Easy Airfryer Char Siu
Char siu, also known as Chinese barbecue pork, is one of the most iconic Cantonese dishes, and it was always the highlight whenever we passed by a BBQ shop growing up. That glossy red glaze hanging in the window, the sweet savory aroma, and the slightly charred edges are hard to forget. Traditionally, char siu is roasted over open flames, but this airfryer version brings all that flavor home in a way that is faster, cleaner, and much more approachable.
Using the airfryer, you still get that signature caramelized exterior while keeping the pork tender and juicy inside, all without firing up the oven or dealing with a messy roasting pan. It is a modern shortcut that still respects the flavors of the original, and it is perfect for when you want homemade char siu on a weeknight.
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Why use an airfryer? Can I use an oven?
An airfryer makes things a little quicker and easier since it heats up fast and crisps beautifully without much effort. But if you don’t have one, the oven works just fine — just cook at 400°F (200°C). In my experience, it takes about 20 minutes on each side and then finishing the broiler for 5 minutes. It might take a few extra minutes compared to the airfryer, but you’ll still get delicious results! To make our lives easier, I still recommend the airfryer. This is the one I use and I can definitely vouch for it!
Best cut of pork for char siu?
Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best choices for char siu because they have enough fat to stay juicy during cooking and hold up well to high heat. The marbling helps protect the meat as the sugars in the char siu sauce caramelize, giving you tender slices with that signature glossy finish. Leaner cuts like pork loin can be used, but they require more careful timing since they dry out more easily. If you go this route, keep a close eye on doneness and pull the pork as soon as it is cooked through.
In Cantonese restaurants and Hong Kong BBQ shops, most people actually prefer the fattier cuts, often referred to as “肥叉.” These pieces are sought-after for their richness, tenderness, and flavor, especially when the edges get slightly charred! That balance of sweet glaze, smokiness, and juicy meat is what makes classic char siu so hard to resist.
What is Char Siu sauce?
Char siu sauce is a classic Cantonese barbecue sauce made with a blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors—typically soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and spices. While you can make it from scratch, I personally love using store-bought Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce. It saves so much time, and honestly, the flavor is spot on—rich, glossy, and perfectly balanced—so you can enjoy restaurant-quality char siu at home without the extra work.
Why do we finish with a broil at the end?
Broiling at the very end gives the char siu that irresistible caramelized glaze you expect from restaurant versions. The high heat helps the sugars in the sauce bubble and darken slightly, creating those glossy, sticky edges without overcooking the pork. It’s the quick finishing touch that takes your airfryer char siu from good to authentic-tasting.
Tips for making the best airfryer char siu
Marinate as long as you can:
Even a few hours helps, but overnight gives the best flavor.
Do not overcrowd the airfryer basket:
Proper airflow is key to even caramelization. Cook in 2 batches if required.
Brush on extra sauce during cooking:
This builds layers of flavor and that glossy finish.
Watch closely during the broil:
The sugars can go from caramelized to burnt very quickly. Start with just a few minutes and extent as required.
How to serve char siu
Char siu is incredibly versatile and one of those dishes that never really feels like a leftover. Serve it simply sliced with steamed rice and a quick vegetable for an easy dinner, or use it in so many other ways:
Char siu rice bowls
Noodle soups
Fried rice
Stuffed into bao or sandwiches
As it sits, the meat continues to soak up that sweet savory glaze, so leftovers are often even more flavorful the next day. Left over char siu is typically used to make char siu fried rice, another Cantonese classic!
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Ingredients
- 2 lb Pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp Char siu sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1 tsp White pepper
- 1 tsp Five spice powder
- 1 tsp Sugar
Step by step instructions
1. Preheat your airfryer
Set your airfryer to 380°F so it’s ready to go once the pork is marinated and brushed with sauce.
2. First cook
Place the marinated pork shoulder pieces into the airfryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.
3. Flip and baste
After the first 10 minutes, flip the pork and brush on another layer of char siu sauce to lock in that glossy, caramelized flavor.
4. Second cook
Return the pork to the airfryer and cook for another 10 minutes at 380°F.
5. Final glaze
Flip once more, and this time brush with either honey or an extra layer of char siu sauce for added shine and sweetness.
6. Broil for char
Increase the heat (or use the broil function if your airfryer has one) and cook for 3 minutes until the edges are slightly charred and sticky.
7. Rest and serve
Remove the pork from the airfryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own!
Easy Airfryer Char Siu
Ingredients
- 2 lb Pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp Char Siu sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1 tsp White pepper
- 1 tsp Five spice powder
- 1 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your airfryer: Set your airfryer to 380°F so it’s ready to go once the pork is marinated and brushed with sauce.
- First cook: Place the marinated pork shoulder pieces into the airfryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip and baste: After the first 10 minutes, flip the pork and brush on another layer of char siu sauce to lock in that glossy, caramelized flavor.
- Second cook: Return the pork to the airfryer and cook for another 10 minutes at 380°F.
- Final glaze: Flip once more, and this time brush with either honey or an extra layer of char siu sauce for added shine and sweetness.
- Broil for char: Increase the heat (or use the broil function if your airfryer has one) and cook for 3 minutes until the edges are slightly charred and sticky.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pork from the airfryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own!