Unlock the secret to incredibly easy and delicious stir-fries with your air fryer! Forget the endless stirring over a hot wok; this guide will show you **how long to cook stir fry in air fryer** for perfect, tender-crisp results every single time. Our signature **air fryer stir fry** recipe takes minimal effort and uses just a few simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you crave a quick yet flavorful meal. In under 20 minutes, you can transform basic ingredients into a vibrant dish, and the best part? No constant attention required!
Revolutionize Your Weeknight Dinners with Air Fryer Stir Fry
If you thought stir-frying meant slaving over a wok, think again! Today, we’re introducing you to the simplest **stir fry air fryer** method youāve ever encountered. This innovative approach allows you to achieve that coveted tender-crisp texture for your **air fryer stir fry vegetables** and perfectly cooked protein with minimal fuss. Imagine a delicious meal that practically cooks itself while you tackle other tasks. The possibilities are truly endless, especially if you start with pre-cooked ingredients!
This method shines when transforming leftovers into a whole new dish. For instance:
- Utilize leftover Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breast pieces to create a sensational Air Fryer Chicken Stir Fry.
- Slice up some Air Fryer Ribeye Steak strips for a hearty Beef Stir Fry in Air Fryer Recipe.
- Quickly cook some Frozen Jumbo Shrimp in Air Fryer and toss them into flavorful Stir Fry Veggies in Air Fryer.
- Embrace plant-based eating by adding perfectly cooked Air Fryer Tofu.
While this recipe demonstrates how to make a succulent air fryer pork stir fry using raw pork tenderloin, remember that substituting pre-cooked pork or any other protein will significantly reduce your cooking time, potentially bringing the total prep and cook time down to mere minutes. Of course, you could make this on the stovetop, but why miss out on the unparalleled convenience and consistent results of the air fryer? It frees you up to prepare other components of your meal, making dinner less stressful and more enjoyable.
This recipe might not adhere strictly to traditional stir-fry methods, but its speed, simplicity, and incredible flavor make it an absolute winner for modern home cooks.
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Stir Fry
Our featured **air fryer stir fry** recipe focuses on a delightful combination of savory pork and tangy kimchi. Hereās what youāll need to create this simple yet impactful dish:
- 1 lb. raw pork tenderloin (approximately 454 grams). Pork tenderloin is lean and cooks quickly, perfect for stir-fries.
- 1Ā½ tablespoons olive oil (or another preferred cooking oil like avocado oil). This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking. If using a fattier cut of pork, you might reduce or skip the oil.
- 14 ounces kimchi (approximately 397 grams). This fermented cabbage adds a unique spicy, sour, and umami punch, acting as both a vegetable and a flavor booster.
For an extra layer of flavor without the need for marinating, consider using seasoned pork tenderloin. Brands like Smithfield offer fantastic pre-seasoned options, such as roasted garlic and cracked black pepper, which complement this stir-fry beautifully.
Since kimchi is inherently salty, there’s typically no need to add extra salt to this recipe. Traditional kimchi often carries a significant spicy kick from gochugaru (Korean chili powder). If you opt for a milder kimchi and find it lacks the desired heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on the finished dish can easily spice things up to your preference.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer and Accessories
Making **stir fry in an air fryer** is versatile across various models, whether you own a Ninja Foodi, Philips, Nuwave, Pampered Chef, Actifry, Instant Pot Vortex, Cosori, Breville, or another brand. The key consideration is ensuring your cooking vessel fits. For this particular recipe, an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) aluminum pan is ideal, but its dimensions must be compatible with your air fryer’s capacity.
If you have a smaller air fryer basket, don’t worry! You can use a smaller metal pan and cook your **air fryer stir fry** in batches. This might take a little longer but still offers the benefits of air frying. It’s also crucial to remember that different air fryer brands can vary in their cooking efficiency. To prevent overcooking, especially when trying a new recipe, always check your food a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pork Stir Fry in Air Fryer
Achieving a perfectly cooked **pork stir fry in air fryer** is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions for a mouth-watering meal:
- Prepare the Pork: Begin by slicing your pork tenderloin into very thin strips, ideally ā to Ā¼ inch thick. Thin cuts are essential for rapid and even cooking, which is key for a stir-fry texture.
- Preheat and Toss: Preheat your air fryer to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C) for 5 minutes. While it preheats, combine the sliced pork with the olive oil in a bowl, ensuring each strip is lightly coated.
- First Air Fry – Cook the Pork: Arrange the pork strips in a single layer on two heated air fryer oven trays. If using a basket-style air fryer, you’ll likely need to cook in batches. Place one tray on the top rack position. Air fry for 4 minutes at 375Ā°F (190Ā°C), then carefully flip the meat pieces. Continue to air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. The goal is to cook the pork through, but avoid over-browning and crisping, as lean tenderloin can dry out quickly.
Always ensure the pork reaches a minimum safe internal temperature of 145Ā°F (63Ā°C) using a meat thermometer. Once the first batch is done, proceed with air frying the second tray of pork.
- Prepare the Kimchi: While the pork is cooking, chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces. Line an aluminum baking pan (one that fits your air fryer) with parchment paper. Transfer the chopped kimchi, including any flavorful juice from the bottom of the jar, into the prepared pan.
- Combine and Final Air Fry: Add the cooked pork strips to the kimchi in the pan. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Place the pan on a rack in the middle of your air fryer.
Perfect Cooking Time and Temperature for Your Air Fryer Stir Fry
Now for the crucial final step: How long to cook stir fry in air fryer? What temperature to air fry stir fry?
Air fry the combined pork and kimchi mixture for just 3 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200Ā°C).
This quick burst of high heat is perfect for warming the kimchi through while maintaining its delightful tender-crisp texture, preventing any sogginess. Kimchi makes an excellent air fryer stir fry vegetable because of its robust structure and flavor that holds up well to high heat. After these few minutes, your flavorful meat and veggie stir fry is ready to be served. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced scallions, if desired.
A key advantage of this recipe is its adaptability. If you’re using leftover cooked chicken, beef, turkey, or shrimp instead of raw pork, simply mix it with the kimchi and air fry for the same 3 minutes. Itās an incredibly efficient way to repurpose leftovers into a fresh, exciting meal! This stir fry focuses on deep, savory flavors rather than a thick sauce, offering a clean and authentic taste experience.
Storage, Reheating, and Serving Suggestions
Storage: Leftover **air fryer stir fry** can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the stir fry in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a paper towel (to prevent splatter and retain moisture), and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Alternatively, a quick reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) can bring back some of its original crispness.
Freezing: If you wish to freeze **air fryer stir fry**, it’s best to freeze the stir fry mixture and any accompanying rice or grains separately. Use a food-safe, airtight container for optimal freshness. When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen stir fry to the refrigerator for 24-48 hours to thaw completely before reheating.
This versatile stir fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, transforming it into a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of the best companions for your **air fryer stir fry**:
- Classic White Rice
- Nutty Brown Rice
- Earthy Wild Rice
- Chewy Farro
- Protein-packed Quinoa
- Low-carb Cauliflower Rice
- Delicate Rice Noodles
- A crisp, Fresh Vegetable Salad
For a unique twist, you could even serve it over creamy mashed sweet potatoes or white potatoes, adding a comforting and hearty element to your meal.
Customizing Your Stir Fry: Air Fryer Variations
One of the greatest strengths of this **stir fry air fryer** recipe is its adaptability. You can easily modify it to suit various dietary needs and preferences:
- How to make air fryer stir fry keto: This recipe is already naturally very low in carbohydrates, with only 6.4g net carbs per serving (without rice). To make it a truly keto-friendly **keto stir fry**, simply serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice or other grains. You can also explore adding other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- How to make air fryer stir fry vegan: Transforming this into a delicious **vegan air fryer stir fry** is simple. Replace the pork with your favorite flavored tofu (ensure it’s pressed and well-seasoned) and use vegan kimchi vegetables. Be aware that most authentic kimchi recipes contain fish sauce, so look for a vegan-certified option or try making your own using this excellent vegan kimchi recipe. Other plant-based proteins like tempeh or seitan would also work beautifully.
- Frozen stir fry in air fryer: If you’re looking for ultimate convenience, you can absolutely use a package of frozen stir-fry vegetables (such as a mix with bell peppers, onion, zucchini, and snap peas) in the air fryer. For best results with **air fryer frozen vegetables**, follow our directions for Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables to prevent them from becoming mushy. You can cook the frozen vegetables first, then combine them with your cooked protein and a favorite stir-fry sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Watch How to Make It!
Air Fryer Stir Fry Recipe (Time and Temp)
Summer Yule
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. raw pork tenderloin (454 grams; can also use leftover cooked chicken, beef steak, tofu, shrimp, etc.)
- 1Ā½ tablespoons olive oil (or other cooking oil of your choice)
- 14 ounces kimchi (397 grams)
Instructions
- Slice the pork tenderloin into ā -Ā¼ inch strips. You want them to be very thin so they cook fast.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C) for 5 minutes. Mix the pork and oil together in a bowl. Spread the pork strips out on two heated air fryer oven trays.
- Cook one tray at a time in the air fryer, using the top rack position. Air fry for 4 minutes at 375Ā°F (190Ā°C), then flip the meat pieces and air fry 2-3 more minutes.
- The minimum safe internal temperature for pork is 145Ā°F (63Ā°C). You can check the pork strips to ensure theyāre thoroughly cooked. Air fry the second tray when the first is done.
- While the pork cooks, chop the kimchi into bite-size pieces. Line an aluminum baking pan with parchment paper. Place the kimchi (including any juice from the bottom of the jar) in the pan.
- Add the cooked pork strips to the kimchi in the pan and stir gently. Put the pan on a rack in the middle of the air fryer. (If you’re using leftover cooked meat, chicken, or tofu in place of the pork tenderloin, add them in here. No need to cook them again first!)
- Air fry for 3 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200Ā°C). Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or riced cauliflower. Yum!
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Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Knife
- Kitchen Thermometer
- Parchment Paper
- 8″x8″x1.5″ Aluminum Pan
Notes
š Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). This air fryer stir fry is high-protein, low-calorie, and high in filling volume from the non-starchy veggies. If you want a low-carb and lower-calorie dish, serve with cauliflower rice instead of rice.
Iād consider this dish a healthy and nutritious choice if you are NOT on a low sodium diet. To make low sodium air fryer stir fry, try making your own salt-free kimchi and using unseasoned pork. You can use your favorite herbs or salt free seasonings to add flavor to the lean protein.
As long as no gluten-containing seasonings are added, this is a gluten free air fryer stir fry. Itās also Paleo, low carb, and Whole30 friendly.
Nutrition information is for one serving of the recipe without rice or side dishes.
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 donāt sweat the numbers too much.
āTo tasteā means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please donāt eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
More Stir Fry Inspirations
If you’re now hooked on the convenience and deliciousness of stir-fries, we have even more recipes to keep your culinary adventures exciting. Expand your repertoire with these fantastic options:
- Explore our versatile Instant Pot Stir Fry Recipe, offering another quick method for flavorful meals.
- Whip up your own sauces with our simple 3-Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce. This soy sauce-based concoction is a perfect canvas for adding your favorite aromatics like ginger, garlic powder, sesame oil, or a splash of rice vinegar to match your taste.
- For a deconstructed take on a classic, try our Inside Out Egg Rolls ā all the flavor of an egg roll without the fuss of frying individual wrappers.
Additionally, for an extra burst of flavor and protein in any stir fry, these Trader Joeās Chicken Shawarma Thighs are an exceptional and convenient choice.
Air Fryer Obsession? We’ve Got You Covered!
Like us, are you completely enamored with the air fryer? Its ability to create crispy, delicious meals with less oil and effort is truly revolutionary. If you’re eager to discover more incredible ways to use this kitchen powerhouse, dive into these extensive resources:
- Discover convenience with our guide to the Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer, perfect for quick and easy meals.
- Unleash new flavors with the Best Air Fryer Indian Recipes, bringing aromatic and vibrant dishes to your table.
- Master perfectly cooked veggies with Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables ā say goodbye to mushy broccoli forever!
- If you’re just starting your air frying journey, our Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners will provide you with a solid foundation and confidence in the kitchen.
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