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If you’re a fan of BBQ but want a healthier alternative to frying, look no further than the air fryer. This handy kitchen appliance can give your pork BBQ that crispy and flavorful texture, without the need for excessive oil. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving some delicious pork BBQ, the air fryer is a game-changer.

One of the advantages of using an air fryer is that it cooks food quickly and evenly. So, there’s no need to worry about overcooking or undercooking your pork BBQ. The air fryer’s hot circulating air ensures that your meat is cooked to perfection every time.

When it comes to marinating your pork BBQ, you have plenty of options. You can use traditional BBQ sauces, or get creative with marinades like honey garlic, teriyaki, or even a spicy sriracha glaze. Just make sure to marinate the pork for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

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Once your pork is marinated and ready to go, simply preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature and place the meat in the fryer basket. Cook the pork BBQ for the suggested time, flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking. When the pork is done, it should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside.

Preparation

Before cooking pork bbq in an air fryer, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your dish turns out delicious. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Marinate the pork

Start by marinating the pork. You can use your favorite marinade or make a simple one with soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and spices. Coat the pork thoroughly in the marinade and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to overnight for maximum flavor.

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2. Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that it’s hot enough to cook the pork properly and create a crispy exterior.

3. Prepare the air fryer basket

While the air fryer is preheating, remove the pork from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the pork and cook it evenly.

Tip: You can place a piece of aluminum foil or a perforated parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent the pork from sticking to the bottom.

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4. Cook the pork

Once the air fryer is preheated and the pork is in the basket, cook the pork in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pork and your desired level of doneness, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

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5. Check for doneness

After the initial cooking time, check the pork for doneness. It should have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. If it’s not done yet, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.

Note: It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Once the pork is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.

Now that you know how to prepare the pork bbq, you’re ready to move on to the cooking process. Continue reading to learn how to cook pork bbq in an air fryer.

Choosing the Right Cut

When it comes to cooking pork barbecue in an air fryer, choosing the right cut of meat is essential. Different cuts of pork have different levels of fat content, tenderness, and flavors. Here are some popular cuts that work well for air fryer pork barbecue:

1. Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt, is a popular choice for making pulled pork. It is a well-marbled cut with a good amount of fat, which helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful. The pork shoulder is also quite tender and can be easily shredded after cooking.

2. Pork Loin

Pork loin is a leaner cut of meat compared to pork shoulder. It has less fat but still retains a nice level of tenderness. Pork loin is a versatile cut that can be used for various dishes, including barbecue. It is especially great if you prefer your pork barbecue to be leaner and less fatty.

3. Pork Belly

If you’re looking for a cut with a lot of flavor and crispy skin, pork belly is an excellent choice. It is the fattiest cut of pork and is commonly used in dishes like bacon and pork belly burnt ends. When cooked in an air fryer, pork belly becomes crispy and succulent, making it a delightful treat for pork barbecue lovers.

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When selecting the right cut of pork for your air fryer barbecue, consider your personal preference for tenderness, fat content, and flavor. Each cut has its own unique characteristics, so choose one that suits your taste and culinary goals.

Marinating the Pork

Marinating the pork is an important step in adding flavor and tenderness to your BBQ. Here’s how to do it:

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1. Start by choosing your marinade. You can use a pre-made marinade or make your own using ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and vinegar.

2. Place the pork in a bowl or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the pork is completely coated in the marinade.

3. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

4. During the marinating process, it’s a good idea to flip the pork occasionally to ensure even distribution of the marinade.

5. Before cooking, remove the pork from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.

Now you’re ready to start cooking your marinated pork BBQ in the air fryer!

Preparing the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking your pork BBQ in the air fryer, it’s important to properly prepare the appliance for use. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Clean the Air Fryer

Make sure the air fryer is clean and free from any residue or grease from previous use. This will help prevent any unwanted flavors or smells from transferring to your pork BBQ.

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2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer is necessary to ensure even cooking and to achieve that perfect grilled texture on your pork BBQ. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating, typically around 3-5 minutes at the desired cooking temperature.

3. Adjust the Temperature

Depending on the recipe you’re using, you may need to adjust the temperature settings on your air fryer. Pork BBQ typically requires a high temperature to sear the outside and seal in the juices. Aim for a temperature of around 400°F (200°C).

4. Arrange the Food

Once the air fryer is preheated and the temperature is set, arrange the pork BBQ in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.

5. Use a Rack or Tray

If your air fryer comes with a rack or tray, consider using it to elevate the pork BBQ. This will help excess fat and grease to drip away from the meat, resulting in a healthier and less greasy finished product.

Preparation Steps Additional Tips
Clean the air fryer Use a non-abrasive sponge and mild dish soap to clean the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer Set the desired temperature and allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes.
Adjust the temperature Refer to the recipe guidelines or your preferences for the recommended cooking temperature.
Arrange the food Make sure to leave enough space between the pork BBQ pieces for proper air circulation.
Use a rack or tray Avoid placing the pork directly on the air fryer basket to prevent excessive greasiness.

Cooking Process

Before cooking the pork BBQ in the air fryer, ensure that it is marinated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can marinate the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, and various spices.

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

Step 1: Preparing the Pork

Remove the pork from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the pork to cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Step 2: Cooking the Pork BBQ

Place the pork in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. If necessary, cook in batches.

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Cook the pork at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Then, flip the pork and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches the desired doneness.

Keep an eye on the pork to prevent it from burning. You can check the doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pork slices and the air fryer model.

Step 3: Serving the Pork BBQ

Once the pork BBQ is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.

Finally, serve the pork BBQ with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

FAQ

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it with a mechanical fan. It helps in preparing crispy and delicious food with less oil compared to deep-frying.

Can I cook pork BBQ in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook pork BBQ in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to traditional grilling or frying methods as it requires less oil and results in a crispy texture.

How long does it take to cook pork BBQ in an air fryer?

The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork BBQ. Generally, it takes around 20-25 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C) to cook pork BBQ in an air fryer.

What ingredients do I need to make pork BBQ in an air fryer?

To make pork BBQ in an air fryer, you will need pork, BBQ marinade or sauce, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or spices of your choice.

Can I marinate the pork BBQ before cooking it in an air fryer?

Yes, marinating the pork BBQ before cooking it in an air fryer can enhance the flavor. You can marinate it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance used for cooking food by circulating hot air around it. It cooks food using convection technology, which means that it uses heated air to cook the food, rather than oil or fat.

Can you cook pork bbq in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook pork bbq in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook pork bbq as the air fryer uses hot air to cook the meat and gives it a crispy outer layer.