Sweet and sour pork has always been one of my absolute favorite Chinese takeout dishes! This crispy and tender sweet and sour pork is tastier and healthier than classic takeout. It is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish made with juicy pieces of pork tenderloin, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple. In my recipe the pork gets air fried, as opposed to deep fried. It is then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce. You can definitely skip the takeout and make this classic and healthier version at home!
In a large bowl add the pork and all of the marinade ingredients (salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili flakes (optional) and sesame oil (optional)). Set aside and let marinade for at least 30 minutes.
In a shallow dish combine the flour and cornstarch.
In batches, toss the cubed pork in the flour and cornstarch.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Generously spray each piece of pork with cooking spray or drizzle with oil and place in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for approximately 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Cook in batches until all the pork is cooked and set aside.
Add oil to a large frying pan or pot on medium-high heat and add in stir fry ingredients (onion peppers, and pineapple) for 2 minutes. Add in the garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute.
Reduce the heat to medium and add in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Add in the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, stirring to combine for another minute or until the vegetable are just beginning to soften.
Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Add in the cooked pork into the pan and stir until all pieces are coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Note: the coating on the pork will thicken the sauce as it is stirred in and simmered.
Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Enjoy!