
Cut pork shoulder into 3-inch chunks for faster, more even cooking.
Rub chunks with liquid smoke, then coat generously with dry rub. Let sit 30 minutes.
Wrap seasoned pork in foil packets. Air fry at 360°F for 30 minutes.
Remove foil. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until bark forms on the outside.
Shred with forks. Toss with BBQ sauce. Serve on brioche buns with coleslaw.
Tip: Cutting into chunks is the key adaptation for the air fryer — a whole shoulder would take hours. The foil phase tenderizes; the unwrapped phase builds bark. Liquid smoke adds that smoker flavor you'd otherwise miss.
Share your result and inspire others
Liked this recipe? There's more.
Get new recipes straight to your inbox.

Juicy pork tenderloin with a Dijon herb crust that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.

Thick-cut bone-in chops with a golden Parmesan-herb crust. Juicy inside, crunchy outside.

Hands-off bacon that comes out perfectly flat, evenly crispy, with no grease splatter. Game-changer.