Sweet and sour pork is a classic choice when ordering Chinese food — it’s rarely leftover and pairs perfectly with a big bowl of steamed rice. The dish is defined by a tangy, slightly sweet sauce and pineapple. While the traditional method uses a battered, deep-fried pork for extra crunch, this version is lighter: the pork is cooked in an air fryer for a crisp exterior with less oil. It’s simple to prepare and can be ready in under 35 minutes.
Cut of meat for sweet and sour pork
For sweet and sour pork, pork shoulder (also labeled pork butt) is the best choice. It has the right amount of marbling and fat to keep the meat juicy and flavorful, and it’s forgiving during cooking — similar to why many cooks prefer chicken thighs over breasts.
What is HP sauce?
HP sauce is a thick, tangy condiment that’s popular in the UK. Its flavor is similar to A1 steak sauce, and it adds a savory, slightly fruity depth to the sweet and sour sauce.
Type of fruits and vegetables in sweet and sour pork
Red bell peppers: I use one red bell pepper cut into squares. Peppers add a pleasant crunch and a touch of sweetness; you can use orange or yellow if you prefer.
Yellow onion: A yellow onion provides crunch and a mild, aromatic base flavor that complements the sauce and pork.
Fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple is one of the key ingredients. Lightly cooking the pineapple releases its juices and brightness, balancing the sauce’s tanginess with natural sweetness.
Sweet and Sour Pork
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- ¾ cup corn starch
- 1 small yellow onion, (coarsely diced)
- 1 red pepper, (coarsely diced)
- ½ cup diced pineapple, (coarsely diced)
Marinade:
- 1½ tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tbsp sugar
- 1½ tbsp corn starch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp white pepper
Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup HP sauce
- 2½ tbsp sugar
- 1½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
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Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces.2 lbs pork shoulder
-
Combine the pork with soy sauce, sugar, corn starch, egg, and white pepper. Mix well to coat.1½ tbsp soy sauce,
½ tbsp sugar,
1½ tbsp corn starch,
1 large egg,
1 tsp white pepper -
Toss the pork in the remaining corn starch so each piece is coated, then rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This hydrates the starch so it browns evenly in the air fryer.¾ cup corn starch
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Lightly spray the pork with oil and air fry at 400°F for 13 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over high heat. Add the chopped onion and red pepper and stir-fry for about 1 minute.1 small yellow onion,
1 red pepper -
Add the sauce ingredients — ketchup, HP sauce, sugar, and Worcestershire — and bring to a simmer, about 2 minutes.1 cup ketchup,
½ cup HP sauce,
2½ tbsp sugar,
1½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce -
Add the cooked pork to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let the sauce warm and thicken slightly.
-
Stir in the diced pineapple, turn off the heat, and mix once more to combine.½ cup diced pineapple
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Garnish with sliced green onion if desired and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Additional Info
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out some more here:
- Parmesan crusted smashed potatoes
- Siu mai (steamed pork and shrimp dumplings)