Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Roast
Enjoy a Generous and Affordable Feast with this Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Roast Recipe
Air fryers have become an indispensable kitchen appliance. What kind of dishes do you find yourself making most often with it? It’s great for easily cooking frozen foods and reheating leftovers without drying them out like a microwave. For me, cooking whole cuts of meat is the most enjoyable. While fried chicken is wonderful, there’s a special satisfaction in roasting a thick piece of pork, enjoying its juicy interior. Most people probably opt for pork belly or neck, and while those are delicious favorites of mine too, today I’ve chosen pork shoulder for a leaner, less greasy option. When using this cut, it’s best to choose one with the skin still attached – this ensures the meat stays moist and tender throughout. Today, we’re making an approachable and delicious air fryer recipe: a whole roasted pork shoulder barbecue, perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Main Ingredients- Pork shoulder with skin, 300g
- Whole garlic cloves, 100g
- Scallions, 1 bunch
- Water, 200mL
Seasoning Ingredients- Paprika powder, 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Curry powder, 1/2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, 1/2 Tbsp
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Salt, 1/2 Tbsp
- Smoked flavor powder, 1 tsp (optional)
- Olive oil, 3 Tbsp
- Paprika powder, 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Curry powder, 1/2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, 1/2 Tbsp
- Sugar, 1 Tbsp
- Salt, 1/2 Tbsp
- Smoked flavor powder, 1 tsp (optional)
- Olive oil, 3 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. First, let’s prepare the seasoning. In a bowl, combine the paprika powder (2 Tbsp), soy sauce (1 Tbsp), curry powder (1/2 Tbsp), black pepper (1/2 Tbsp), sugar (1 Tbsp), salt (1/2 Tbsp), smoked flavor powder (1 tsp), and olive oil (3 Tbsp). Mix them well. Thoroughly clean the pork shoulder and then rub the prepared seasoning evenly all over the meat, massaging it in to ensure it penetrates. This marination step is key to infusing flavor deep into the meat. Cover the marinated pork with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
2. If your air fryer has a drip tray, line it with foil or paper towels. Pour about 200mL of water into the drip tray. This water will help keep the pork moist and tender as it roasts. Place the marinated pork onto the air fryer rack. Cover the top of the pork loosely with foil. This prevents the seasoning and juices from splattering and causing excess smoke, while also ensuring the meat cooks evenly and stays succulent. Place the pork into a preheated air fryer set at 375°F (190°C) and roast for 30 minutes.
Step 3
3. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the pork from the air fryer and flip it over. Once flipped, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue to roast for another 15 minutes. This ensures both sides are nicely browned and cooked through.
Step 4
4. After the additional 15 minutes, add the whole garlic cloves around the pork in the air fryer. Continue to cook at the same temperature of 350°F (175°C) for another 15 minutes. Roasting the garlic alongside the pork adds a wonderful aroma and makes it deliciously tender to serve as a side. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent and tender texture. After resting, carefully trim and slice the crispy skin into bite-sized pieces. Then, thinly slice the pork shoulder, about 0.5cm thick, and arrange it generously on a serving plate. Finally, garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh finish. Your delicious and tender Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Roast is now ready to enjoy!
Step 5
The crispy skin, in particular, is an absolute delight! Pairing this savory crunch with the tender, lean meat creates a truly wonderful experience. For a different flair, you could serve it wrapped in thin pancakes, similar to Peking duck, or dip it in ssamjang and enjoy it in lettuce wraps with fresh vegetables. Since pork shoulder is an affordable cut, you can make a generous portion without breaking the bank, making it a fantastic option for a hearty meal for the whole family. Enjoy your delicious meal today!
