Spoon Simple
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork Balls
Crispy battered pork balls coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, made easily in the air fryer for a healthier take on a Chinese takeout favorite. Serve with rice for a complete family meal.
Prep 20 min
Cook 18 min
Total 38 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Pork Balls
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Step 2 — For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
Step 3 — For Garnish
- Pineapple chunks
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Pork
In a bowl, toss the pork cubes with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. In a third bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Dredge each pork cube first in the egg, then in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Set aside.
- 2
Air Fry Pork
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated pork balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- 3
Make Sauce
While the pork cooks, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- 4
Combine and Finish
In a clean bowl, toss the cooked pork balls with the sweet and sour sauce, pineapple chunks, and diced bell peppers until well coated. Return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to heat through and let the sauce coat evenly.
- 5
Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition per serving: 480 cal · 35g protein · 45g carbs · 18g fat
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
