This air fryer pulled pork recipe turns a pork shoulder into the most deliciously tender and flavorful pulled pork, with minimal effort and time. Great for use in nachos, tacos, BBQ pork sandwiches, salads, or your favorite pork casseroles.
Table of contents
Air Fried Pork Recipes
As you may know by now, the air fryer is my favorite appliance in the kitchen. And believe me when I say, the way it cooks pork is a game-changer! It turns out perfectly cooked pork every time with that crispy char we all love. Plus, cooking time is shorter and cleanup is a breeze!
All types of pork can be cooked with this magical appliance from Air Fryer Pork Chops, to Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin to a deliciously tender air fryer pork shoulder roast. Once you try air frying pork you’ll never go back to any other method.
Why You Will Love This Pulled Pork Air Fryer Recipe
Dive into this easy and flavorful Air Fryer Pulled Pork recipe. This shredded pork is so tender and juicy, you won’t believe it came out of an air fryer! Here are a few reasons why you'll love it.
- Easy Prep: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe makes it easy for anyone to cook pulled pork.
- Faster Cooking: Compared to traditional methods like slow roasting in a dutch oven, a slow cooker, or smoking, this air fryer recipe reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy tender pulled pork in a fraction of the time without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Exceptional Flavor: The dry rub, coupled with liquid smoke and a hint of BBQ sauce, makes each bite deliciously flavorful. You won't believe it wasn't smoked for hours.
- Perfectly Tender: Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, the pork turns out fall-apart tender and mouthwatering.
- Versatile: Make a classic pulled pork sandwich, pair it as is with your favorite sides, or add it to Mexican dishes or your favorite casserole.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this pulled pork air fryer recipe. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Pork shoulder - boneless
- Olive oil
- Liquid smoke
- BBQ sauce
- Water
For the pulled pork spice rub:
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
Best Cut of Pork for Pulled Pork
- Pork Shoulder: This is widely regarded as the best cut for pulled pork. Its high-fat content is essential for achieving juicy, tender meat that effortlessly shreds apart.
- Pork Butt (Boston Butt): Another excellent choice for pulled pork, the pork butt roast comes from the upper portion of the pig's front shoulder. It boasts rich flavor, tenderness, and ideal texture for shredding.
- Pork Loin: While less traditional, pork loin can still be used for pulled pork. However, it tends to be leaner, resulting in potentially drier meat. To counter this, consider using chicken broth or apple juice to add moisture during cooking and closely monitor cooking times to prevent over-drying.
A boneless pork shoulder is best for air frying. If using a larger cut for this recipe, you will need to cut it into smaller portions and boneless will be easier to cut. Using smaller cuts is beneficial as it will fit into most air fryer baskets without touching the top.
How to Make Pulled Pork in an Air Fryer
These are the simple steps and some photos for cooking pulled pork in an air fryer.
- Mix all ingredients for the dry rub in a small bowl.
- Place the pork shoulder in a reusable gallon-sized plastic bag and pour olive oil over it.
- Add liquid smoke, close the bag, and shake to coat.
- Remove the meat from the bag and sprinkle the spice rub all over. Pat it lightly so that it adheres to the meat.
- Place the pork roast back in the bag and add the BBQ sauce mixed with water. Shake again. Let marinate for 30-60 minutes on the counter. This will allow the pork time to come to room temperature.
- The pork shoulder is ready to be air fried.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay marinated meat into the bottom of the basket.
- Air fry for 1-½ hours, turning every 30 minutes or until the meat reaches an internal temperature between 190-205°F when measured with a digital meat thermometer. Once it reaches the appropriate temperature, turn off the air fryer and let the meat rest for 30 minutes.
- Remove the meat to a large bowl and pour pan juices from the pork over the roast.
- Shred the pork with two forks or a meat hook.
Moist, tender meat ready for your next pork supper whether it's BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or a casserole. Enjoy!
How Long to Cook Pulled Pork in an Air Fryer
Pulled pork air fryer time can vary depending on the size of the meat and air fryer model. Generally, it is about 1-½ hours for a 1-2 pound pork shoulder air fried between 370-390°F. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding.
What is the Internal Temperature of Pulled Pork
According to the FDA, pork is done when it has an internal temp of 145°F. However, pulled pork is best when cooked to 195°F to 205°F for it to be tender and shred easily.
Why This is an Awesome Make Ahead Dish
By preparing this dish in advance, you can enjoy delicious pulled pork whenever you want. Here are some reasons why making this pulled pork recipe ahead of time is a great idea.
- Richer Flavor: Allowing the flavors to marry over time enhances the overall taste profile of the pulled pork. As the dish rests, the seasoning penetrates the meat more deeply, resulting in a richer flavor experience.
- Saving Time: You can streamline mealtime preparation, especially during busy weekdays or when hosting gatherings. Simply reheat and serve, eliminating the need for last-minute cooking.
- Stress-Free Entertaining: Hosting a party or gathering becomes a breeze when you have a batch of pulled pork on hand. With the main dish prepared in advance, you can focus on enjoying the company of your guests rather than being tied to the kitchen.
- Meal Planning Made Easy: With pulled pork in your fridge or freezer your meal options are wide open. From sandwiches and tacos to salads and casseroles, it allows you to create a variety of delicious dishes with little effort.
- Stores Well: Whether refrigerated or frozen, pulled pork retains its flavor and texture, ensuring you always have a convenient and satisfying meal option on hand.
What to Make with Pulled Pork
Use pulled pork for a variety of mouthwatering dishes. From comforting classics to innovative twists, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas:
- Bowl: Create a customizable bowl by layering pulled pork over grains like rice or quinoa, and topping it with your favorite veggies, sauces, and garnishes.
- Egg Rolls: Roll up pulled pork with shredded cabbage, carrots, and other fillings in egg roll wrappers, then fry or bake until golden and crispy.
- Empanadas: Fill flaky pastry dough with seasoned pulled pork, cheese, and other fillings, then bake until golden and crispy.
- Enchiladas: Roll up pulled pork in corn tortillas, smother them in enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly and golden. Try these Pork Enchiladas with green sauce.
- Nachos: Pile the pork on tortilla chips with cheese and beans and air fry or heat in the oven.
- Pizza: Try this BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza with pulled pork, cheese, and your choice of toppings for a mouthwatering twist on classic pizza.
- Sandwich: Pile pulled pork high on a bun, top it with coleslaw, pickles, and BBQ sauce, and enjoy a classic pulled pork sandwich.
- Tacos: Fill a soft flour tortilla or crispy taco shells with pulled pork, salsa, avocado, and other toppings.
- Taquitos: Roll up pulled pork in corn tortillas, then air fry or bake until crispy.
What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Pork
Complete your pulled pork feast with a selection of tasty side dishes that perfectly complement its rich flavors.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are the perfect side to a BBQ spread.
- Coleslaw: Crisp and tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the savory richness of pulled pork.
- Cornbread: Moist and slightly sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with pork dishes. Or make jalapeno cornbread muffins for a kick of heat.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and indulgent mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with pork's hearty flavors.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a cooling side.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a classic barbecue side dish that complements the smoky flavors of pulled pork.
- Green Salad: A crisp and refreshing green salad, tossed with your favorite vegetables and vinaigrette, provides a light, nutritious addition.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries are a delicious alternative to traditional fries.
How to Store and Freeze
Storing: Allow the pork to cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Allow the pork to cool to room temperature. Place it or individual portions in freezer-safe containers or plastic freezer bags. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.
How to Reheat Pulled Pork
Reheating pulled pork is a breeze, with three convenient methods to choose from: the air fryer, oven, or microwave.
- Air Fryer: Place your pulled pork in the air fryer basket, then heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the pulled pork in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated.
- Microwave: Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and heat on high in 30-second increments until heated.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Air Fryer Kabobs
- Air Fryer Pizza
- Air Fryer Tuna Patties
Find lots of easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!
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Air Fryer Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, boneless
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- ¼ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup water
Seasoning
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika regular will also work well
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- For serving: your favorite BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Place the pork in a large resealable plastic bag and add oil and liquid smoke. Shake well to coat.
- In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings for the rub. Stir to mix.
- Remove the roast from the bag and sprinkle the seasoning on all sides, patting gently into the meat. Return the roast to the resealable plastic bag.
- Combine BBQ sauce and water. Add the watered-down BBQ sauce to the bag and shake. Let the meat marinate for at least 30-60 minutes while bringing the pork to room temperature.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil spray then lay pork in the bottom, fatty side up.
- Cook at 370°F for 1 ½ hours, flipping every 30 minutes or until the meat reaches an internal temperature between 195-205°F when measured with a digital thermometer.
- If necessary, continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes or until the meat reaches the optimal temperature. The meat should be fork-tender.
- When the pork is done, turn off the air fryer and let the meat rest in the air fryer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the pork to a large bowl. Add drippings from the bottom of the air fryer then shred with 2 forks or meat shredder claws.
- Leave as is for use in your favorite pork dishes or add BBQ sauce and serve on hamburger buns for a terrific sandwich.
Notes
- Air Fryer: Place your pulled pork in the air fryer basket, then heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the pulled pork in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated.
- Microwave: Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and heat on high in 30-second increments until heated.
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