Air Fryer Char Siu done in 15-18 minutes!!! | The Woks of Life

This air fryer char siu recipe (char siu is Chinese BBQ Pork!) is a game changer for those of you who have embraced air fryers in your kitchens. They are quick to heat, cook food fast, and can make fresh char siu quickly and easily. 

It takes 15-18 minutes to cook after the pork has marinated overnight. (Our traditional oven-roasted char siu takes 50 minutes!) Whether you’re making char siu for a quick weeknight dinner, char siu bao (baked or steamed buns), or simply want to use your air fryer instead of your oven, this version is for you! It's never been easier to have fresh and juicy char siu at home.

Full recipe here!

0:00 Intro
0:22 Our beloved Char Siu recipe
1:23 Recipe overview
1:56 Burning question: how to make your basting marinade
3:24 The secret to the best char siu
4:38 Prep your air fryer
5:19 What cut of pork to use
5:55 What size to cut the pork
6:19 Loading the air fryer
6:55 How long to cook the char siu
7:26 How to cook Air Fryer Char Siu
9:38 Adjusting cooking times
10:15 It's done!
11:04 Make ahead instructions
12:45 How do I know my char siu is done? (Visual cues)
13:45 Cutting the char siu
14:27 Bill's taste test
15:34 Barley's taste test
16:24 Blooper :)

Thanks for watching!
- Bill, Judy, Sarah, and Kaitlin ❤️👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

For all of your questions on Chinese ingredients:

For more tips on Chinese cooking methods:

For The Woks of Life's complete wok guide:

Thinking of buying a wok? These are the best!

Got questions on how to maintain your wok? (See here if you have a rusty wok!)

Check out our cookbook:

Stay connected!

[marijkeschellenbach]

I have made your non air fryer recipe for this and am very happy to see that I can now do this in my air fryer!!!! Sure love your recipes.

[joannasolski]

Oh I always read your recipies (they are amazing!) But it's the first time I am watching a video, and I really enjoy it, thank you!

[KimHigg]

YUM!!!! Great recipe, can’t wait to try it! 😀

[beverlypeterson]

Wow! That looks perfect!! I’m going to try this in the air fryer for sure!! I love, LOVE how well you always explain each step so clearly!! I have got to buy your cookbook, or maybe Santa will surprise me😂 Thank you so much for this!!❤❤

[gd]

Made it for dinner tonight. Wife said it was the “bomb….so juicy and delicious.” My boys loved it better than the oven baked recipe, which is really good too. Thank you for this air fryer recipe! 😋

[TomS.]

I made this last night. OMG, this pork is awesome. So flavorful and really tender. I was going to make egg foo young, but I ate it all. I have to make it again.

[brookechang]

I was debating what to make for dinner when this video popped up. Thank you for being an omen from above. 🤣

[rnwnsfla]

I will cook with Lee Kum Kee CHAR SIU SAUCE. So easy

[KF]

I've read that to make the reheated marinade safe, it only has to come up to 63C (145F). That seems really low. When I reheat my chili, I get it up to 82C (180F) and hold it there for 15 mins at least. Recipe looks good, just wondering what temp you prefer for reheating raw marinade?

[Annie]

I don't like the air fryers with the horizontal sliding doors... bought one and in a few months. the door got warped and wouldn't close. Ended up with one that has a lid which lifts vertically. Much better and it was much cheaper

[SannyAnnie]

Not everyone HAS a microwave. (I don't.) Perhaps suggest alternative ways of accomplishing those tasks that you assign to the 'wave.

[lamivan]

Cooking is easy than cleaning 🧽 😂 anyone agree on this?