Sweet, sticky and packed with flavour, these air fryer sticky pork bites are the perfect combination of crispy edges and tender meat. They're quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve as a party snack. The air fryer creates beautifully caramelised pork without the need for deep frying.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Pork
- 700g pork fillet or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sticky Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Garnish
- Spring onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Method
Step 1
Place the pork pieces into a large bowl.
Add the olive oil, garlic powder and black pepper.
Mix until evenly coated.
Step 2
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
Step 3
Arrange the pork in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Step 4
While the pork cooks, combine the honey, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, tomato sauce, garlic and ginger in a small saucepan.
Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5
Transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl.
Pour over the sticky sauce and toss until well coated.
Step 6
Return the pork to the air fryer.
Cook for a further 3 to 5 minutes until caramelised and sticky.
Step 7
Sprinkle with spring onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Variations
- Add chilli flakes for extra heat.
- Replace honey with apricot jam.
- Use chicken pieces instead of pork.
- Add pineapple chunks after cooking.
Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Pork fillet cooks faster than pork shoulder.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Serving Ideas
- Steamed rice
- Asian-style slaw
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Egg fried rice
- Noodles
Conclusion
Air fryer sticky pork bites are quick, easy and packed with sweet and savoury flavour. With a delicious caramelised coating and tender centre, they're guaranteed to become a family favourite.
