Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork – Better Than Take Out!  

This recipe is as good as your local Chinese restaurant, and it’s a great way to serve your family and amazing dinner tonight. 

Calling all sweet and sour fans looking for a lighter, healthier way to indulge!  Today, we’re taking this classic takeout favorite and giving it a flavorful air fryer makeover. Get ready to experience that tangy-sweet sauce and crispy pork perfection without the added oil of deep frying.

Here’s what to look forward to:

• Crispy, golden pork: The air fryer delivers that restaurant-style crunch using minimal oil, making it a lighter alternative.
• Sweet & sour symphony: We’ll create a flavorful sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, just like the original.
• Easy and convenient: This recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any deep-frying equipment, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend experiment.

So, ditch the takeout menus and welcome healthier, homemade sweet and sour pork into your kitchen! Stay tuned for the full recipe coming soon, and in the comments below, tell us your favorite way to enjoy this classic dish! ⬇️

P.S. Don’t forget to follow for more creative and air fryer-friendly recipes!

I have many tried and true recipes if you like Chinese food as much as my family.  Some of my absolute favorites are Air Fryer Crab Rangoon and a great Copycat Recipe for Instant Pot Chinese Fried Rice.

What Is Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork is a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, renowned for its vibrant flavor profile that perfectly balances the tanginess of vinegar and the sweetness of sugar. This dish typically features bite-sized pieces of pork that are first battered and deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior, then tossed in a glossy sauce made with ingredients like vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and sometimes pineapple juice for added sweetness. The sauce may also include various vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks, which contribute to the dish’s appealing mix of flavors and textures.

Originating from Cantonese cuisine, Sweet and Sour Pork has become one of the most popular Chinese dishes worldwide, with numerous variations found in Chinese restaurants across the globe. It’s often served with steamed rice or noodles and is celebrated for its appealing color, aromatic sauce, and the delightful contrast between the crispy pork and the succulent sauce. Whether enjoyed in a traditional setting or as part of a fusion menu, Sweet and Sour Pork remains a favorite choice for those seeking a dish that exemplifies the harmony of sweet and sour flavors in Chinese cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy this classic Chinese dish with a healthier twist. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this version:

Less Oil, Same Crispiness: Utilizing an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, offering a lighter version of the dish without compromising on the crispy texture of the pork that we all love.

Faster Cooking Time: The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy sweet and sour pork in a fraction of the time it takes to cook it traditionally, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Evenly Cooked Crispiness: The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures the pork pieces are evenly cooked and perfectly crispy, enhancing the dish’s texture.

Minimal Mess: Say goodbye to dealing with oil splatters and multiple pans. Cooking with an air fryer means easier cleanup, letting you spend more time enjoying your meal.

Vibrant Sweet and Sour Sauce: This recipe includes a homemade sweet and sour sauce that’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, clinging beautifully to the air-fried pork for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Adjustable to Taste: Easily adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to suit your preferences, ensuring every plate is exactly to your liking.

A Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet and sour pork is a beloved dish for a reason. Its comforting balance of flavors and satisfying crispy texture make it a hit with both adults and kids alike.

Enjoy Without the Guilt: Indulging in your favorite Chinese dish has never been better. This air fryer version allows you to enjoy sweet and sour pork more often, with less guilt associated with deep-frying.

Whether you’re craving a classic takeout dish or looking to experiment with your air fryer, this Sweet and Sour Pork recipe promises a deliciously healthier option that doesn’t skimp on the flavors you love. It’s a testament to how traditional dishes can be adapted to fit modern, health-conscious cooking methods without losing their essence.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork

Get ready to create a mouth-watering masterpiece with this Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork recipe. Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients, which blend together to create a tantalizingly tangy and delightfully crispy dish, all with the added convenience and health benefits of air frying.

Remember the step-by-step directions, full recipe, and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Pork tenderloin: The dish’s star is a lean and tender cut, perfect for quick cooking in the air fryer and absorbing the sweet and sour flavors.
• Kosher salt: Salt enhances the natural flavor of the pork, ensuring each cube is seasoned well and brings out the best in the other ingredients.
• Black pepper: A hint of black pepper adds a subtle kick and depth to the pork, balancing the dish’s sweetness; for traditional flavor, you can use white pepper.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to coat the pork, giving it a light, crispy texture when air-fried, and helps in thickening the sweet and sour sauce.
• Sweet Onion: Sweet onion adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a bit of crunch, complementing the pork and peppers.
• Green Bell Peppers: Green bell pepper provides a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet and sour elements, adding color and texture to the dish.
• Red Bell peppers: Red bell pepper offers a sweeter note than its green counterpart, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Pineapples: Pineapple Chunks bring a tropical sweetness and acidity central to the characteristic flavor of sweet and sour pork. Use fresh pineapple or canned pineapple.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients:

• Water: Water is the base for the sweet and sour sauce, helping to blend and balance the other ingredients.
• Granulated sugar: Sugar provides the essential sweetness in the sauce, contrasting beautifully with the vinegar and ketchup.
• White vinegar: Vinegar adds a sharp tanginess, a key component of the classic sweet and sour flavor.
• Ketchup: Ketchup contributes sweetness and a hint of tomato flavor, adding depth and richness to the sauce.

Serving:

• Green onion, diced: Green shallots or green scallions add a fresh, sharp finish to the dish, both in flavor and as a colorful garnish.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the harmonious balance of flavors and textures in Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.

How To Make Sweet And Sour Pork Air Fryer

Making Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful process that results in a dish bursting with flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prepare The Pork:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the pork along with the salt and pepper in a medium bowl and mix to combine. Add the corn starch and toss the pieces until coated. Take the pieces out onto a clean plate, shaking off any excess cornstarch, and set them aside.

Air Fry The Vegetables:

• Spray the air fryer’s basket with cooking spray, add the onion, bell peppers, and pineapple, spray the onions, onions, and peppers with cooking spray, and shake the basket to coat.
• Set cook time for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes and spraying with more cooking spray if it looks like drying out.
• Air Fry until the vegetables are softened and begin to char slightly.
• Once they are done cooking, place everything onto a plate and set it aside.

Air Fry The Pork:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the cubed pork into the air fryer basket, not touching.
• Note: You may need to do this in batches.
• Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray and set the cooking time for 5-7 minutes, flipping the pork halfway through the cooking process.

Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• While the pork is cooking, make the sauce. In a large skillet over medium-high heat add the water, sugar, vinegar, and ketchup, and whisk to combine fully.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly wish in the cornstarch slurry. Let come back to a simmer to thicken.
• Immediately add the pieces of pork, onions, peppers, and pineapple to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Serve with a garnish of thinly sliced green onions.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with variations of the Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork recipe can add exciting new flavors and textures to this classic dish. Here are some creative twists:

• Sweet and Spicy Version: Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha and brown sugar to the sweet and sour sauce for a spicy kick that complements the sweet tanginess.
• Pineapple Twist: Increase the pineapple for a more pronounced fruity flavor, or use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a fresher taste and firmer texture.
• Different Proteins: Substitute pork with chicken breast or thigh pieces, shrimp, pork shoulder, or tofu for a different protein option. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for shrimp and tofu, as they cook faster.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free soy sauce (if using) to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Extra Vegetables: Add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, green shallots, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
• Orange Flavored Sauce: Add some orange juice and zest to the sweet and sour sauce for a citrusy twist, giving it a refreshing orange flavor.
• Batter-Fried Version: For an even crunchier texture, dip the pork pieces in a batter made from flour, cornstarch, and water before air frying. This will give a thicker crust similar to deep-fried versions.
• Honey-Sweetened Sauce: Replace granulated sugar with honey for natural sweetness in the sauce, which gives a slightly different flavor profile.
• Barbecue Style: Mix some barbecue sauce into the sweet and sour sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Cashew Nut Addition: Add roasted cashew nuts for a nutty crunch, adding them at the end just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Each of these variations brings a unique twist to the Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork, allowing you to customize the dish to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Pro Tips

Creating Sweet and Sour Pork in an air fryer can elevate this classic dish to new heights, offering a delicious blend of flavors with a healthier twist. Here are some pro tips to ensure your air-fried sweet and sour pork turns out perfectly every time:

• Choose the Right Cut:: Opt for pork shoulder or tenderloin, as these cuts are tender and flavorful, ideal for achieving the perfect bite-sized pieces that cook well in the air fryer.
• Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the pork not only tenderizes it but also infuses deep flavors. Even a short marination time can make a significant difference in the taste and texture of the pork.
• Achieve Crispy Pork: Coating the pork pieces in corn starch and then lightly spraying them with oil before air frying helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures that the pork begins cooking immediately, promoting an even and efficient cook that is crucial for that desirable crispy finish.
• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each piece of pork cooks evenly and gets adequately crispy. Cooking in batches may be necessary depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Shake or Turn for Even Cooking: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or turn the pork pieces to ensure they brown and crisp up evenly on all sides.
• Sauce to Perfection: Preparing the sweet and sour sauce on the stove while the pork cooks allows you to adjust the taste to your liking, ensuring the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory elements.
• Add Sauce at the End: Toss the air-fried pork in the sauce last minute of the cooking process to maintain the crispiness of the pork. Over-soaking can lead to soggy pieces.
• Garnish for Freshness: Adding a garnish of fresh green onions or toasted sesame seeds not only adds a pop of color but also introduces an additional layer of texture and flavor to the dish.
• Serve Immediately: Sweet and Sour Pork is best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer while the pork is still crispy and the sauce is vibrant and tangy. Serve it hot for the best dining experience.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be able to master the art of making Sweet and Sour Pork in an air fryer, bringing a beloved classic to your table with less oil and all the flavor you crave.

Faq’s

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe? Yes, while pork tenderloin is preferred for its tenderness, you can also use pork shoulder, pork belly, pork chop, or pork loin. Just ensure it’s cut into even, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

How can I make this dish gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure that any other added sauces or seasonings are gluten-free. Be mindful of cross-contamination if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease.

Can I make the sweet and sour sauce in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it when you’re ready to toss it with the pork.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer? Preheating the air fryer is recommended for the best results. It ensures that the pork starts cooking immediately and becomes evenly crispy.

Can I use frozen pork for this recipe? It’s best to use thawed pork for even cooking. If you start with frozen pork, the cooking time will be longer, and the pork may not cook evenly.

What are some healthy sides to serve with this dish? Steamed rice, quinoa, white rice, or a side of stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas make healthy and complementary sides.

Can I make this dish without an air fryer? While an air fryer provides the best results for this recipe, you can adapt it for an oven. Use a high temperature (around 400°F) and flip the pork midway for even cooking.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain the crispness of the pork.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Certainly! Add vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or baby corn for additional flavor and texture.

What if my sauce is too thick or too thin? If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with water. If it’s too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add it to the sauce to thicken.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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• Air Fryer Corn Dogs
• Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites
• Air Fryer Copycat Applebee’s Cheese Sticks

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Equipment Used:

Philips Kitchen Appliances Digital Twin TurboStar Airfryer XXL, with Fat Removal Technology, 3 Lbs, Black, HD9650/96