Welcome back to the channel, food lovers! In today’s video, I’m going to show you how to make the most delicious and juicy Air-Fried Char Siu—Chinese BBQ pork—using simple ingredients and the air fryer! No need for a fancy grill or oven; this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. We’re using pork neck to get that perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness, but you can use pork belly or any pork slices you like!
This char siu is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with that signature caramelized glaze you love from your favorite Chinese BBQ restaurant. You won’t believe how easy it is to recreate this iconic dish at home. Whether you’re looking for an amazing dinner recipe or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, this one is a winner!
What you’ll get in this video:
Step-by-step guide on how to marinate and air fry your pork for perfect char siu
Tips on creating the perfect sweet and savory glaze for that restaurant-style finish
How to avoid burnt sugar while air frying (important tip!)
Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more tasty Cantonese recipes!
Air-Fried Char Siu Recipe (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Ingredients:
7 slices of pork neck (or pork belly, or any pork slices you prefer)
½ tablespoon crushed garlic
Salt (to taste)
½ teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (don’t add too much to avoid burnt sugar)
½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1-2 teaspoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying)
1 heaping teaspoon cornstarch (helps the marinade stick)
For the Char Siu Glaze:
2 teaspoons char siu sauce (use your favorite brand)
2 teaspoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon honey (for a sweet finish)
Instructions:
Prep the Pork:
Start by poking holes in your pork neck slices to help the marinade absorb better. This will give you juicier results when air-fried.
Marinate the Pork:
In a large bowl, combine the garlic, salt, white pepper, sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and olive oil.
Add the pork slices to the bowl, mixing everything together. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat.
Sprinkle in the cornstarch and mix again until the marinade sticks to the pork. This helps seal in the juices while air frying.
Marinate:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).
Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Line the basket with tin foil (to catch any drippings).
Place the marinated pork slices in the air fryer. Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 6-7 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. You may want to adjust the temperature to 180°C (350°F) if the pork starts to burn.
Make the Glaze:
While the pork is cooking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix char siu sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Set aside.
Glaze the Pork:
Once the pork is air-fried to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a new sheet of tin foil.
Brush the pork with the glaze and return it to the air fryer for 2 minutes.
Flip the pork, brush with the remaining glaze, and air fry for another 2 minutes.
Serve:
Remove the pork from the air fryer, slice it up, and enjoy! Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Pro Tip: If you want a bit more char, feel free to air fry it longer. The cornstarch will keep the pork juicy while giving it that nice crisp exterior.
Don’t forget to LIKE the video if you enjoyed the recipe, and SUBSCRIBE for more easy and tasty Cantonese recipes! Let me know in the comments how your char siu turns out!