Air Fryer Pulled Pork
Pulled pork usually means 8 hours in a smoker or slow cooker. Air fryer pulled pork takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, because a 3 lb shoulder is cut into chunks that cook faster, with a dark spiced bark and meat that falls into shreds. You still get barbecue sandwich pork, with a fraction of the waiting.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 2:15hrs
- Prep time
- 15min
- Servings
- 6
- Internal temp
- 200°F93 °C
- Per serving
- 310kcal
Why the air fryer works for pulled pork
Pulled pork needs time because pork shoulder, also called Boston butt, is full of collagen. At around 145 °F the meat is safe, but it is tough. Only when the center passes 195 °F does the collagen melt into gelatin, and then the meat shreds under a fork. Low and slow cooking does that gently over many hours. In the air fryer you can take a shortcut: cut the shoulder into chunks and braise them in a foil pouch.
The first 45 minutes uncovered give the dark, spiced bark that makes pulled pork taste smoky. The 60 minutes in foil let the meat steam in its own juices and a little apple juice until it falls apart. This works for a shoulder up to 3 lb. A larger shoulder has to go in the oven, since the air needs room around the chunks. For a sliceable roast that is not shredded, see pork roast.
How to make pulled pork in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cut and trim Pat the pork shoulder dry. Trim any thick layers of hard fat, then cut the shoulder into 3 equal chunks of about 1 lb each. Smaller chunks cook faster and have more surface for the bark.
- Season Mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and chili powder in a bowl. Rub the mixture over all sides of the pork.
- Cook uncovered Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F for . Place the chunks in the basket and cook for , turning them once halfway through, until a dark crust forms.
- Wrap and braise Place the chunks on a large sheet of aluminum foil, add the apple juice and vinegar, and seal into a tight pouch. Return the pouch to the basket and cook at 350 °F for , until the thickest part reads 200 °F and a fork slides in easily.
- Rest Leave the pork in the sealed pouch for . This lets the juices redistribute.
- Shred and sauce Pull the pork apart with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Stir in the BBQ sauce and a few spoonfuls of the juices from the pouch. Serve warm.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Pulled Pork | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless shoulder, 3 lb45 min bare, 60 min foil | 350 °F (180 °C) | 1 hr 45 min |
| Boneless shoulder, 2 lb35 min bare, 45 min foil | 350 °F (180 °C) | 1 hr 20 min |
| Reheat cooked pulled porkStir halfway | 350 °F (180 °C) | 6–8 min |
| Frozen precookedThaw first, in foil | 350 °F (180 °C) | 10–12 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 200 °F (93 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Do not trim all the fat. A thin layer of fat bastes the meat and adds flavor. Remove only the thick, hard pieces.
- Seal the pouch well. Crimp the foil tightly so the steam stays in. The foil must hold the food at all times and never sit empty in the basket.
- Use the cooking juices. The liquid in the pouch is full of flavor. Stir some into the shredded pork before the sauce.
What to serve with pulled pork
Pile it on toasted buns with coleslaw and pickles, or serve it over baked potatoes or mac and cheese. Pulled pork is also good in tacos, on nachos, in quesadillas and in a rice bowl. Sides like corn on the cob and baked beans suit a game day or cookout.
Storing and reheating
Keep the pulled pork in a sealed container with some of its juices for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat it in the air fryer at 350 °F for 6–8 minutes, stirring once, until it reaches 165 °F. The edges crisp a little, which many people like.
Variations
- Carolina style: Skip the BBQ sauce and toss the pork with 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Spicy: Increase the chili powder to 1 tsp and add ¼ tsp cayenne to the rub.
- Less sweet: Replace the apple juice with the same amount of chicken broth for a less sweet result.
- Crispy carnitas-style: Spread the shredded pork in the basket and cook at 400 °F for 4–5 minutes for crisp edges.
- Ribs: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer ribs.
If it does not turn out right
- The pork is tough and does not shred
- It has not reached 200 °F yet. Pork shoulder is full of connective tissue that softens only at 195–205 °F. Reseal the pouch and cook in 15-minute steps.
- The bark is burnt
- The sugar rub scorched. Keep the temperature at 350 °F, turn the pork once and move to the foil pouch after 45 minutes. Burnt edges can be trimmed before shredding.
- The pulled pork is dry
- Mix the shredded pork with the juices from the pouch before adding sauce, and do not skip the 15-minute rest in the pouch.
Questions and answers
How long does pulled pork take in the air fryer?
About 1 hour 45 minutes for a 3 lb boneless shoulder cut into 3 chunks, 45 minutes uncovered and 60 minutes in foil at 350 °F. Cook until it reaches 200 °F.
What temperature should pulled pork reach?
Pork is safe at 145 °F, but pulled pork needs 195–205 °F for the collagen to melt so it can shred. Aim for 200 °F.
Can you reheat pulled pork in the air fryer?
Yes. Spread leftovers in the basket at 350 °F for 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot at 165 °F. Add a spoonful of broth or sauce to keep it moist.
Can I cook frozen pulled pork in the air fryer?
Precooked frozen pulled pork can be thawed overnight and reheated in a foil pan or pouch at 350 °F for 10–12 minutes. A raw frozen shoulder should be thawed first.
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