Tiffany Haney
Boston butt, also known as pork shoulder, is a cut of meat that comes from the shoulder of the pig. It is a popular choice for pulled pork due to its higher fat content. Boston butt can be cooked in an air fryer to make a variety of dishes, including pulled pork tacos, enchiladas, taquitos, and sandwiches. The air fryer method is faster and more hands-off than traditional cooking methods and results in tender and juicy meat with a crispy crust. Cooking Boston butt in an air fryer typically involves seasoning the meat, cooking it for a specified amount of time, and then shredding it using forks. The cooking time depends on the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness.
Cooking a Boston Butt in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 90-120 minutes, depending on the weight of the meat |
| Temperature | 350°F (180°C) |
| Meat Temperature | 145°F (90°C) |
| Resting Time | 10 minutes |
| Meat Type | Boneless pork shoulder or butt roast |
| Marinade | Spice rub, pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice |
| Sides | Sweet potatoes, baby potatoes, baby carrots |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, fennel seeds, brown sugar |
| Sauce | BBQ sauce, bread rolls, tortillas, nachos, salad |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3-4 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for Boston butt in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the meat and whether you are cooking steaks or a roast.
If you are cooking Boston butt steaks, cook them in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Halfway through cooking, flip the steaks and add a BBQ rub and baste with BBQ sauce on both sides. Then, cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, for a total cooking time of about 9 minutes.
If you are cooking Boston butt as a roast, wrap the meat tightly in foil and place it in a preheated air fryer. For a 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs) roast, cook for 90–120 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the meat. Check the internal temperature of the roast by inserting a meat thermometer into the middle of the meat. The temperature should be nearing 90°C (195°F).
If you are cooking Boston butt with vegetables, set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the meat for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the roast over and add vegetables to the air fryer. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 35 minutes. Check the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 145°F when done. If the meat has not reached this temperature, continue cooking for 5 minutes at a time at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Leftover Boston butt can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the meat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes.
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Marinating and seasoning
Before cooking, pat the pork dry and let it come to room temperature. Score the rind in a crisscross pattern, taking care not to cut into the meat. Rub salt into the scores and all over the pork butt. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, fennel seeds, olive oil, and sugar. Make sure to cover all sides of the meat. If you're cooking a pork roast, you can place the seasoned meat inside a foil pouch and pour broth into the pouch before placing it in the air fryer.
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Resting and serving
Once your Boston butt is cooked, remove it from the air fryer basket and place it on a wooden cutting board. Cover it with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even juicier.
If you are making pulled pork, open the foil parcel and place the pork in a bowl. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any pieces of fat. Then, add all the ingredients for the barbecue sauce to a deep cake pan and stir to combine. Place the pan in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 200°C (400°F) or until bubbling. Finally, mix the shredded pork with the sauce.
Your Boston butt is now ready to serve. You can pile the pulled pork on bread rolls, in quesadillas, tacos, over nachos, or in a salad bowl. If you have cooked a pork roast, simply slice and serve.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, use the air fryer again, preheating it to 350°F (175°C) and heating the pork for 3–4 minutes.
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Reheating and storing
When you've cooked your Boston butt in an air fryer, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier. Place the roast on a cutting board, cover it with tin foil, and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
If you have leftovers, wrap them well and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your Boston butt again, there are a few ways to reheat it. You can use your air fryer, preheated to 350°F (175°C), for 3-5 minutes, or until the meat is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a saucepan or the microwave until warmed through. If you're reheating in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the Boston butt in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
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Sides and accompaniments
Boston butt is a rich and savoury dish, so it is best paired with sides that offer a blend of sweetness and tanginess to enhance its flavours. Here are some side and accompaniment options to elevate your Boston butt meal:
Baked Beans
Baked beans offer a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess, making them a quintessential side dish for Boston butt. Cooked with sweet pineapple and salty bacon, they create a sweet flavour that pairs well with classic potato salad. Baked beans are also versatile, quick to prepare, and rich in protein.
Garlic Bread
The savoury blend of butter, garlic, and herbs in garlic bread makes it an ideal accompaniment to the rich flavours of Boston butt. Its golden, crunchy texture enhances the dining experience, and the mouth-watering aroma adds a comforting and inviting touch.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their crispy texture and nutty flavour, are an excellent side dish to complement the savoury and smoky taste of Boston butt.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob, with its charred and smoky undertones, is a simple yet classic choice that pairs wonderfully with Boston butt. Spread some butter, sprinkle herbs and spices, or add cheese for extra flavour.
Jalapeño Popper Corn Fritters
For a blend of heat and sweetness, jalapeño popper corn fritters bring a crispy, cheesy contrast to the rich flavours of Boston butt. These corn fritters, made with spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and sweet corn, are a crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional cornbread.
Loaded Cauliflower Salad
A loaded cauliflower salad is a nutritious and flavourful low-carb option that pairs well with Boston butt. It offers a healthy alternative to traditional potato salad.
Air Fryer Okra
Air fryer okra is a delicious and healthy side dish that brings a delightful crispiness to your Boston butt meal. It uses less oil than traditional fried okra, making it a lighter option.
Other Options
Other sides that you can consider include grilled vegetables, such as green beans, street corn, or roasted carrots; homemade coleslaw; mac and cheese; and cornbread.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the weight of the meat. A Boston butt steak will take 3 to 4 minutes, while a roast will take 12-14 minutes per pound at 400 degrees F.
Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Pat the meat dry and let it come to room temperature. Score the rind in a crisscross pattern, taking care not to cut into the meat. Rub salt into the scores and coat the meat with olive oil.
Boston butt goes well with roasted sweet potatoes, baby potatoes, and carrots.
Place the leftover meat in the air fryer basket and heat at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes.
