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How to make Pulled Pork in Air Fryer?

How to make Pulled Pork in Air Fryer?

With an air fryer, you can now make perfectly low-carb pulled pork in a fraction of the time it will take you using an Oven or any other cooking method. The pulled pork is perfectly cooked, juicy, tender, easy, and easy to clean up using this air fry recipe.

The only thing different about pulled pork is that you want to cook it until it readily falls apart or is easy to “pull” (you can use a couple of forks to turn it into shreds). I also found that air fryer pulled pork can be used for various dishes such as pulled pork sandwiches with barbecue sauce and slaw, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, and my personal favorite tossed with pasta. Also, pulled pork is a must-have in a freezer in the bug out bunker, for the survivalists.

Why Air Fry Pulled Pork is better than Oven-Baked?

  • There is no need to preheat the air fryer; some even preheated it automatically. Preheating the oven adds about ten more minutes to the preparation of the pulled pork.
  • Food can be shaken in the air fryer during cooking, although you will need to keep a close watch to avoid burning.
  • The air fryer cooks pulled pork faster with a crispier finish. It only takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cook the pulled pork depending on its size and weight.
  • The cleaning is easier after use in the air fryer than an oven or any other method of cooking pulled pork because of less oil.
  • No extra oil is needed to be added because the pork already has oil in them.
  • Air fryer pulled pork is a healthier and delicious snack and side dish. They taste deep-fried but are so much healthier.

How to make Pulled Pork in an Air Fryer?

Equipment:

  • Any model of Air fryer. This is the essential piece of equipment in this recipe.
  • Kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork to confirm when it is done.
  • Timer
  • Sharp knife or fork

Ingredient:

  • boneless pork butt or pork shoulder
  • brown sugar substitute
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • cumin and parsley
  • smoked paprika
  • salt
  • pepper or chilli powder
  • Barbecue sauce (optional)

Recipe:

  1. Preparation is the first step of this recipe. You will mix the chili powder, brown sugar substitute, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and cumin in a small bowl. Meanwhile, remove the pork from the fridge to bring it to room temperature. Mix the herbs until you get your desired consistency. Next, rub the spice mixture over the pork shoulder, patting it into the skin. If the meat is tied together with twine or netting, rub the seasoning right over it.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F(if your air fryer model preheats automatically, just set it to this temperature, otherwise turn it on for 3 to 5 minutes before starting the cooking process). Put the pork in the air frying basket roasting pan fat side up, and add the 1/2-inch broth. Air fry for 45 minutes or until pork is very tender. This depends on the weight and thickness of the meat.
  3. Remove the basket to turn the pork shoulder. You can add a little more broth, depending on your preference. Back into the air fryer, it goes for another 30 to 45 minutes. Pork skin will be crispy and meat easily shredded with two forks when done. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F. Transfer the pork to a cutting board or a large, rimmed baking sheet and remove the twine or netting if there was any. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Use the cooking liquid and barbecue sauce to moisten and season the meat as desired.

Tips and Tricks for Making Air Fryer Pulled Pork:

  • Make sure you make use of the entire seasoning blend in the recipe. It makes for an excellent finish. An example is smoked paprika that lends a nice smoky flavor without actually smoking it.
  • The general rule for me is for every 1 lb of pork butt; it is about 15 minutes of air fryer time needed for perfect cooking. Use your kitchen thermometer to test the meat after, to make sure that the internal temperature has reached 180-190 in other to be able to actually “pull” the meat quickly. The meat is fully cooked at 145 degrees and is safe to eat.
  • It is advisable to let the pork rest about 15-30 minutes before trying to “pull” the meat, but you can put chunks of pork in the food processor and pulse it a couple of times to break down the pork if you are crunched for time. Just be careful not to pulse too many times, as the food processor can make it into a pile of mushy pork.
  • If you have an all-in-one air fryer, you can always remove the basket and place the pork directly in the sauce that is left in the bottom – let it sit until you are ready to pull it.
  •  Using a food processor is a simple, easier way to pull your pork. Simply cut the pork into smaller chunks, place it in the food processor and pulse the pork a couple of times.
  • All Air Fryers are different, so that timings can be different. Adjust the recipe according to your air fryer. Some air fryers are built, so you do not have to flip your food; others require that you flip your food halfway so that each side gets perfectly cooked.
  • The pork shoulder is oily, so little or no extra oil is required. However, this is a matter of choice. The air fryer can cook without any extra oil added.

Bottom Line:

In conclusion, there is little effort required in making pulled pork when using an air fryer. All you need is your desired herb blend to elevate the taste and spice in the pork, a tender portion of pork meat, and most importantly, a reliable air fryer, and you are ready to make your crispy pulled pork perfection. After one try, I am sure this recipe will be your go-to recipe.


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