This air fryer pork shoulder is a delicious and efficient way to enjoy tender, flavorful meat with a crispy exterior. The air fryer circulates hot air around the pork, ensuring even cooking and a perfect crust.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Preparing the Pork Shoulder
To achieve that perfect crispy exterior, start by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This step is essential for ensuring the skin crisps up nicely during cooking.
Next, create a flavorful spice rub by combining garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cumin in a bowl. This blend will enhance the natural flavors of the pork while adding a delightful aroma.
Seasoning and Cooking
Once the spice mixture is ready, rub olive oil all over the pork shoulder. This not only helps the spices adhere better but also contributes to the overall crispiness.
After seasoning, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes. This ensures that the pork starts cooking immediately when placed inside, promoting even cooking and a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Cooking Time and Technique
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the air fryer basket and cook for 60 to 75 minutes. Remember to flip the pork halfway through to ensure even cooking on all sides.
The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C), which guarantees tender, juicy meat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid overcooking.
Resting the Meat
After cooking, it’s crucial to let the pork rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent slice.
While waiting, you can prepare your serving platter with fresh herbs and roasted vegetables, which will complement the pork beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the pork shoulder to reveal its juicy interior, and arrange it on a rustic wooden platter. The contrast of the crispy exterior and tender meat is visually appealing and sure to impress your guests.
For an extra touch, serve the pork with a small bowl of barbecue sauce for dipping. This adds a delightful flavor contrast and enhances the overall dining experience.
Nutritional Information
This air fryer pork shoulder serves six people, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein.
With minimal carbohydrates, it fits well into various dietary preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Easy Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Recipe
This pork shoulder is seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked in the air fryer until it reaches a golden brown color. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cumin.
- Season the Pork: Rub the olive oil all over the pork shoulder, then apply the spice mixture evenly, ensuring to coat all sides.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pork: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the air fryer basket. Cook for 60-75 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) for tender meat.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 0g