AirFryer Char Siew

air fryer recipe

2-Ingredient AirFryer Char Siew (No Marinade Needed)

A no-marinade, no-mess version of char siew. Just 2 ingredients and the AirFryer.

Crisp edges, sticky glaze, the most delicious sauce for your rice and it's all ready in under 25 minutes.

2-Ingredient AirFryer Char Siew (No Marinade Needed)

I used to make this during my uni days, never expected it would still be a staple in my kitchen years later, feeding toddlers instead of exam stress. This is my shortcut version of char siew. Just two ingredients and the AirFryer. It’s not traditional, but it’s fast, sticky, and hits the spot on busy weeknights.

In true Cantonese-style, I always finish it the way I grew up eating: with a drizzle of dark soy sauce warmed through the leftover drippings. After cooking, you’ll find a pool of rich, fatty glaze at the bottom of the AirFryer - this is the gold!!! Do not throw it away. Swirl in a splash of dark soy sauce, give it a good scrape, and pour it over your rice. It’s glossy, savoury, and takes the whole dish to the next level.

Simple, fast, and deeply satisfying, this one’s our family favourite.

Why I Love It:

✔️ 2 ingredients, zero fuss
✔️ No mess, just roast and slice
✔️ Uses up every drop of flavour from the drippings
✔️ Cantonese-style drizzle that makes plain rice sing
✔️ Toddler-friendly if you slice it thin and avoid the charred bits

Ingredients:

- 4 slices skin off pork belly. Around 400g
- 2.5tbsp Char Siew Marinade (we use Lee Kum Kee)

The amount of Char Siew Sauce you use will depend of the brand. Some brands are milder / saltier. Please adjust to taste

Optional :

- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Marinate skin-off pork belly with 1.5 tbsp of char siew sauce and refrigerate overnight.
2. Airfry at 180°C for 10 minutes.
3. Flip the pork belly and airfry for another 10 minutes.
4. Brush with the remaining 1 tbsp of char siew sauce.
5. Airfry for final 5–10 minutes until your desired level of charredness.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
7. Remove the AirFryer grill rack, stir in a splash of dark soy sauce, and scrape off all the sticky bits with a wooden spoon.
8. Enjoy with sauce drizzled over the char siew and steamed rice.

👶🏻 Toddler-Friendly Tip:

Slice into thin strips and serve with steamed rice or noodles.
I would avoid the charred edge pieces and drizzle just a touch of the soy glaze on top. It’s high iron, high protein, and easy to eat with fingers or chopsticks.

Watch how I made it

What I Used to Make This

These are the tools I use and love. Some links are affiliate, thank you for your quiet support 🤍

Instant Marinade

Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce

I've been using this since uni days. This all in one sauce makes the easiest char siew in the airfryer.

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