Air-Fried Pulled Pork: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

Air fryer pulled pork is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic dish. It's a healthier alternative to traditional methods, as it requires less oil, and the air fryer ensures the pork is juicy and tender. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have mouthwatering pulled pork that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. You can even get creative and add your favourite toppings and sauces to make it your own.

Choosing the right cut of pork

When selecting a Boston butt, look for well-defined marbling patterns and consistent thickness, as this ensures even cooking. Boston butts are also known for their forgiving nature, making them suitable for various cooking techniques such as slow cooking, smoking, or using an oven.

If you can't find a whole pork shoulder, you can opt for either a Boston butt or a picnic roast. Both cuts typically weigh between 6 to 8 pounds. The Boston butt has less bone than the picnic roast, which can come with or without the bone. While the picnic roast is more similar to an unprepared ham, it works equally well for pulled pork. It is recommended to choose a cut with the bone still in, as this enhances the flavour.

When shopping for pork shoulder, look for a piece with a good balance of fat and meat. The "fat cap" that most pork shoulders have on one side is natural and can enhance the flavour. However, ensure that there is a good ratio of fat to muscle fibres.

In addition to the traditional choices, you can also experiment with alternative cuts such as picnic shoulders or pork roasts. These cuts bring their own unique texture and flavour profiles to the dish, allowing for culinary creativity.

Marinating the meat

Firstly, place the pork cuts in a gallon-sized storage bag. Add olive oil and liquid smoke to the bag. Seal the bag, leaving a little air inside, and shake it to ensure that the meat is fully coated with the liquid mixture. The olive oil helps to keep the pork moist during cooking and allows the spices to adhere better to the meat. Liquid smoke adds a rich, smoky flavour that mimics the taste of traditional BBQ pork.

Next, open the bag and add your choice of spices. Seal the bag again with some air inside and shake it until the meat is thoroughly coated with the spices. You can use a pre-made spice rub or make your own blend. A typical spice rub may include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.

Once the meat is fully coated with the spices, let it marinate. For the best results, it is recommended to chill the pork overnight in the refrigerator with the air removed from the bag. This allows the spices to seep into the meat and enhance its flavour. If you are short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes of marination will suffice.

After the meat has finished marinating, you can proceed to cook the pulled pork in your air fryer following the recipe instructions.

Preparing the air fryer

To prepare your air fryer for making pulled pork, start by forming a bowl shape with aluminium foil and placing it inside the appliance. You will then want to preheat the air fryer to a temperature of around 350°F–370°F (175°C–190°C).

The exact temperature and cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the size of your pork roast. However, as a general rule, you should aim for an internal temperature of 180°F–185°F (85°C) for the meat to be considered thoroughly cooked.

It is also important to ensure that your air fryer basket is not overcrowded. If necessary, you may need to cook the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Additionally, it is recommended to give your air fryer basket a light spray of non-stick cooking spray before adding the pork to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.

Cooking the pork

Step 1: Prepare the pork

Choose a fatty cut of meat such as pork shoulder or butt. Trim any excess fat and cut the pork into equally-sized chunks.

Step 2: Marinate

Place the pork in a gallon storage bag and add olive oil, liquid smoke, and your chosen spices. Seal the bag, leaving a bit of air inside, and shake to coat the pork evenly. For best results, leave the pork to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Prepare the air fryer

Form an aluminium foil bowl in the air fryer basket and preheat the air fryer to 350-370°F.

Step 4: Cook the pork

Remove the pork from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Place the pork in the air fryer basket with the fatty side up and pour over any remaining juices. Cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, flipping the pork every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 180-185°F.

Step 5: Rest and shred the pork

Once the pork is cooked, let it rest in the air fryer for 30 minutes before removing it and shredding it with two forks.

Step 6: Add barbecue sauce

Place the shredded pork in a large mixing bowl and add your favourite barbecue sauce. Mix until the pork is fully coated.

Step 7: Serve

Enjoy your delicious pulled pork on a bun, in a taco, on a salad, or however you like!

Resting and shredding the meat

Once the pork is cooked, it is important to let it rest before shredding the meat. This helps to ensure the meat is juicy and tender. The length of resting time can vary depending on the recipe, but it is usually between 10 to 30 minutes.

After resting, the pork can be shredded using two forks. If the meat is too tough to shred with forks, you can use your hands, tongs, or a meat fork. It is best to shred the pork while it is still warm, as this makes the process easier and ensures the meat absorbs more of the barbecue sauce. Once shredded, the pork can be mixed with barbecue sauce to taste.

For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork has reached an internal temperature of 180°F (85°C) before resting and shredding. This will ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.

Frequently asked questions