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Juicy Kalua Pork Sliders Recipe Easy Air Fryer Beach Day Snack

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These Juicy Beach Day Kalua Pork Sliders are quick, easy, and packed with smoky, tender pork made effortlessly in an air fryer. Perfect for beach days, picnics, or casual get-togethers, they deliver authentic Hawaiian flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed)
  • 1 tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 12 slider buns (soft, Hawaiian-style if available)
  • 1/2 cup coleslaw (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or aioli (optional)
  • Pickled jalapeños or pineapple slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Rub the pork evenly with Hawaiian sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Drizzle liquid smoke over the pork and rub it in.
  4. Let the pork sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (163°C).
  6. Place the pork shoulder in the air fryer basket and pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the basket or tray beneath the pork.
  7. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip the pork and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
  8. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 195°F (90°C) and shred easily. If not, cook in additional 5-minute increments.
  9. Transfer the pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks or hands, mixing in any collected juices.
  10. Slice slider buns open and spread mayonnaise or aioli on the bottom half if using.
  11. Pile on a generous amount of kalua pork and top with coleslaw or pickled jalapeños if desired.
  12. Cap with the bun tops and serve immediately.
  13. Optional: For extra crispy edges, return assembled sliders to the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Use Hawaiian sea salt for authentic flavor; kosher salt is a good substitute. Liquid smoke is potent—use sparingly to avoid bitterness. Keep water in the air fryer basket to maintain moisture. For gluten-free, use buns made from almond or coconut flour or lettuce wraps. Slow cooker can substitute air fryer but texture differs. Shred pork while warm for best texture. Optional toppings include coleslaw, mayonnaise/aioli, pickled jalapeños, pineapple slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kalua pork, sliders, air fryer, Hawaiian recipe, beach day snack, smoky pork, easy recipe, pork shoulder

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/juicy-kalua-pork-sliders-recipe-easy-air-fryer-beach-day-snack/