Air fryer pork shoulder is tender, juicy, and packed with deep flavor. The outside forms a light crust, while the inside stays soft and moist. The taste is rich and savory, making it a comforting dish for any occasion. The aroma is warm and inviting, filling the kitchen as it cooks. This dish works well for family dinners, small parties, or weekend meals.
Table of contents
Air Fryer Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder is a flexible cut. You can slow cook it, roast it, or braise it. When you cook it in an air fryer, the results stand out. Air fryer pork shoulder cooks faster, and it forms a crisp, golden crust. At the same time, the meat stays juicy and soft inside. The air fryer uses high heat and steady air flow. Because of this, the pork cooks evenly and keeps its flavor. You also avoid the extra steps used in traditional cooking.
Cooking pork shoulder in an air fryer works even better when you use a reliable machine like the Typhur Sync Air Fryer. This air fryer cooks pork shoulder fast and evenly. It also creates a crisp outside and a tender inside. The built-in probe checks the meat temperature as it cooks. It adjusts the cooking time on its own. Because of this, you do not need to worry about overcooking or undercooking.
One feature that makes the Typhur Sync Air Fryer different is the ceramic coating. The coating is PFAS-free and non-toxic. This means the air fryer feels safer to use. It also means the surface lasts longer, cleans easily, and helps food release without sticking.
The First With a Built-In Wireless Thermometer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Shoulder
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Italian Herbs
- 1 tbsp Fennel Seeds (ground in pestle and mortar)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
For the Pork:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3.7 lbs Pork Shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 Apple (cored and cut into rounds)
- ½ White Onion (sliced)
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
How to Cook Pork Shoulder in an Air Fryer
Follow these steps to make air fryer pork shoulder.
- Prepare the Pork Shoulder
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasoning stick to the meat. Lay two large sheets of foil in a cross on your counter. Place the pork shoulder in the center. Drizzle olive oil over the pork. Rub the seasoning mix over all sides of the meat.
- Prepare for Cooking
Insert the probe into the center of the pork shoulder. Make sure the safety notch sits fully inside the meat. This helps track the internal temperature during cooking.
- Add the Apple and Onion
Move the pork to one side of the foil. Place the apple slices and onion in the center. These add mild sweetness and flavor as they cook. Set the pork on top with the fat side facing up. Wrap the foil tightly around the pork.
- Cook the Pork Shoulder in the Air Fryer
Place the wrapped pork into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to Roast Mode and heat it to 390°F (200°C). If you use the Typhur Sync Air Fryer, you can control cooking with the app. Set the probe target to 175°F (80°C). When the pork reaches 158°F (70°C), you get a notice from the app. Open the air fryer and unwrap the foil to expose the fat side.
- Add Apple Cider Vinegar
Pour the apple cider vinegar into the foil. Continue cooking. This step helps soften the meat and adds a light tang. Close the air fryer and cook until the pork reaches 175°F (80°C).
- Let It Rest
Remove the pork from the air fryer using oven mitts. Place it on a heat-safe surface. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting lets the juices spread through the meat.
- Serve and Enjoy
Remove the probe. Slice the pork and serve it with your favorite sides. You get crispy air fryer pork shoulder with tender meat inside and even seasoning.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Shoulder
Air fryer pork shoulder has a crisp outside and a juicy inside. Many sides work well with this texture and flavor.
- Mashed potatoes: Soft and creamy. They soak up the meat juices well.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips add light sweetness.
- Apple slaw: Fresh and crisp. It adds crunch and mild tang.
- Crusty bread: Useful for soaking up extra sauce.
FAQs
Cooking time depends on size and thickness. In most cases, pork shoulder takes 25 to 30 minutes per pound at 390°F. Always check the internal temperature. Cook until it reaches 175°F (80°C) for best texture.
Air frying cooks pork shoulder faster than oven roasting. It also creates a crisp outside and a juicy inside. It uses less oil, so cleanup feels easier. For many cooks, this method saves time.
No. You do not need to flip it. The Typhur Sync Air Fryer moves heat around the meat evenly. Place the pork with the fat side up to get good results.
Air Fryer Pork Shoulder
Equipment
- Oven Gloves
- Chef Knife
The First With a Built-In Wireless Thermometer
Ingredients
For the Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Italian Herbs
- 1 tbsp Fennel Seeds ground in pestle and mortar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
For the Pork
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3.7 pounds Prok Shoulder
- 1 Apple cored and cut into rounds
- 1/2 pic White Onion sliced
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vingar
Instructions
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Place two large sheets of kitchen foil in a cross shape on a work surface. Place the pork in the middle of the foil, drizzle with a little oil, then rub the pork with salt, sugar, garlic powder, spices, and fennel seeds.3.7 pounds Prok Shoulder, 1 tbsp Olive Oil, 1 tbsp Kosher Salt, 1 tsp Brown Sugar, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tbsp Fennel Seeds, 1 tsp Italian Herbs
- To ensure accurate temperature readings, insert the probe into the center of the pork, making sure that the safety notch is completely inside the food.
- Push the pork to one side and place the apple and onion slices in the center of the foil. Place the pork shoulder on top, fat side up. Wrap the pork tightly in the foil to completely enclose it. Carefully place the pork into the basket. Insert the basket back into the air fryer.1/2 pic White Onion, 1 Apple
- Press the "Start Cooking" button on the app, or press the MANUAL button on the panel to set the probe's target temperature to 175℉/80℃. When the current temperature reaches 158°F/70℃ —if cooking was started via the app, you will receive a notification, open the basket and unwrap the foil to expose the fat side. Pour apple cider vinegar into the tin foil and continue cooking. There will be a sound prompt when the target temperature is reached.Air Fryer Settings: Roast Mode, 390℉/200℃
- Using a pair of oven mitts, carefully remove the pork and transfer it to a heat resistant surface. Let the pork shoulder rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the probe.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Nutrition
(Nutrition information is calculated automatically by Spoonacular API and should be considered an estimate.)
