Go Back
–+ servings
white bowl filled with pulled pork with a large sliver fork on the back of the bowl
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Air Fryer Pulled Pork

This Air Fryer Pulled Pork is moist and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Plus you don't have to worry about the weather to make it!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Marinade Time30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 330kcal
Author: Wendy

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large bowl
  • two forks or meat claws

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork butt boneless, or shoulder
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt kosher
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2- cup barbecue sauce sweet baby ray’s, or your regional favorite

Instructions

  • Place the pork in a gallon storage bag.
  • Add the oil and liquid smoke. Close the bag leaving a little air in the bag. Shake the pork inside to bag to fully coat all the surfaces.
  • Open and add all your spices. Seal the bag with some air and repeat agitating the pork until fully coated in the spices.
  • Let the pork sit for at least 30 minutes, for the best results and tenderness, let the pork chill overnight in the bag with the air removed.
  • Form an aluminum foil bowl in the air fryer and pre-heat to 370°f.
  • When you’re ready to cook, let the meat come to room temperature then place the pork in the air fryer basket with the fatty side up. Pour over the remaining juices.
  • Cook the pork for 1 1/2 hours at 370°f, flipping the pork twice every 30 minutes. Cook the meat to 180°f to ensure the meat is fully cooked. Cook for 15 minutes extra if needed.
  • When the pork is finished, leave the pork in the air fryer for 30 minutes to rest.
  • Remove the pork and shred the meat on a cutting board.
  • Add the shredded meat to the large mixing bowl and the 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. If desired, add another 1/2 cup. Fold the shredded meat into the sauce to fully coat.
  • Add the pulled pork to a fresh bun and top with more sauce and or your region’s respective toppings.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Choose the right cut of pork - To make the best air fryer pulled pork, you'll want to choose a cut of pork that has plenty of marbling and is well-suited for slow cooking. Pork shoulder is a popular choice, as it has just the right amount of fat and connective tissue to create tender and juicy pulled pork.
  • Allow the pork to reach room temperature - Before cooking, allow the pork to reach room temperature by letting it sit out of the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help ensure that the meat cooks evenly and stays tender.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer - To ensure that each piece of pork gets crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, don't overcrowd the air fryer. You may need to cook the pork in two or more batches to achieve the best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 546mg | Potassium: 597mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 157IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg