Oh my gosh, you have to try making pork shoulder in your air fryer—it’s a total game-changer! I was skeptical at first too, but trust me, that juicy, tender meat with the perfect crispy edges will make you wonder why you ever used the oven. My first attempt at an air fryer pork shoulder joint was born out of sheer laziness one busy weeknight, and now it’s my go-to method. The best part? No babysitting a roasting pan for hours. Just rub, season, pop it in, and let the air fryer work its magic. In under an hour and a half, you’ll have succulent pork that falls apart beautifully when you slice into it. Can you tell I’m obsessed?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Joint
Listen, this recipe is about to become your weeknight hero—here’s why:
- Crazy juicy meat: The air fryer locks in moisture better than my oven ever did. No more dry pork!
- Hands-off cooking: Rub, season, and walk away. No basting, no fuss.
- Crispy perfection: That golden crust? *Chef’s kiss.* It’s like pulled pork’s fancy cousin.
- Minimal cleanup: One basket to wash vs. scrubbing a roasting pan? Yes, please.
Seriously, it’s so good, my family now requests it weekly. Even my picky kid licks the plate clean.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Joint
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this juicy, flavorful pork shoulder joint in your air fryer:
- 1.5 kg pork shoulder joint (bone-in or boneless both work great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff makes a difference!)
- 1 tsp salt (I use coarse sea salt for extra texture)
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (my secret weapon for that deep flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds amazing depth)
That’s it! Just six simple ingredients for pork perfection. I promise it’s worth measuring precisely—this balance creates magic.
Equipment Needed
Don’t worry – you probably already have everything you need! Just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (mine’s a 5.5-quart, but any size works)
- Kitchen tongs (for flipping that beautiful hunk of pork)
- Instant-read thermometer (the only way to know it’s perfectly done)
See? Told you it was simple. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Cook Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Joint
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making perfect air fryer pork shoulder is easier than you think—just follow these simple steps and you’ll be slicing into juicy, flavorful meat in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first—preheat that air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for about 5 minutes. While it’s heating up, pat your pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trust me, this makes all the difference for getting that gorgeous crust!
Step 2: Season the Pork
Now comes the fun part! Rub that beautiful hunk of pork all over with 1 tablespoon of olive oil—get into all the nooks and crannies. Then sprinkle on your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly. I like to really massage those spices in—it’s like giving the pork a little spa treatment!
Step 3: Air Fry and Turn
Pop your seasoned pork into the air fryer basket. Here’s the magic formula: cook for 25 minutes per 500g, flipping halfway through with tongs. So for our 1.5kg joint, that’s about 75 minutes total. Pro tip: those tongs are your best friend—don’t try to flip with forks or you’ll lose all those precious juices!
Step 4: Check Temperature and Rest
The moment of truth! Stick your thermometer into the thickest part—you want it to hit 70°C (160°F). Once it does, transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but this resting time is what makes the meat unbelievably juicy when you slice it.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Joint
After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Size matters: Got a bigger joint? Add 5 minutes per extra 100g. Smaller? Reduce time accordingly.
- Rest like a pro: Those 10 minutes aren’t optional—they’re when the magic happens! The juices redistribute perfectly.
- Check early: Start temp checks 10 minutes before estimated finish—air fryers vary.
- Slice against the grain: Makes every bite tender instead of stringy.
Follow these, and you’ll nail it every single time. Promise!
Serving Suggestions
This juicy pork shoulder is a showstopper all on its own, but let me tell you what I love to serve with it! My family goes wild when I pair it with crispy roasted potatoes (tossed in the pork drippings, obviously) or creamy mashed potatoes. A simple side of roasted carrots or green beans balances everything perfectly. For a fresh twist, try a tangy coleslaw—the crunch cuts right through that rich pork flavor. And don’t forget to pour those delicious air fryer juices over everything!
Storing and Reheating
Here’s how to keep your leftover pork shoulder tasting amazing! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container—they’ll stay perfect in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat slices in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 3-4 minutes. It comes out just as juicy as the first day, maybe even better!
Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Joint FAQs
I get questions about this recipe all the time—here are the answers to everything you might be wondering!
Can I use frozen pork shoulder?
Oh honey, don’t do it! Always thaw completely first. Frozen pork cooks unevenly—you’ll end up with an overcooked outside and icy center. I pop mine in the fridge overnight or use the cold water thaw method if I’m in a pinch.
What if my air fryer is smaller than yours?
No worries! Just cut the joint into smaller chunks that fit comfortably in your basket (leave at least 1 inch between pieces). Cooking time might decrease slightly, so start checking temps 10 minutes early.
Why isn’t my pork getting crispy?
Two likely culprits: either you didn’t pat it dry enough before seasoning (moisture is the enemy of crispiness!) or your air fryer needs cleaning—built-up grease prevents proper air circulation.
Can I add barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! But wait until the last 10 minutes of cooking to brush it on—if you add it too early, the sugar burns and makes a sticky mess. Trust me, I learned this the hard way!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads up—nutritional values can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. This pork shoulder joint clocks in around 350 calories per serving with a great protein punch. Enjoy!
Print
Incredible 1.5kg Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Joint Recipe
- Total Time: 85 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and easy air fryer recipe for a succulent pork shoulder joint.
Ingredients
- 1 pork shoulder joint (1.5 kg)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (360°F).
- Rub pork with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place pork in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 25 minutes per 500 g, turning halfway.
- Check internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use kitchen tongs to turn pork.
- Adjust cooking time based on joint size.
- Let rest for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 75 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American