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My air fryer pork shoulder is the quick and easy way to enjoy a pork roast. With a crispy, flavorful crust and tender, juicy slices, this dish is perfect for a fuss-free Sunday dinner. Plus, it cooks much faster than traditional slow-cooking methods, making it a great option for weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best temperature for cooking pork shoulder, tips for achieving perfect results, and ideas for side dishes to round out your meal.

Air frying is a fantastic cooking method for roast dinners. It’s faster than most other methods—this recipe takes under an hour—and it frees up your oven for side dishes. While this pork shoulder won’t shred like pulled pork, you’ll get moist slices with a delectable crispy crust.
Pork shoulder is also a budget-friendly option, available at most grocery stores (even Aldi!). With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a delicious roast any time of the year, even on short notice.
🍖 Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- 1½ lbs boneless pork shoulder (680g; seasoned or plain)
If unseasoned you also need:
- Cooking oil spray
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For best results, use a fatty cut like pork shoulder or pork butt. Avoid lean cuts such as pork loin, tenderloin, or sirloin, as they tend to dry out during extended cooking.
Make sure your roast fits your air fryer basket—if it’s too large, simply trim it to size. Popular air fryer brands like Ninja Foodi, Cosori, and Philips work well for this recipe. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your model.
Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder
Did you know that pork butt (Boston butt) and pork shoulder both come from the pig’s shoulder? Pork shoulder comes from the lower part of the foreleg, while pork butt is higher up. Either cut works well for this recipe, as long as it’s boneless.
🐷 How to Make Pork Shoulder in an Air Fryer
Let the pork rest at room temperature for 40-60 minutes before cooking. There’s no need to score it or tie it.
If using unseasoned pork, pat it dry with paper towels. Combine paprika, salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mist the pork with cooking oil spray and rub the seasoning blend evenly over the meat. Rub as much of the seasoning blend as you’d like all over the pork; I used all of it.
Place the pork shoulder in the air fryer basket and cook at 350F (175C) for 30-45 minutes, flipping the roast after 20 minutes. Continue flipping every 10 minutes until done. If the roast starts to dry out, mist it with additional cooking spray.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145F (63C). If the roast isn’t done after an hour, slice the undercooked portion and air fry the slices separately to avoid drying out the edges.
Tent the cooked pork with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. The result? Moist, flavorful pork that’s delicious even without gravy.
🔍 Tips for Perfect Pork Shoulder
- Check the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Pork is safe to eat at 145F (63C), even if it’s slightly pink inside.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat slowly with added moisture, such as broth or sauce, to prevent drying out.
Can you cook frozen pork shoulder in an air fryer?
Frozen pork roast in an air fryer may leave you with an undercooked center and dry outer edges. If you must air fry a frozen pork roast, I recommend using a very small roast. Be generous with added fat or oil to help keep the roast from drying out too much.
Can you cook a pork joint in the air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry pork joints, though the air frying temperature and time will be different than what is provided here. You’ll get yummy crispy crackling if the pork joint has skin on it!
Watch How to Make It!
Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Roast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless pork shoulder (680g; seasoned or plain)
If unseasoned you also need:
- cooking oil spray
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Let the pork rest at room temperature for 40-60 minutes before cooking. There’s no need to score it or tie it.
- If using unseasoned pork, pat it dry with paper towels. Combine paprika, salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mist the pork with cooking oil spray and rub the seasoning blend evenly over the meat. Rub as much of the seasoning blend as you’d like all over the pork; I used all of it.
- Place the pork shoulder in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, flipping the roast after 20 minutes. Continue flipping every 10 minutes until done. If the roast starts to dry out, mist it with additional cooking spray.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If the roast isn’t done after an hour, slice the undercooked portion and air fry the slices separately to avoid drying out the edges.
- Tent the cooked pork with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). While pork shoulder is a fattier cut, it’s packed with essential nutrients:- B Vitamins: Excellent source of thiamin, niacin, B6, and B12.
- Minerals: High in phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
- Protein Powerhouse: A great choice for high-protein diets.
- Keto and Low Carb-Friendly: Serve with non-starchy veggies for a balanced, low-carb meal.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
🥗 Side Dishes for Pork Shoulder
Pair your air fryer pork shoulder with these delicious sides:
- Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe
- Applesauce Substitute (pear sauce)
- Air Fryer Cornbread
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Corn on the Cob
👩🏻🍳 Other Air Fryer Pork Recipes
Looking for more ways to cook pork in your air fryer? Check these out:
- Air Fryer Sausage Meat
- Air Fryer Precooked Brats
- Pork Belly Air Fryer Recipe
- Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
For other roasts, don’t miss my divine Air Fryer Roast Beef recipe. And if you have leftovers, try my Pulled Pork Salad for a fresh twist! tely divine.
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
When cooking the roast in the air fryer..Do you set it on Air Crisp or bake or roast..Sorry I get confused sometime with the Air Fryer so don’t use it much
Jeanne Perry
Hi Jeanne, I don’t know which cooker you’re using, but for the air fryer recipes I’m thinking air crisp is what you want. If you are using a multicooker, the bake or roast setting is generally meant to mimic a regular oven. Hope you enjoy the recipe!