Air Fryer Pulled Pork
This air fryer pulled pork is a simple, flavorful way to make tender, shred-able pork without a slow cooker or smoker. Seasoned with pantry spices and cooked low and slow in the air fryer, it’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and easy leftover meals.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Resting Time1 hour hr
Total Time2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
Course: Main Dish Recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer pulled pork
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 641kcal
Fold the top of a gallon sized ziplock bag and fold the top over. This makes it easier to add the pork butt without making a mess on the outside of the bag. Add the pork to the bag.
Add olive oil, liquid smoke and seasonings through the ground cumin.
Seal the bag tightly, leaving some air so the pork can move around. Use your hands on the outside of the bag to fully coat the pork in all the spices. Let sit for 30 minutes, or for best results, refrigerate overnight to infuse the seasonings.
Make an aluminium foil bowl in your air fryer and pre-heat to 370°F. If you meat has been refrigerated, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
Place the meat in the air fryer basket with the fatty side up. Pour the remaining juices over the top.
Cook for 1 ½ hours at 370°F, flipping the pork every 30 minutes. Cook the meat to 180°F to ensure the meat is fully cooked and willl easily shred. Use a digital meat thermometer to check for doneness.
When the pork is finished cooking, allow it to rest for 30 minutes. Transfer meat to a platter or cutting board and shred using two forks.
Add the shredded pork to a large mixing bowl. Add ½ cup bbq sauce and toss to coat. Check for seasoning. Add additional sauce if desired, or serve on the side.
*Recipe includes resting time of 1 hour - 30 minutes after seasoning, and 30 minutes after cooking.
Note: You can season the meat and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Variation: Use your favorite taco or Mexican seasoning blend to switch up the flavors
Any leftovers can also be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Try cutting your pulled pork into large pieces to make shredding it a little easier.
- My first choice for this recipe is boneless pork butt. It's ideaa with it's texture and tenderness. If you can't find it, a boneless pork shoulder will work in its place.
- Before air frying, be sure to trim some (but not all) of the excess fat off the pork butt. If you trim too much, your pork may dry out while cooking in the air fryer.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 641kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 721mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g