So you’re craving sweet and sour pork—the glossy sauce, the crispy pork, the whole takeout vibe—but you don’t want greasy fingers, mystery oil, or a bill that makes you rethink your life choices. Same. This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork is crunchy, saucy, and ridiculously satisfying, all without deep-frying anything.
Mom-approved, husband-approved, grandkid-approved. Basically a household win.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s count the ways:
- Crispy pork without deep frying. The air fryer understood the assignment.
- That classic sweet-and-sour sauce. Tangy, sticky, and perfectly balanced.
- Weeknight-friendly. Faster than waiting for delivery.
- Customizable. More sauce? Less sugar? You’re in control.
- Leftovers are still amazing. Honestly, maybe even better the next day.
IMO, this is one of those recipes that makes you say, “Why don’t I make this more often?”
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pork:
- 1 lb pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil
For the sweet & sour sauce:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ cup pineapple chunks (with a little juice)
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
Optional add-ins: extra pineapple, snap peas, or carrots
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the pork. Toss pork cubes with salt, pepper, soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil until evenly coated. This helps create that crispy outer layer.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (205°C) for 3–5 minutes. Hot basket = crispy pork.
- Air fry the pork. Place pork in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Make the sauce. In a bowl, mix ketchup, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Stir until smooth.
- Combine everything. Transfer cooked pork to an air fryer-safe dish. Add bell peppers, onions, pineapple chunks, and sauce. Stir gently.
- Finish cooking. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, stirring once, until sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
- Serve hot. Spoon over rice, sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy immediately.
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Pork
- Cut pork evenly. Even pieces cook evenly—no tough surprises.
- Don’t overcrowd. Pork needs space to crisp, not steam.
- Sauce goes in later. Add it after crisping the pork so it stays crunchy.
- Taste the sauce. Too sweet? Add vinegar. Too sour? Add sugar. You’re the boss.
- Let it rest briefly. A couple of minutes helps the sauce cling better.
For more pork cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Recipes Guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping cornstarch. That light coating is key for crispiness.
- Adding sauce too early. You’ll lose the crunch—tragic.
- Overcooking the pork. Dry pork is not the goal.
- Too much liquid. Go easy on pineapple juice so the sauce thickens properly.
- Forgetting to stir halfway. One stir makes all the difference.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Protein swap: Chicken or tofu work great with the same method.
- Healthier version: Reduce sugar and add more veggies.
- No pineapple? Mango or even canned peaches work surprisingly well.
- Extra crispy: Air fry pork 2 extra minutes before adding sauce.
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but keep pork and sauce separate until reheating to preserve crispiness.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze the cooked pork and sauce separately for best texture.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Sweet and tangy flavors are a hit—just skip the spice.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook pork in batches. Overcrowding ruins crispiness.
What should I serve it with?
Steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. Sauce loves carbs.
Can I make it less sweet?
Of course. Reduce sugar and boost vinegar slightly. Balance is everything.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork gives you everything you love about takeout—crispy pork, sticky sauce, bold flavor—without the grease or guilt. It’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast once it hits the table. Serve it hot, enjoy the silence while everyone eats, and take the win. You earned it. 🍍🍖✨
