Use a Pork Butt Roast to make this flavorful, tender Air Fryer Pulled Pork, naturally gluten-free!
Pulled Pork is a classic barbecue choice, but did you know you can make it faster in the Air Fryer? This method takes the traditional slow-cooked flavor and cuts down on the time, but it still keeps all that tender, juicy taste and texture that you expect! This is our go-to easy recipe for a quick pulled pork sandwich!

What do you need for pulled pork in the air fryer?

- Boston Butt Roast or Pork Butt Roast (2-3 Pounds)
- Barbecue Seasoning
- Barbecue Sauce
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Unsalted Butter
- Foil
- Grapeseed Oil Spray
What temperature is pulled pork most tender?

Pulled pork is most tender when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 195 degrees F to 205 degrees F. This pork roast will reach this temperature in the air fryer after about an hour of cooking.
It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Pulled Pork:

It’s very important to follow each step carefully, including adding the butter and apple cider vinegar, this will help moisten the pork butt so that it does not dry out.
The initial process will start by seasoning the pork roast, we use Head Country Barbecue Seasoning; however, you can use your brand of choice.

First, the pulled pork will be lightly seared in a preheated air fryer, then it will be placed on a sheet of foil and back into the air fryer along with the unsalted butter and apple cider vinegar.
If you prefer not to use foil, then you can use a pan that fits inside your air fryer and also fits the pork roast. We prefer to simply use foil, but be sure the sides are rounded up sort of like a bowl so that air can fully circulate the pork roast.
After the roast is fully cooked, it needs to rest for at least 5 minutes. This will allow all the juices to be evenly distributed throughout the meat.

After it has rested, use forks or a meat shredder to shred the meat and mix it with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Do NOT skip the resting time!
- Use your favorite seasonings – get creative.
- Use a Meat Thermometer to check the optimal temperature.
How do you store the leftovers?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, use the air fryer and reheat at 320 degrees F for 3-4 minutes on a heat-proof plate or pan.
Now that you know how to air fryer pulled pork, you are going to be in LOVE with this recipe. It pairs wonderfully with Air Fried Okra, chips, or air fryer baked potatoes – our personal favorite!!

Be sure to check out this Ninja Foodi Pulled Pork if you are using a Multi-Cooker.

Air Fryer Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 Lb Pork Butt Roast (Boston Butt Roast)
- 1 Tsp Barbecue Seasoning
- 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- Barbecue Sauce
- Grapeseed Oil Spray
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the air fryer to 390ยฐF for about 5 minutes.
- While this is preheating, season the pork butt roast evenly with barbecue seasoning on all sides.
- Once the preheating time is up, carefully spray the air fryer with cooking oil spray of choice such as grapeseed oil.
- Place the pork butt roast in the air fryer and let it cook at 390ยฐF for 15 minutes. This will sear the outside.
- Once the cooking time is up, prepare a sheet of foil to place the roast on.
- Carefully remove the roast from the air fryer and place it on the foil.
- Roll the foil up around the roast and place it back in the air fryer.
- At this point, be sure the foil is up around the sides of the roast to be sure that air will still circulate.
- Carefully pour the apple cider vinegar over the roast.
- Place the butter on top of the roast.
- Cook at 325ยฐF for 30-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches near 195ยฐF.
- Once done, let rest for 5 minutes.
- Use 2 forks or meat shredder to shred the meat and mix with barbecue sauce.
Notes
Nutrition






Kristy says
This is such a great meat to top on potatoes!
Joanne says
Looks delicious! I’ve never tried making pulled pork in my air fryer but did make some this week in the crock pot.