Cooking Pork Shoulder in the Air Fryer: A Comprehensive Guide to Crispy Crackling and Tender Meat

Indulge in the delectable flavors of pork shoulder, effortlessly prepared in your air fryer. This comprehensive guide will lead you through every step of the process, ensuring a perfectly cooked pork shoulder with crispy crackling and succulent meat.

Ingredients for a Flavorful Pork Shoulder

• Pork shoulder joint with rind (1.7 kg / 3.7 lbs)
• Olive oil (1 tbsp)
• Salt (1 tbsp)
• Fennel seeds (1 tbsp, ground)
• Mixed herbs (1 tsp)
• Garlic powder (1 tsp)
• Brown sugar (1 tsp)
• Apple (1, cored and cut into rounds)
• Onion (½, sliced)
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Pork Shoulder

Preparing the Pork Shoulder:

1. Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
2. Place two large pieces of aluminum foil on a work surface in a cross formation.
3. Place the pork in the center of the foil, rind side up.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with salt, mixed herbs, fennel seeds, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
5. Push the pork to one side and add the apple and onion slices to the center of the foil.
6. Position the pork shoulder on top of the apple and onion, rind side up.

Roasting in the Air Fryer:

1. Wrap the foil tightly around the pork to create a snug package.
2. Place the foil-wrapped pork in a preheated air fryer at 180°C (360°F).
3. Cook for 90-120 minutes, depending on the weight of the pork.
4. Check the internal temperature of the pork by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the crackling. The internal temperature should be nearing 90°C (195°F).

Creating Crispy Crackling:

1. Open the foil package and add extra salt to the crackling.
2. Carefully pour apple cider vinegar into the foil parcel.
3. Tuck the edges of the foil around the meat, leaving only the crackling exposed.
4. Increase the air fryer temperature and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the crackling is golden brown and crispy.

Resting and Slicing:

1. Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes, uncovered.
2. Place the pork on a cutting board, rind side down.
3. Use a sharp knife to slice the pork, placing your palm on top of the knife to cut through the crispy crackling.

Tips for Perfect Pork Shoulder in the Air Fryer

• Patting the pork dry helps achieve crispy crackling.
• Scoring the rind allows for even cooking and helps the crackling crisp up.
• Using a meat thermometer ensures the pork is cooked to the desired internal temperature.
• Resting the pork before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender meat.

Serving Suggestions

Complement your air fryer pork shoulder with a variety of sides, such as:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Yorkshire pudding
• Braised red cabbage

Cooking pork shoulder in the air fryer is a convenient and effective method that yields tender meat and crispy crackling. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a restaurant-quality pork shoulder in the comfort of your own kitchen. Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to discover your favorite flavor combinations. Enjoy the delectable taste of air fryer pork shoulder, a dish that will impress your family and friends.