How to Cook Pork Shoulder Perfectly in an Air Fryer

Pork shoulder is an inexpensive, flavorful cut of meat that’s perfect for making pulled pork sandwiches, carnitas, or just a simple roasted pork dinner. While traditionally pork shoulder is roasted low and slow in the oven for hours, the air fryer allows you to cook it in a fraction of the time with incredibly moist, fall-apart meat and crispy golden skin.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to cook pork shoulder to juicy, tender perfection in your air fryer with irresistible crackling every time.

Benefits of Cooking Pork Shoulder in an Air Fryer

Cooking pork shoulder in the air fryer has some major advantages over using the oven or other methods:

• Super fast cooking time – Pork shoulder can take 4-8 hours to roast in the oven The air fryer cuts this down to just 90 minutes to 2 hours

• Less babysitting – Set it and forget it The air fryer doesn’t require checking and basting like the oven

• Juicy and tender meat – The circulating hot air cooks the meat evenly all over.

• Crispy crackling – The high heat at the end ensures the skin crisps up perfectly

• Easy – Minimal preparation and you can just wipe out the basket afterward.

How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder in an Air Fryer

Cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your pork shoulder, but as a general guideline, plan on cooking for approximately:

• 25-30 minutes per pound
• 450g pork shoulder = 60 minutes
• 1kg pork shoulder = 90 minutes
• 1.5-2kg pork shoulder = 2 hours

So for a typical 3 pound (1.5kg) pork shoulder, cook at 400°F (200°C) for around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Always use a meat thermometer to check it’s cooked through, not just relying on the time. The internal temperature should reach at least 203°F (95°C).

Step-By-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy pork shoulder with the perfect crackling every time in your air fryer:

1. Choose the Right Cut

Select a pork shoulder with the skin on. Also called pork butt or Boston butt, this comes from the upper part of the front leg. Avoid the leaner pork loin which will dry out.

2. Prep the Pork Shoulder

• Pat the pork dry with paper towels.

• Score the skin by cutting diagonal slashes about 1cm apart, taking care not to cut into the meat.

• Generously rub salt, herbs, and spices all over the skin. Get into the scoring.

3. Add Flavor

• Rub the underside with oil then season well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, etc.

• Add sliced onions, garlic, or apple chunks to the air fryer basket.

• Pour a little apple juice, stock, or beer into the bottom of the air fryer.

4. Wrap in Foil

• Place the seasoned pork shoulder on a large sheet of aluminum foil.

• Loosely wrap to cover all sides but leave the top exposed.

5. Air Fry

• Cook at 400°F (200°C) for around 90 minutes for a 1.5kg (3 lb) pork shoulder.

• After 1 hour, increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C).

• Cook until the internal temp reaches 203°F (95°C), about 15-30 more minutes.

6. Crisp the Crackling

• Carefully remove the foil and use tongs to transfer the pork to a plate.

• Sprinkle with a little more salt.

• Air fry skin-side up at 450°F for 5-10 minutes to finish crisping the crackling.

7. Rest and Serve

• Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

• Slice across the grain into pieces.

• Serve drizzled with the air fryer pan juices.

Tips for the Best Results

• For ultimate crispy crackling, thoroughly dry the skin and score it. Refrigerate uncovered overnight.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give room for air circulation.

• Brush the skin with oil or apple cider vinegar before the final crisping stage.

• If the meat isn’t tender enough, cook for longer and test again.

• Let rest at least 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.

• Save the flavorful pan juices to make gravy or sauce.

Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Recipes

Beyond a simple seasoned roast pork shoulder, the air fryer opens up possibilities for all kinds of globally-inspired flavors:

• Cuban Mojo Pork Shoulder – oregano, cumin, garlic, orange juice

• Korean Gochujang Pork – gochujang paste, sesame oil, garlic, ginger

• Mexican Chili Rub Pork – ancho chili powder, oregano, cumin, garlic

• Jerk Pork Shoulder – jerk seasoning, allspice, thyme, habanero peppers

• Filipino Pork Adobo – soy sauce, black peppercorns, garlic, vinegar

• Porchetta Pork – fennel, garlic, rosemary, sage, lemon

The Perfect Side Dishes

A juicy, tender pork shoulder straight from the air fryer deserves an incredible sidekick. Some perfect pairings include:

• Fluffy cornbread or rolls

• Coleslaw or cabbage slaw

• Roasted potatoes or potato salad

• Rice and beans

• Mac and cheese

• Collard greens or braised kale

• Roasted vegetables like carrots or brussels sprouts

So next time you find a great deal on pork shoulder, break out your air fryer. In around 90 minutes, you’ll have unbelievable roasted pork worthy of any occasion or celebration.