Marianne Martinez
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook pork souvlaki, a popular Greek dish. It is a quick and easy method that delivers juicy and flavourful results. The key to success is in the preparation and seasoning of the pork, which is then cooked in an air fryer for around 15 minutes. This method is ideal for families, as it is simple, cost-effective, and adaptable to individual tastes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Soy sauce, Italian dressing mix, olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, salt, pepper, vinegar |
| Meat | Pork tenderloin or pork loin |
| Meat cut | 1/2-inch cubes |
| Marinade time | 2-4 hours |
| Air fryer temperature | 380-400°F |
| Air fryer time | 15 minutes |
| Meat internal temperature | 145-160°F |
| Serving suggestions | Greek flatbreads, pitta bread, pickled green chillies, steamed vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marinating the pork for souvlaki is not a mandatory step, but it adds a lot of flavour to the dish. If you decide to marinate the meat, you should do it for at least four hours, but it's even better if you prepare it in the morning and cook it at night. You can also marinate it overnight.
There are many different marinade recipes you can use for pork souvlaki. A simple one includes just three ingredients: soy sauce, Italian dressing mix, and olive oil. If you want to add more ingredients, you can use fresh garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, and spices such as rosemary, garlic powder, or paprika.
For a larger batch of souvlaki or a slightly fattier cut of meat, you can use pork shoulder or butt, which is the traditional choice. However, pork tenderloin or pork loin are leaner cuts that are easier to manage for smaller batches and stay juicy while cooking in the air fryer.
If you plan on making this dish more than once, you can make a large batch of a Souvlaki spice mix and store it for the next 6-12 months. For this, you can use a blend of herbs, spices, salt, and black pepper. When you're ready to cook, use two tablespoons of the spice mix per 500g / 17.64oz of pork and one tablespoon each of lemon juice and olive oil. Don't forget to label the container with the "best before" date!
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Choosing the right cut of pork
Pork tenderloin, a lean cut of meat, is versatile and works well for pork souvlaki. Its leanness means it can easily dry out, so it's important to cook it carefully to retain moisture and juiciness. When using pork tenderloin, trim any excess fat and silver lining, and cut the meat into bite-sized cubes of approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch in size. This cut is ideal for smaller batches and cooks evenly in the air fryer, resulting in juicy and tender souvlaki.
For a more traditional take on pork souvlaki, consider using pork neck or shoulder. These cuts offer a combination of soft, lean meat and a healthy amount of fat, contributing to the chewy texture and flavourful profile characteristic of authentic souvlaki. While pork neck is a popular choice due to its balance of leanness and fat content, pork shoulder is also a viable option, providing a slightly fattier base for your dish.
If you prefer a fattier cut of meat or are making a larger batch, pork butt or pork shoulder are excellent choices. These cuts are traditionally used in Greek cuisine for souvlaki and will add richness and flavour to your dish. Keep in mind that fattier cuts like pork belly may be more challenging to work with, as they can cook unevenly and fall apart more easily.
Ultimately, the right cut of pork depends on your personal preference and the specific requirements of your recipe. Pork tenderloin is a safe choice for smaller portions, while pork neck, shoulder, or butt offer a more traditional and fatty foundation for your pork souvlaki.
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Air fryer settings
The settings on your air fryer will depend on the model and the recipe you are following. Most recipes recommend cooking pork souvlaki for around 15 minutes, but this may vary depending on the size of your pork cubes and the number of layers in your air fryer. If you are cooking skewered pork, you may need to cook it for slightly longer, and if you are cooking loose pork cubes, keep a close eye on them as they may cook more quickly.
It is important to note that different air fryers have different wattages and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time and temperature for the best results. As a guide, some recipes suggest cooking pork souvlaki at 380°F in the air fryer for 15 minutes, while others recommend 400°F. The ideal internal temperature of the pork will be around 145-160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check that the pork has reached the correct temperature.
If you are cooking skewered pork souvlaki, you will need to soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent them from burning. If you are cooking loose pork cubes, you can place them directly into the air fryer basket. Spray the basket or tray with cooking spray first to prevent sticking.
If you are stacking layers of pork in the air fryer, it will need a little longer to cook. You may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve air fryer pork souvlaki. You can serve it in Greek pita bread or flatbreads with a selection of toppings so that each family member can load in their preferences. Some topping suggestions include hummus, tzatziki, sliced onion, chopped parsley, sliced tomatoes, and a bowl of pickled green chillies on the side for those who like their meals spicy. You can also serve it as a pita sandwich or wrap, or with a salad for a healthier option.
If you have leftovers, you can use them on top of a big salad with peppers, cilantro, toasted almonds, and an Asian dressing. You can also chop them into smaller pieces and add them to some fried cauliflower rice or a cabbage stir-fry. Leftover pork souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for two to three months.
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Storing and reheating
To reheat your pork souvlaki, you have a few options. You can use your air fryer, oven, or microwave. If you choose to use your air fryer or oven, wrap the meat in foil first to prevent it from drying out. Then, reheat at a moderate temperature until the meat is warmed through and steaming hot. For the microwave, stir the meat halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have a large amount of leftover pork souvlaki, you can also freeze it for extended storage. Simply place the leftovers in an airtight container or a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen pork souvlaki can be stored for 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen souvlaki, thaw it in the fridge for about 24 hours before reheating it using one of the methods mentioned above.
Proper storage and reheating of your pork souvlaki will ensure that you can safely enjoy this delicious dish multiple times while maintaining its flavor and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 15 minutes to cook pork souvlaki in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 380°F to 400°F.
The internal temperature of the pork should be 145°F to 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces or cubes of around 0.5 inches. Marinate the meat in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, garlic cloves, salt, and dried oregano. You can also add rosemary and garlic powder for extra flavour.
