Tillie Doyle
Cooking pork shoulder in an air fryer is a great way to save time and money, and it can be used for a variety of dishes, from stews to roasts and pulled pork. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air speeds up cooking time and ensures even cooking, resulting in tender meat with a crispy exterior. This method is also versatile, allowing for the addition of various seasonings, spices, and vegetables to create a flavourful meal. With proper storage, air-fried pork shoulder can be enjoyed for several days after cooking, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
How to cook pork shoulder in an air fryer for stew:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat weight | 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs) |
| Meat temperature | 85°C (185°F) to 90°C (195°F) |
| Air fryer temperature | 180°C (350°F) to 200°C (390°F) |
| Cooking time | 90-120 minutes |
| Resting time | 10 minutes |
| Marinade | Olive oil, salt, mixed herbs, garlic powder, fennel seeds, brown sugar |
| Sides | Apple sauce, roast potatoes, vegetables |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for 3 months |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures for air fryer pork shoulder stew
When cooking pork shoulder in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of dish you are preparing. For example, the cooking instructions for pork shoulder steaks will differ from those for pulled pork or pork shoulder with crackling.
Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Steaks
To cook pork shoulder steaks in an air fryer, first, drizzle half a teaspoon each of oil and seasoning over the pork and toss to coat thoroughly. Place the steaks into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each steak to allow the air to circulate. For a 3cm/1" thick steak, cook at 200°C/390°F for 15 minutes. If you want to turn them halfway through, you can do so after 10 minutes. Check if the pork is cooked by cutting into the thickest part and ensuring the meat is nearly white in the centre. If you prefer your pork well done, return it to the air fryer for 2 minutes at a time. Allow the steaks to rest for at least 3 to 4 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Pulled Pork
To make pulled pork in an air fryer, start by preparing the spice rub and, optionally, marinating the pork in the spice rub and pineapple overnight in the fridge. Then, wrap the pork in foil and place it into the air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C/350°F for 90 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 85°C/185°F. Open the foil and let the meat rest before shredding it with two forks. Discard any pieces of fat.
Air Fryer Pork Shoulder with Crackling
To cook pork shoulder with crackling in an air fryer, first, pat the pork dry and score the rind in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Rub salt into the scores and drizzle oil over the pork, massaging it into the skin. Wrap the pork tightly in foil and place it into the preheated air fryer. Cook for 90-120 minutes, depending on the weight of the pork. Check the internal temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the centre of the meat; it should be nearing 90°C/195°F. Open the foil and add a little extra salt to the crackling, along with a splash of apple cider vinegar. Crank up the heat and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the crackling is crisp.
Reheating and Storage
Cooked air fryer pork shoulder can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for later use. To reheat, cook at the same temperature for around one-third of the original cooking time, or until piping hot throughout.
Air-Fried Wontons: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to prepare the pork shoulder for the air fryer
Preparing pork shoulder for the air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, remove the pork from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat the pork dry with kitchen towels and, if the rind is not already scored, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts across the surface in a crisscross or diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Next, rub the pork rind with oil, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Then, season the pork. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, sugar, herbs, and spice rubs. Massage the seasoning into the scores of the pork rind. You can also add other ingredients like apple and onion slices or pineapple juice to enhance the flavour.
Finally, place the pork in a large foil pouch or wrap it tightly in foil, ensuring it is completely covered. This helps to seal in the moisture and prevent the pork from drying out. Now your pork shoulder is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!
Instant Pot as Fryer: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to prepare vegetables to accompany the pork shoulder
While your pork shoulder is cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare a variety of vegetables to accompany the meat. Here are some options and instructions:
Classic Vegetables
Carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and garlic are classic choices that will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your stew. You can also use yellow onions and fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. Cut the carrots and celery into slices or sticks, and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Peel and finely chop the garlic and onions.
Other Vegetables
You can also experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms. These can be sliced, chopped, or quartered, depending on your preference. If using mushrooms, it is recommended to use earthy varieties such as portobello or cremini mushrooms.
Bread
Traditionally, stew is served with bread on the side. You can offer crusty garlic bread for dipping, or opt for cornbread, homemade crescent rolls, or biscuits.
Other Sides
In addition to vegetables, you can prepare other sides to accompany the pork shoulder. Creamy mashed potatoes or a goat cheese polenta would pair well with the pork stew.
Wine
Pork shoulder stew pairs well with a range of wines. For a red wine, choose a medium-bodied option like Pinot Noir, Syrah, or Malbec. If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can complement the stew.
Remember to adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make the pork stew your own!
Air-Fryer Corn Bread: The Perfect Timing for Crispy Bread
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to make the pork shoulder tender and succulent
To make tender and succulent pork shoulder in an air fryer, there are several methods you can use. Firstly, it is important to note that low and slow cooking is best for pork shoulder, as it allows the fat and connective tissue to break down, resulting in tender meat. Therefore, you should cook your pork shoulder for at least a few hours.
One method is to use a spice rub to tenderize the pork as it cooks. You can make a dry rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and spices such as cumin, coriander, or chili powder. Score the fat cap of the pork shoulder with a few diagonal cuts, then rub the spices onto the meat. Wrap the pork in foil to seal in the moisture and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 250°F for 8-14 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart.
Another technique is to wrap the pork in parchment paper, which helps to keep the meat moist and succulent. First, pat the pork dry and season it with salt and other spices, if desired. Wrap the pork tightly in parchment paper and place it in the air fryer. Cook at 225°F for 12-16 hours, or until the pork is tender.
Additionally, you can cook pork shoulder steaks in an air fryer for a quicker option. Drizzle oil and seasoning over the steaks and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each steak for air circulation. Cook at 200°C/390°F for 15 minutes, turning them halfway through if desired. Check the pork by cutting into the thickest part to ensure it is cooked to your preference. Allow the steaks to rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Air-Fried Fish Tacos: Quick, Easy, and Delicious
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to make the crackling crispy
To make the crackling crispy, you need to start with the right ingredients. When selecting pork shoulder, look for a piece with a good amount of skin and a visible fat layer underneath, as this will yield the best crackling. The skin should be smooth, shiny, firm, and without blemishes.
Before cooking, you need to prepare the pork skin. Use a sharp knife to score the skin in a crisscross, diamond, or crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut too deep into the meat. This technique allows heat to penetrate and helps the fat render out, contributing to crispier skin.
The next step is to dry out the pork skin to eliminate excess moisture. Place the pork skin on a plate or wire rack, uncovered, and leave it in the fridge for at least 24 hours or overnight. This step is crucial in achieving the perfect crackling, but if you're in a rush, you can skip it and compensate by oiling and salting the pork rind.
After drying, rub generous amounts of salt into the scored skin. You can also add your choice of spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, or herbs, for additional flavor.
Now, you're ready to cook the pork shoulder in your preheated air fryer. Place the pork in the air fryer basket with the skin side up, and cook at 200°C (about 392°F) for approximately 30 minutes. Check the crackling at the halfway point, and if it's starting to crisp, flip it to help render the fat more evenly. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. The desired result is a golden brown, crackling texture.
Once your pork crackling is ready, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest, leaving the crackling uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Air-Frying Bone Marrow: A Quick, Crispy Treat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A:
First, pat the pork dry and let it come to room temperature. Score the skin with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts across the surface to help the fat render down and create crispy crackling. Drizzle oil over the pork and rub it into the skin. Sprinkle sea salt over the skin and massage it in. Wrap the pork in foil to prevent it from drying out. Place the pork in the air fryer and cook for 90-120 minutes, depending on the weight.
A:
Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer. It should be around 85-90°C. If you don't have a thermometer, pierce the pork with a knife – if it's very soft, it's done.
A:
Let the pork rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.
A:
Cook the pork at 180°C for 90 minutes. Check on it after 40 minutes to see how it's progressing.
A:
Yes, you can reheat the pork in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
