Just reading this recipe will have your mouth watering and get you running to your local butchers for a delicious pork shoulder joint! A traditional Sunday roast cooked to perfection using the air fryer – who knew they were for more than just chips? I had the pleasure of cooking this succulent air fryer pork shoulder with crispy crackling on the Channel 5 TV show AIR FRYERS: SUNDAY LUNCH MADE EASY, which first aired on April 3rd, 2024. This recipe is the perfect example of how the air fryer can transform the way we cook classic dishes. The air fryer helps you cook this mouth watering dish in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven, while still achieving that perfect balance of tender meat and crispy crackling.
Roasting pork in the air fryer is such a great way to cook it because it’s significantly faster than using a conventional oven, saving you both time and money. The air fryer’s high heat circulates evenly, creating a crispy, golden crackling on the outside. While keeping the pork perfectly tender and juicy on the inside. Once you taste the results, you’ll wonder why you ever roasted pork any other way!
Your air fryer is such a versatile tool in the kitchen. And once you begin to unlock its secrets with recipes like this air fryer pork shoulder, you will not look back. The crackling comes out perfectly crispy and golden, and the pork is so tender that it practically falls apart with every bite. Learn how to cook a pork shoulder to perfection with the crispiest crackling in the air fryer with this simple, easy-to-follow recipe.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 90 minutes
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need: an air fryer, a mixing bowl and a large silicone mould.
Ingredients for air fryer pork shoulder
1.1kg pork shoulder
300g of green beans, chopped
2 leeks, sliced
Vegetable oil
Seasoning
Method
So begin by scoring the skin using a sharp knife. Just shallow cuts across the surface. This helps the fat render down and creates that crispy crackling. Once scored, drizzle a little vegetable oil over the pork and use your hands to rub it into the skin thoroughly. Then, sprinkle over a generous pinch of sea salt and massage it in. The salt helps to draw out moisture and encourages a super crispy finish.
Place your prepared pork joint into a large silicone mould. This makes clean-up easier and catches all those delicious juices. Then set it into the air fryer drawer and cook at 180°C for 90 minutes. So check on it around the 40-minute mark to see how it’s progressing. Every air fryer can vary slightly in temperature and timing.
With about 10 minutes left on the clock, start preparing your vegetables. Roughly chop a couple of handfuls of green beans and slice your leeks. Then add them to a mixing bowl, give them a spray of olive oil, and season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Then toss everything together to coat evenly.
So once the pork is done, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps the meat juicy and tender. Meanwhile, pop your vegetables into the air fryer drawer and cook at 180°C for 6-7 minutes until lightly crisped and tender.
To serve, place the cooked vegetables onto a platter or serving dish. Slice your rested pork and arrange it on top. Then drizzle over the rich meat juices from the silicone mould for extra flavour.
Pair this air fryer pork shoulder with apple sauce, air fryer roast potatoes and air fryer veg slaw for a complete Sunday feast!
Watch the full video now on my YouTube channel.
Tips for Air Fryer Pork Shoulder
Cooking pork shoulder in the air fryer is a fantastic way to get tender, juicy meat with a crisp, flavourful crust – and in less time than it takes using the oven. Whether you’re making pulled pork or slicing it for sandwiches or rice bowls, here’s how to get the best results every time.
1. Choose the right cut
Opt for a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt for easier air frying. Cut it into smaller chunks if needed to help it cook evenly and fit comfortably in your air fryer basket.
2. Trim excess fat
Leave a little fat for flavour, but trim off any thick or tough sections. This helps avoid flare-ups and excessive smoking during cooking.
3. Marinate or dry rub
Season generously with your favourite spice rub or marinade. A mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar, and a pinch of chili works beautifully. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes – or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavour.
4. Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 180–190°C (350–375°F) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps sear the outside quickly and lock in the juices.
5. Don’t overcrowd
Arrange pork in a single layer with space between pieces. If needed, cook in batches so the hot air can circulate freely.
6. Turn halfway through
Flip the pork chunks halfway through cooking (usually 25 to 35 minutes total depending on size) to ensure even browning and texture.
7. Rest before slicing
Let the pork joint rest for 5 or 10 minutes after cooking to retain moisture. Then shred, slice, or chop as desired.
Similar recipes
So if you are still looking for more air fryer inspiration, then click here to see my other TV recipes from the Channel 5 shows that I appeared on.
Or try my other Sunday roast air fryer recipes like my easy air fryer turkey crown or the all in one air fryer roast pork from The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: One Basket Meals.
And check out my brand new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans, printable shopping lists and many many more useful features to make all your meal prepping so much easier!