How To Cook Juicy, Flavorful Pork Shoulder in an Air Fryer

Pork shoulder is an economical and flavorful cut of meat that’s perfect for the air fryer. With the air fryer’s circulating hot air and precise temperature control, you can achieve tender, juicy pork shoulder with a crispy exterior in a fraction of the time of traditional oven roasting.

As a busy home cook, I love how the air fryer lets me cook pork shoulder efficiently on a weeknight while still infusing it with delicious flavor In this article, I’ll share my tips and step-by-step method for cooking foolproof pork shoulder in the air fryer.

Why Cook Pork Shoulder in an Air Fryer?

Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer for pork shoulder:

• Quick cooking time – The air fryer’s super heated air rapidly cooks food, reducing cook time by up to 75% compared to the oven. A 3 lb pork shoulder cooks in about 1 hour versus 3-4 hours in the oven.

• Crispy exterior – The circulating hot air mimics deep frying, creating a crispy browned exterior on the pork shoulder

• Juicy interior – The air fryer seals in moisture and natural juices, so the pork shoulder stays succulent and tender

• Versatile – In addition to pork shoulder, the air fryer excels at cooking foods like chicken wings, french fries, vegetables and more. It’s a multipurpose appliance.

• Easy clean up – With minimized oil and enclosed cooking, clean up is a breeze compared to other cooking methods.

For deliciously crispy and flavorful pork shoulder with time-saving convenience, the air fryer is the way to go!

Tips for Choosing a Pork Shoulder Cut

I recommend using a boneless pork shoulder roast, ideally 3-4 lbs in size, to cook in a standard sized air fryer. Look for a roast with nice marbling throughout for flavor and moisture.

Bone-in cuts like pork shoulder blade or picnic roasts work too, but will take slightly longer to cook. Plan about 30-35 minutes per pound for bone-in pork shoulder in the air fryer.

Avoid cuts with excess fat caps, which can lead to smoking and flare ups in the air fryer. Do leave a thin layer of fat intact for flavor and moisture.

My Favorite Simple Dry Rub

One of the keys for flavorful pork shoulder is first seasoning it all over with a simple dry rub. The rub permeates the meat with spices and herbs as it cooks.

Here’s my go-to pork shoulder rub recipe:

• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1⁄2 tsp dried oregano
• 1⁄2 tsp cumin
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper

Mix all the ingredients until well blended. Generously coat the pork shoulder on all sides with the rub, gently pressing it into the meat.

Let the seasoned pork shoulder rest for 10-15 minutes before air frying so the rub can start to penetrate. This basic rub always delivers incredible flavor, but feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices too.

Step-by-Step Method for Air Frying

Follow these simple steps for perfect pork shoulder every time using the air fryer.

1. Pre-heat

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. This slightly lower temperature helps render fat and break down collagen for tender, fall-apart pork shoulder.

2. Cook the pork

Carefully place the seasoned pork shoulder in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F. For a 3 lb roast, this takes about 45 minutes.

3. Flip and cook

At the halfway point, flip the pork shoulder using tongs. Air fry for the remaining calculated time. Flipping promotes even cooking.

4. Baste and crisp

As the pork shoulder nears completion, briefly remove it from the air fryer. Baste with bbq sauce or other glaze to help form a sticky, caramelized exterior.

Return to the air fryer and cook for 2-5 more minutes to allow the glaze to crisp up. Keep an eye on it so the sugars don’t burn.

5. Rest and shred

When finished cooking, let the pork shoulder rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for a tender texture.

For pulled pork, use two forks to shred the pork shoulder once cooled enough to handle. Moist and delicious!

Cooking Times for Different Sizes

To summarize, here are the approximate air fryer cooking times for different weights of boneless pork shoulder:

• 1 lb – 15 minutes
• 2 lbs – 30 minutes
• 3 lbs – 45 minutes
• 4 lbs – 60 minutes

The cooking time can vary a bit depending on the exact shape and thickness of your pork roast. Always use an instant read thermometer to confirm the internal temp reaches 190°F.

For bone-in cuts, add about 5 extra minutes per pound to the cooking time.

Serving and Meal Ideas

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving juicy, fork-tender air fryer pork shoulder. Here are just a few meal ideas:

• Pulled pork sandwiches with slaw
• Tacos with mango salsa
• Eggs Benedict with hollandaise
• Chef salad with greens
• Baked potatoes with BBQ pork
• Pork fried rice or quinoa
• Ravioli or gnocchi with pork ragu
• Pizza topped with pork and vegetables

Leftovers can also be frozen for future meals. Reheating frozen pulled pork in the microwave or oven keeps it moist and tasty.

Make Your Best Pork Shoulder Yet

Cooking pork shoulder in the air fryer is my new favorite way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. With a simple dry rub, the precise air fryer temperature, and a short cook time, you’ll have succulent, pull-apart pork shoulder ready in no time.