When you’ve ever had Haitian Griot, you realize it’s all about daring taste and excellent texture. Historically, this dish will get its signature crispiness from deep frying. However what if we may skip the surplus oil and nonetheless get that stunning golden crunch? Yep—we’re calling within the air fryer for this one.
This air fryer model offers you all of the garlicky-citrusy goodness of marinated pork shoulder, first gently simmered to lock in taste, then air-fried to crispy, golden perfection. Serve it with Pikliz, Sauce Ti Malice, or a giant ol’ drizzle of Noubess Sizzling and Spicy Sauce. Juicy, zesty, and deliciously crispy—minus the deep fryer. Let’s go!
Why You Ought to Make This Dish
As a result of it’s extra than simply meals—it’s tradition on a plate. Haitian Griot is a beloved nationwide dish in Haiti. It’s a staple at celebrations, Sunday dinners, and street-side gatherings. Making Griot is a technique to join with Haitian heritage, share within the pleasure of an excellent meal, and honor a flavorful culinary custom handed down from technology to technology.
Plus, with this air fryer twist, you’re getting the identical unimaginable style with a more healthy, trendy improve. Much less oil, identical daring Caribbean vibes.


Shopping for and Prepping Pork Shoulder (Like a Professional)
When you’re shopping for a complete pork shoulder, initially—excessive 5! You’re saving cash and getting extra management over your meat high quality and lower dimension. Do you know you would create a number of meals with one pork shoulder for a household of 4 or 4 of your finest pals?
Right here’s what to search for:
- Select bone-in pork shoulder (additionally known as picnic shoulder or Boston butt) for those who’re going for optimum taste.
- Search for agency, pinkish-red meat with an excellent quantity of marbling (that fats = taste).
- Be certain that the fats cap isn’t too thick—you need some, however not a thick slab.
The way to lower it:
- Use a pointy chef’s knife or boning knife.
- Take away the pores and skin if it hasn’t already been (go away slightly fats for taste).
- Minimize across the bone and slice the meat into 2–3-inch chunks.
- Save the bone for soup later.
Professional Tip: Chill the meat within the freezer for 20–half-hour earlier than chopping—it makes slicing simpler and safer.
The way to Clear Pork Shoulder (and Why It Issues)
Caribbean cooks know this step isn’t non-compulsory—it’s custom and method.
Right here’s how we do it:
- Rub the pork cubes with lime halves or vinegar.
- Rinse completely with chilly water.
- Drain properly and pat dry earlier than marinating.
Why can we clear meat?
- Removes floor micro organism and slime (particularly from retailer packaging).
- Reduces sturdy pork odors (which might intensify throughout cooking).
- It helps the seasoning penetrate higher. Howdy, taste!
It’s all about treating your components with care. Clear meat = clear taste = higher Griot.
Ingredient Breakdown: What Makes Griot So Flavorful
Each ingredient in Haitian Griot performs a job in constructing deep, wealthy, and citrusy-spicy taste. Right here’s what you’re working with:
- Pork Shoulder (or Picnic Shoulder): This lower is right—well-marbled, juicy, and flavorful. When simmered and crisped up within the air fryer, it will get completely tender inside and golden on the skin.
- Bitter Orange Juice: A should in lots of Haitian marinades! It tenderizes the meat whereas including a zesty tang. Can’t discover it? Combine common orange juice with a splash of lime or lemon. Yow will discover it at your worldwide part of your native grocery store or in Spanish or West-Indian supermarkets.
- Recent Lime Juice: Helps clear the pork and provides that further vibrant acidity to the marinade.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances each layer of taste.
- Parsley and Thyme: Traditional Haitian herbs that convey a recent, earthy steadiness.
- Scallions: Provides sharpness and depth to the marinade.
- Black Pepper: Simply sufficient warmth to spice up the natural citrus base.
- Noubess Sizzling and Spicy Sauce (or Scotch Bonnet Pepper): Brings the warmth, however with taste—not simply burn. Scotch bonnets are conventional, however the Noubess sauce is an ideal, extra managed substitute.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for conventional frying, however not wanted for those who’re utilizing the air fryer.


Finest Serving Ideas for Griot
In addition to having Griot as a Fritaille, let’s have it the best way Haitians adore it.
Notes & Suggestions
- Marinating: In a single day is right, however half-hour minimal.
- Spice Degree: Swap out the scotch bonnet for Noubess sauce to regulate the warmth whereas nonetheless retaining that kick.
- Air Fryer vs. Frying: This technique retains issues crisp and light-weight with out sacrificing taste. Plus, clean-up is approach simpler.
Make it a Meal:
Pair this Griot with a recent cucumber salad or Salade Russe for a vibrant, balanced plate.
Prepared to provide your air fryer a Caribbean improve? Let me know the way your crispy pork masterpiece seems—and don’t neglect to tag @noubesscaribbean on social so we are able to drool over your creations.
The way to Hold Having fun with Griot
- Leftover Love: Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Re-crisp within the air fryer at 375°F for five–6 minutes.
- Griot Bowl: Make a grain bowl with rice and beans, roasted plantains, and a scoop of Pikliz.
- Sliders, anybody? Add crispy pork to small buns with slaw and sizzling sauce for Caribbean-inspired sliders!
- Get together Platter Hero: Serve Griot as a part of a Caribbean-style appetizer platter with dipping sauces.


Able to Crisp, Sip, and Have fun?
There you’ve got it—Haitian Griot gone air fryer fabulous! It has all of the daring citrusy, herby, spicy taste you’re keen on, with a crispy end that gained’t go away your kitchen smelling like a fry shack for 3 days. This recipe retains the soul of the dish alive whereas giving it a contemporary, more healthy twist.
So seize your Pikliz, pour a cool drink, and take a chunk of this juicy, crispy, wildly flavorful nationwide treasure. Whether or not you’re celebrating Haitian Independence Day, Sunday dinner, or simply as a result of it’s Tuesday and also you deserve pleasure, Griot hits each time.
Don’t neglect to share your plate (and tag us!)—your kitchen simply turned the most well liked Caribbean spot on the town.


This air fryer Haitian Griot recipe options marinated pork shoulder cooked till crispy. A lighter twist on the normal Haitian fried pork dish.
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Giant Bowl – For cleansing the pork with lime or vinegar.
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Colander or Strainer – Elective, however useful for rinsing meat after cleansing.
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Glass or Stainless Metal Mixing Bowl – Non-reactive is essential when utilizing citrus juices.
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Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accuracy issues when balancing flavors.
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Plastic or Silicone Spatula – For mixing the marinade evenly.
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Resealable Bag or Container with Lid – Nice for marinating within the fridge in a single day.
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Saucepan or Dutch Oven – For simmering the pork in its marinade earlier than air frying.
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Tongs – To take away pork from the pan and switch to the air fryer.
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Air Fryer – Your crispy-maker! A basket-style or oven-style air fryer will each work.
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Kitchen Thermometer – Elective, however helpful to ensure pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
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Paper Towels – To pat dry the pork earlier than air frying and for draining extra oil (if utilizing conventional technique).
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Serving Platter or Tray – For displaying off that golden crispy Griot!
- 3 – 4 lb pork shoulder or picnic shoulder, lower into 2″–3″ cubes
- ½ cup bitter orange juice
- ½ cup recent lime juice about 2–3 limes
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ tbsp thyme leaves solely
- 2 scallions chopped
- ¼ tsp floor black pepper
- 1 tsp Noubess Authentic Sizzling and Spicy Sauce or 1 entire scotch bonnet, non-compulsory for warmth lovers
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Step 1: Prep the Pork
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Rub the lime halves over the pork items to wash them (this can be a Haitian should!), rinse underneath chilly water, and put aside.
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Step 2: Construct the Marinade
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In a bowl, combine collectively the bitter orange juice, lime juice, salt, parsley, thyme, scallions, black pepper, and Noubess Sizzling Sauce (or scotch bonnet for those who prefer it fiery).
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Step 3: Marinate the Meat
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Add the pork to a big bowl or a zip-top bag, pour within the marinade, and blend to coat. Cowl and let it sit for at the very least half-hour—in a single day for those who’ve obtained time. Extra time = extra taste.
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Step 4: Simmer for Taste
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Place the pork and marinade right into a saucepan. Add slightly water if wanted (simply sufficient to barely cowl the meat), and convey to a mild boil. Decrease the warmth and simmer for about 25–half-hour, till the pork is tender however not falling aside.
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Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Take away the pork from the liquid and pat it dry (essential for crisping!).
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Place the items in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking or flipping midway by means of, till golden, crispy, and irresistible.
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Professional tip: Work in batches if it’s essential to. Crowded baskets = soggy bites.
- Minimize Evenly: Minimize pork into uniform chunks (2–3 inches) for even cooking and higher texture.
- Marinate Longer = Extra Taste: Whereas half-hour works, marinating in a single day deepens the flavour superbly.
- Use Bitter Orange if You Can. It provides an genuine tang. If wanted, substitute with ½ orange juice and ½ lime juice.
- Don’t Drown It: Let the meat cook dinner in its marinade and juices earlier than including water. And when including water, you’ll want to add sizzling water. This can assist retain the flavour.
- Simmer Earlier than Air Frying: This step infuses taste and tenderizes the pork—don’t skip it!
- Pat Pork Dry Earlier than Air Frying: Moisture = much less crisp. Blot the pork with paper towels earlier than air frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Prepare dinner in batches to make sure the pork will get crispy on all sides.
- Shake or Flip Midway Via: On the 10-minute mark, shake the basket or flip the items to make sure even browning.
- Watch the Warmth: All air fryers differ. Test at 18 minutes to keep away from over-drying.
- Use a Liner (Elective): For simpler cleanup, use perforated air fryer parchment paper.
- Crispy however Tender? Relaxation It! Let the cooked Griot relaxation a couple of minutes earlier than serving to lock in juiciness.
- Serving Tip: Pair with Pikliz, rice and beans, or fried plantains for a standard Haitian plate.
Energy: 1302kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 164gFats: 60gSaturated Fats: 21gPolyunsaturated Fats: 6gMonounsaturated Fats: 27gLdl cholesterol: 556mgSodium: 7618mgPotassium: 3232mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 910IUVitamin C: 113mgCalcium: 185mgIron: 12mg
Please understand that dietary data is a tough estimate and might differ drastically based mostly on the merchandise used.
Vitamin data is routinely generated and supplied as a courtesy and as an estimate solely.