Air Fryer Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

1.In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: honey, hoisin sauce, light soy sauce, rice wine, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, five-spice powder, sesame oil, white pepper, minced garlic, and red food coloring (if using).

2.Add the pork strips to the marinade, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl or transfer the mixture to a zip-top bag, pressing out excess air.

3.Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, but preferably overnight (up to 24 hours) for the best flavor penetration.

4.Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.

5.Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade.

6.Arrange the pork strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between pieces for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches.

7.Air fry for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the pork pieces.

8.Brush the pork lightly with some of the reserved marinade. Continue to air fry for another 8 to 12 minutes, flipping and brushing with marinade every 4-5 minutes, until the pork is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 71°C/160°F) and the exterior is beautifully caramelized and slightly charred.

9.Once cooked, remove the pork from the air fryer. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into bite-sized pieces.

10.Optional: For extra glaze, simmer the remaining reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes). Drizzle this glaze over the sliced Char Siu before serving.