Air Fryer Pulled Pork is made with smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder; air fry at 360°F for 40 minutes to serve 8. 350 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Equipment
Steps
- 1
Cut pork shoulder into 3-inch chunks for faster, more even cooking.
- 2
Rub chunks with liquid smoke, then coat generously with dry rub. Let sit 30 minutes.
- 3
Wrap seasoned pork in foil packets. Air fry at 360°F for 30 minutes.
- 4
Remove foil. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until bark forms on the outside.
- 5
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.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 40 minutes vs ~72 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🍖Circulating hot air renders fat and seals in juices for a crispier outside and tender inside.
- ⚡Uses significantly less energy than heating a full-size oven for a single batch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Air Fryer Pulled Pork at 360°F for 40 minutes. 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.
You need: 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp cayenne, Salt and black pepper, 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch chunks, 1 tbsp liquid smoke, 1 cup BBQ sauce, Brioche buns, Coleslaw. This recipe serves 8 with 350 calories per serving.
Air Fryer Pulled Pork takes 40 minutes total at 360°F. Shred with forks. Toss with BBQ sauce. Serve on brioche buns with coleslaw.
This recipe is rated Medium. It serves 8 and takes just 40 minutes at 360°F.
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