Best Air Fryer Chinese Sweet And Sour Pork Recipes
SWEET AND SOUR PORK
Recipe video above. The best ever Sweet and Sour Pork recipe is loaded with tricks the Chinese have been using for centuries: double dredgeand double fry for extra crispy, cornflour instead of flour, economical pork used for juiciness, but tenderised with baking soda so you'd swear they're pricey chops, and a sauce that's not sickeningly sweet. Don't let the list of ingredients daunt you. There's a lot of repeat ingredients!OVEN option provided in notes. Because sometimes, you just have to....
Provided by Nagi
Categories Mains
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- Mix Pork with Marinade. Marinade 18 to 24 hours. (See Note 1 for marinating time for other cuts)
- Rack & warm oven: Preheat oven to 80°C/175°F and place rack on tray - to keep pork warm.
- Sauce: Place all Sauce ingredients EXCEPT water in a large jug or small bowl. Mix until combined, then mix in water.
- Be Stir Fry Ready: Have all ingredients lined up, ready to toss in. After Fry #2, things move quickly.
- Coating #1: Mix 5 tablespoons cornflour into the pork and leave for 5 minutes. At first, it will be white from the cornflour, but after a while it will sweat and make the cornflour (mostly / partially) wet, and will be sticky (this is key for coating to stick).
- Coating #2: Spread 1/2 cup cornflour in a shallow bowl. Coat pork, shaking off excess, and pile onto a plate.
- Reserve cornflour in case you need to dust again just prior to frying. Pork should be at least half white when you put it into the oil (if not, just sprinkle with reserved cornflour).
- Heat oil: Pour enough oil into a large saucepan or small pot so it's 2.5cm / 1" deep. Heat to 180°C/350°F (or until pork immediately starts sizzling when you dip it in).
- Fry #1: Cook pork in batches, being sure not to crowd the pot, for 3 minutes until golden. Drain on rack. This step is just to cook the pork. It takes me 4 batches.
- Fry #2: Turn the stove up slightly and heat oil to 200°C/390°F. Starting with the coolest pork, add half the pork (you can crowd the pot) and cook for 1 1/2 minutes, or until pork is deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer to rack, repeat with remaining pork - I do 2 batches.
- Keep warm in oven.
- Heat oil in a very large skillet over high heat.
- Add garlic, ginger and onion, stir for 1 1/2 minutes. Add capsicum and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add Sauce & pinapple, then let it come to a rapid simmer. Simmer for 2 minutes until it thickens - when you drag the spoon across the base, a path should briefly appear (see video at 1 min 53 s).
- 10 second toss: Add pork, then QUICKLY toss to coat - aim for 10 seconds!
- Serve asap! Pour onto serving plate, serve immediately! Will stay crispy for around 5 minutes then starts softening but still has a solid coating. This is just the reality of Sweet and Sour Pork, even at restaurants!
AIR FRYER SWEET AND SOUR PINEAPPLE PORK
This air-fryer pork is a great dish to make on a weeknight, and it's special enough for company. The recipe starts with pork tenderloin, which is quick to cook and economical compared to many meats, and it tastes delicious. -Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, combine the first 8 ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally., Preheat air fryer to 350°. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Place pork on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Cook until pork begins to brown around edges, 7-8 minutes. Turn; pour 1/4 cup sauce over pork. Cook until a thermometer inserted into pork reads at least 145°, 10-12 minutes longer. Let pork stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with remaining sauce. If desired, top with sliced green onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 489 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 95mg cholesterol, Sodium 985mg sodium, Carbohydrate 71g carbohydrate (68g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 35g protein.
AIR-FRYER SWEET AND SOUR PORK
Whether you're serving a party of two or making a bigger batch for company, you'll find this air-fryer sweet and sour pork a succulent choice. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 40m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine the first 8 ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally., Preheat air fryer to 350°. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Place pork on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until pork begins to brown around edges, 7-8 minutes. Turn; pour 2 tablespoons sauce over pork. Cook until a thermometer inserted into pork reads at least 145°, 10-12 minutes longer. Let pork stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with remaining sauce. If desired, top with sliced green onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 502 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 95mg cholesterol, Sodium 985mg sodium, Carbohydrate 72g carbohydrate (69g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 35g protein.
HOMEMADE SWEET-AND-SOUR PORK
I stir up a homemade sauce for this colorful combination of tender meat, crunchy vegetables and tangy pineapple. Serve my sweet-and-sour pork over hot rice, chow mein noodles or both. -Eleanor Dunbar, Peoria, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 35m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup and soy sauce. Pour half into a large resealable plastic bag; add pork. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 30 minutes. Set remaining marinade aside., Drain and discard marinade from pork. In a large skillet, cook pork in oil for 3 minutes. Add the onion, carrots, green pepper, garlic and ginger; saute until pork is tender. Add reserved marinade. Bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute. Stir in the pineapple. Serve with rice if desired. Freeze option: Cool pork mixture. Freeze in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through slowly in a covered skillet, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary. Serve over rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 55mg cholesterol, Sodium 490mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (44g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 24g protein.
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Air Fryer Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork Recipes: An
Chinese sweet and sour pork, also known as "gu lao rou," is a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants. This classic dish is typically made by deep-frying pork and then tossing it in a sweet and sour sauce. However, with the rise of air fryers, people are now able to enjoy the same delicious flavors and textures of this dish without all the added oils and fats from deep frying.The Benefits of Cooking in an Air Fryer
Air fryers are kitchen appliances that use hot air to cook food. They work by circulating hot air around the food, which cooks it quickly and evenly. One of the biggest benefits of cooking with an air fryer is that it requires little to no oil, making it the perfect choice for those who are looking to reduce their oil intake. Additionally, using an air fryer can result in healthier and more nutritious meals, as it can remove excess fat and calories from food.The Ingredients for Air Fryer Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork Recipes
To make air fryer Chinese sweet and sour pork, you will need the following ingredients:- Pork loin or tenderloin
- Cornstarch
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Bell peppers
- Pineapple
- Sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Ketchup
- Water
The Steps for Making Air Fryer Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork
To make air fryer Chinese sweet and sour pork, follow these steps:- Cut the pork loin or tenderloin into bite-sized pieces and toss them in cornstarch. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the pork is crispy and golden brown.
- In a separate pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and green onions until fragrant. Add in sliced bell peppers and pineapple chunks and sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and water to make the sweet and sour sauce. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pork to the pan with the vegetables and sauce, and stir to coat the pork in the sauce. Serve with steamed rice.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork Recipes
Air fryer Chinese sweet and sour pork recipes are an excellent option for those who are looking for a healthier and more nutritious version of this classic dish. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture of deep-fried pork while significantly reducing the amount of oil and fats in the dish. Additionally, the use of fresh ingredients such as bell peppers and pineapple adds a nutritious twist to this sweet and sour pork recipe. Give this air fryer Chinese sweet and sour pork recipe a try and enjoy all the delicious flavors without all the added oils and fats!
Valuable Tips for Making Air Fryer Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork Recipes
Chinese sweet and sour pork is a popular Chinese dish that combines the savory flavor of pork with the tangy and sweet taste of a sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and other ingredients. In recent years, the air fryer has become a popular appliance for making this dish, as it offers a healthier and easier way to cook Chinese sweet and sour pork than traditional frying methods.
If you have an air fryer and want to make Chinese sweet and sour pork, there are several tips that you should keep in mind to ensure that your dish turns out delicious and flavorful. Here are some of the most valuable tips for making air fryer Chinese sweet and sour pork recipes:
1. Use Pork Shoulder or Pork Tenderloin
When making Chinese sweet and sour pork, it is important to choose the right cut of meat. Pork shoulder and pork tenderloin are two great options for this dish, as they are both tender and flavorful. Pork shoulder has more fat and flavor, while pork tenderloin is leaner and more tender. Both cuts of pork work well in an air fryer, and can be cooked to perfection without drying out.
2. Cut the Pork into Bite-Sized Pieces
To ensure that the pork cooks evenly in the air fryer and absorbs the sweet and sour sauce, it is important to cut it into bite-sized pieces before cooking. This will also make it easier to eat and serve later on. You can cut the pork into cubes or thin strips, depending on your preference.
3. Marinate the Pork
Marinating the pork before cooking is a great way to add more flavor to the dish. You can marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, depending on how much time you have. A good marinade for Chinese sweet and sour pork includes soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and garlic.
4. Use Cornstarch for Breading
To give the pork a crispy and golden exterior, you can bread it with cornstarch before cooking. Cornstarch is lighter than flour and will help the meat stay tender and juicy. You can simply toss the pork pieces in cornstarch before putting them in the air fryer.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is important to ensure that the pork cooks evenly and to the desired level of crispiness. Most air fryers require a preheating time of around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the model. Make sure to preheat the air fryer before adding the pork to it.
6. Cook on High Heat
To achieve the best results when making Chinese sweet and sour pork in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook it on high heat. This will help the pork cook quickly and evenly, while also giving it a crispy exterior. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, but most recipes recommend cooking the pork for around 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F.
7. Use a Non-Stick Air Fryer Basket
Using a non-stick air fryer basket is important to prevent the pork from sticking to the basket and falling apart. It will also make it easier to clean up later on. If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, you can still use it for this recipe, but you may need to spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8. Make the Sauce Separately
To make the sweet and sour sauce for this dish, you should make it separately in a saucepan on the stove. This will ensure that the sauce has the right consistency and flavor, and that it is not too thick or too thin. Once the sauce is ready, you can toss the cooked pork in it or serve it on the side.
9. Add Vegetables for Color and Nutrition
Adding vegetables to this dish is a great way to add more color and nutrition to it. Some popular options include bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. You can stir-fry the vegetables separately and then add them to the sweet and sour sauce, or you can cook them in the air fryer with the pork.
10. Garnish with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions
To add more flavor and texture to your Chinese sweet and sour pork, you can garnish it with sesame seeds and green onions. This will give the dish a nutty and slightly sweet taste, while also making it look more appealing. Simply sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the finished dish before serving.
Conclusion
Making Chinese sweet and sour pork in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish without the guilt or mess of traditional frying methods. With these valuable tips, you can ensure that your pork turns out crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Remember to choose the right cut of pork, cut it into bite-sized pieces, marinate it, bread it with cornstarch, preheat the air fryer, cook on high heat, use a non-stick basket, make the sauce separately, add vegetables for nutrition, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. With these tips in mind, you can make a delicious and healthy Chinese sweet and sour pork that is sure to impress your friends and family.