Air Fryer Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder Steaks

Name: Air Fryer Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder Steaks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American BBQ
Ingredients: 4 pork shoulder steaks (about 6 oz each, 1/2 inch thick); 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for mild heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing pork before air frying)

By AirFryFeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 12, 2026 | Updated Jun 16, 2026

Air Fryer Maple-Glazed Pork Shoulder Steaks with ingredient quantities, 35-minute timing, 4-serving yield, air fryer temperature, and step-by-step instructions.

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Air fryerAmerican BBQEasyAir Fryer Friendly

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time35 mins

Servings4

Temperature400°F / 200°C, then 350°F / 175°C

Ingredients

Servings4

4 pork shoulder steaks (about 6 oz each, 1/2 inch thick)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for mild heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing pork before air frying)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth to create the maple BBQ glaze.
Pat pork shoulder steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
Brush pork steaks lightly with olive oil to promote crisping.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Arrange the pork steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd (cook in batches if needed).
Cook pork steaks at 400°F for 8 minutes.
Flip the steaks and generously brush the top side with the maple BBQ glaze.
Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
Flip the steaks again, brush the other side with more glaze, then cook for 2–3 minutes more until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Remove steaks and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Serve immediately, or cool completely before placing in airtight freezer bags for freezer storage (up to 3 months). To reheat, thaw overnight and warm in air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Recipe guidance

Crispiness Control

Pat the pork shoulder steaks dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.