Air-Fried Pulled Pork: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Recipe

Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, from sandwiches and wraps to tacos and salads. It is a crowd-pleaser and a great option for outdoor parties or simple family dinners. While it is typically cooked in a conventional oven, it can also be prepared in an air fryer for a healthier, more convenient, and faster alternative. This method requires less oil and results in a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying.

Choosing the right cut of pork

When purchasing your pork, it is important to look for shoulder or butt cuts that appear fresh and well-marbled. This marbling indicates a good distribution of fat throughout the meat, which will contribute to the overall flavour and texture of your dish. If you are unable to find shoulder or butt cuts, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin, but keep in mind that these cuts are leaner. To compensate for the lower fat content, you can add additional moisture by incorporating chicken broth or apple juice during cooking and being mindful of the cooking time to prevent dryness.

The amount of pork you need will depend on the number of servings you intend to make. For example, a 2-pound boneless pork butt or shoulder cut is typically used to serve four people. However, if you are cooking for a larger group, you may need to adjust the quantity of pork accordingly.

Once you have selected the perfect cut of pork, you can begin preparing your air fryer pulled pork dish by trimming any excess fat and cutting the pork into equal-sized chunks. This step ensures even cooking and allows the flavours of your seasonings or marinade to penetrate the meat effectively. After seasoning or marinating your pork, you can proceed with the air-frying process, following your desired recipe's specific instructions for temperature and cooking time.

Remember, choosing the right cut of pork is a crucial step in creating delicious and tender pulled pork in your air fryer. By selecting pork shoulder or butt cuts with a good amount of fat marbling, you can be sure that your dish will turn out juicy and flavourful every time.

Preparing the meat

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat:

Start by selecting the right cut of pork for your air fryer pulled pork. The best option is to go for a boneless pork shoulder cut or a pork butt cut. These cuts have a higher fat content, which is essential for maintaining moisture in the meat. The fat also ensures that your pulled pork will be tender and easy to chew. Look for cuts that appear fresh and well-marbled, indicating a good balance of fat and meat.

Trimming and Cutting the Pork:

Once you have selected your pork shoulder or butt cut, trim away any excess fat. This step helps prevent the meat from becoming too greasy during cooking. After trimming, cut the pork into 4 to 5 equal-sized chunks. This step ensures even cooking and makes it easier to fit the meat into your air fryer basket.

Marinating the Pork:

To enhance the flavour and tenderness of your pulled pork, marinating the meat is highly recommended. Place the trimmed and cut pork into a gallon-sized storage bag. Add olive oil and liquid smoke to the bag, seal it, and shake well to ensure the meat is fully coated. Liquid smoke gives your pulled pork a smoky taste and aroma. You can substitute liquid smoke with smoked paprika if you prefer.

Adding the Spice Rub:

After coating the meat with olive oil and liquid smoke, it's time to add the spice rub. Open the storage bag and pour in your chosen spices. Seal the bag again and shake until the meat is evenly coated with the spices. You can use a variety of spices such as pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and ground cumin. This blend will give your pulled pork a savoury and aromatic flavour.

Marinating Time:

Once the meat is coated with the spice rub, it's essential to let it marinate. Leave the marinated pork in the bag at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For even better results, place the bag in the refrigerator overnight. This extended marination time allows the spices to seep into the meat, intensifying the flavour and making the pork even more tender.

Preparing for Air Frying:

Take the pork out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before cooking. Form a bowl-shaped aluminium foil and place it inside your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which is typically around 350°F to 370°F for pulled pork recipes.

Cooking the Pork:

Place the marinated pork into the air fryer basket, fatty side up. Pour any remaining juices from the marinade over the meat. Cook the pork for about 1 to 1.5 hours, flipping the meat every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the pork, so adjust accordingly.

Resting and Shredding the Pork:

Once the pork is cooked, leave it in the turned-off air fryer for about 30 minutes to rest. This step helps retain moisture and makes the meat easier to shred. After resting, remove the pork from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Use your hands, forks, or tongs to shred the meat into tender strands.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making pulled pork in an air fryer will depend on the type and size of your air fryer, as well as the size of the pork roast. It's important to note that air fryers are typically not designed for slow cooking, and some models may have limited ventilation for longer cooking times.

For a 1-pound pork roast, one source recommends cooking at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and have a nice crust on the outside. However, it is suggested that you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the roast. Flipping the pork halfway through the cooking time will ensure even browning.

Another source provides a recipe for a 2-pound pork roast, recommending a cooking temperature of 370°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes, flipping the meat every 30 minutes. They suggest ensuring the meat is fully cooked by checking that its internal temperature reaches at least 180°F. If the temperature is lower, they advise cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes.

A third source recommends cutting a 2.5-pound pork roast into 4 to 5 equal-sized chunks and cooking them in the air fryer at 345°F (170°C) for 30 minutes. They also suggest checking the internal temperature of the pork, but their recommended temperature is not provided.

It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of your pork roast. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for recommended cooking times and temperatures, and adjust as needed.

Resting the meat

After this resting period, the pork should be removed from the air fryer and placed on a cutting board or large baking sheet. You can then use two forks to shred the meat, or your hands if it is still too tough for the forks. This step can be messy, so it may be helpful to use gloves or a large sheet of foil underneath to catch any juices or shreds of meat.

Once the pork is shredded, it is time to add your barbecue sauce. Place the shredded pork into a large mixing bowl and pour over your chosen barbecue sauce. Mix until the meat is fully coated, adding more sauce if needed.

Finally, serve your pulled pork! It can be enjoyed on a bun, in a taco, or as part of a salad or bowl.

Serving suggestions

Sandwiches, Wraps and Buns

Air fryer pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. One popular option is to serve it in a sandwich, wrap or bun. You can top it with extra sauce and/or your choice of toppings.

Tacos, Enchiladas and Taquitos

For a Mexican-inspired meal, you can use air fryer pulled pork as a base for tacos, enchiladas or taquitos. Add your favourite toppings and sauces to customise your meal.

Salads

For a healthier option, serve your air fryer pulled pork on a bed of salad greens. You can also add other ingredients such as roasted vegetables or corn on the cob to make a more substantial meal.

Burrito Bowls, Spanish Pork Stew and Mac and Cheese Pizza

If you're feeling creative, you can use air fryer pulled pork as a base for a variety of dishes such as burrito bowls, Spanish pork stew or even as a topping for mac and cheese pizza.

Sides

When serving air fryer pulled pork as the main dish, you can pair it with a variety of sides. Some suggestions include air-fried diced potatoes, air-fried biscuits, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, corn on the cob or coleslaw.

Frequently asked questions