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Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe-150kb

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe

This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe features crispy, golden pork tossed with colorful bell peppers, juicy pineapple, and a homemade sweet and tangy sauce. Made in the air fryer with less oil than traditional deep-frying, this easy takeout-inspired dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious family-friendly meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 3 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Pork

  • 1 pound boneless pork shoulder or pork loin cut into bite-sized cubes
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Cooking oil spray as needed

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For the Vegetables

  • 1 medium red bell pepper cut into chunks
  • 1 medium green bell pepper cut into chunks
  • ½ medium onion cut into chunks
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or drained canned

Optional Garnishes

  • Sliced green onions for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork into evenly sized bite-sized cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper. Dip the pork pieces in beaten egg, then coat them in a mixture of cornstarch and flour. Shake off any excess coating.
  • Air Fry the Pork: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if recommended by your model. Arrange the pork in a single layer and lightly spray with cooking oil. Air fry for approximately 10–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Check the thickest pieces with a meat thermometer; pork should reach at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
  • Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer. Mix the cornstarch with water separately, then gradually stir it into the sauce. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently.
  • Cook the Vegetables: Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the air fryer during the final few minutes of cooking, or cook them separately until slightly tender but still crisp. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  • Combine and Serve: Place the cooked pork, vegetables, and pineapple in a large bowl. Add the warm sweet and sour sauce and toss gently to coat. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

 
  • Cut the pork into evenly sized pieces so it cooks consistently.
  • Pat the pork dry before coating for better browning.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
  • Lightly spray the coated pork with oil to encourage a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Air fryer cooking times can vary by model and pork cube size. Always check doneness with a meat thermometer.
  • Toss the pork with the sauce immediately before serving to help preserve its crisp texture.
  • Adjust the sauce to taste by adding a little more vinegar for tanginess or brown sugar for sweetness.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
  • For the best texture, store extra sauce separately when possible.
 

Nutrition Facts

 
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  • Total Sugars: 19 g
  • Protein: 29 g
 
Note: These are estimated nutrition values per serving. Actual values may vary depending on the pork cut, cooking oil, ingredient brands, and portion sizes. Rice or noodles served alongside are not included.