pork shoulder pieces into the airfryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.
3. Flip and baste
After the first 10 minutes, flip the pork and brush on another layer of char siu sauce to lock in that glossy, caramelized flavor.
4. Second cook
Return the pork to the airfryer and cook for another 10 minutes at 380°F.
5. Final glaze
Flip once more, and this time brush with either honey or an extra layer of char siu sauce for added shine and sweetness.
6. Broil for char
Increase the heat (or use the broil function if your airfryer has one) and cook for 3 minutes until the edges are slightly charred and sticky.
7. Rest and serve
Remove the pork from the airfryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own!
Easy Airfryer Char Siu
Ingredients
- 2 lb Pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp Char Siu sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1 tsp White pepper
- 1 tsp Five spice powder
- 1 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your airfryer: Set your airfryer to 380°F so it’s ready to go once the pork is marinated and brushed with sauce.
- First cook: Place the marinated pork shoulder pieces into the airfryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip and baste: After the first 10 minutes, flip the pork and brush on another layer of char siu sauce to lock in that glossy, caramelized flavor.
- Second cook: Return the pork to the airfryer and cook for another 10 minutes at 380°F.
- Final glaze: Flip once more, and this time brush with either honey or an extra layer of char siu sauce for added shine and sweetness.
- Broil for char: Increase the heat (or use the broil function if your airfryer has one) and cook for 3 minutes until the edges are slightly charred and sticky.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pork from the airfryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own!