Learn how long to cook stir fry in an air fryer with this simple, flavorful, and flexible recipe. This air fryer stir fry is one of the easiest ways to make a quick dinner because you do not need a wok, constant stirring, or complicated prep. With just three main ingredients, you can have tender pork, crisp-tender kimchi vegetables, and a satisfying meal ready in about 20 minutes or less.
This method works especially well when you want a fast weeknight dinner or an easy way to use leftover protein. You can make air fryer stir fry with pork tenderloin, cooked chicken, steak strips, shrimp, tofu, or another protein you already have on hand. The key is cooking the lean meat quickly, then combining it with kimchi for a final short burst of heat.

YUM
– Nanette
This is not a traditional wok-style stir fry, but it is fast, practical, and delicious. The air fryer does most of the work for you, which means you can prepare rice, cauliflower rice, salad, or another side dish while the main part of the meal cooks.
If you use leftover cooked meat or seafood, the recipe becomes even faster. Simply combine the cooked protein with chopped kimchi and air fry for 3 minutes at 400°F (200°C). It is a great option for leftover chicken, beef, pork, turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
- Use leftover cooked chicken pieces for air fryer chicken stir fry.
- Add thin strips of cooked steak for a quick air fryer beef stir fry.
- Use cooked shrimp for a seafood version with spicy vegetables.
- Choose tofu and vegan kimchi for a plant-based air fryer stir fry.
For the version below, the recipe uses raw pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is lean, cooks quickly when sliced thin, and pairs well with the bold flavor of kimchi. You can also use leftover cooked pork if you want to save time.
The secret to good air fryer stir fry vegetables in this recipe is kimchi. It already has seasoning, heat, acidity, and crunch. When heated briefly in the air fryer, it stays tender-crisp instead of turning watery or mushy.
⭐ Air Fryer Stir Fry Ingredients
Here is what you need to make this easy air fryer stir fry recipe:
- 1 lb. raw pork tenderloin (454 grams)
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil
- 14 ounces kimchi (397 grams)

If you use a fattier cut of pork, you may be able to skip the added oil. Since pork tenderloin is very lean, a little oil helps keep the strips from drying out.
A seasoned pork tenderloin can add extra flavor without requiring a marinade. Because kimchi is already salty, do not add extra salt to this recipe. If your kimchi is mild and you want more heat, add red pepper flakes after cooking.

You can make this recipe in a Ninja Foodi or another air fryer. The important thing is that the pan you use for the final stir fry mixture must fit inside your air fryer. An 8×8-inch pan works well in many larger air fryer ovens.
If you have a smaller air fryer basket, use a smaller metal pan and cook in batches if needed. Air fryer models vary, so check the food early the first time you make this recipe to avoid overcooking.
🍲 How to Make Pork Stir Fry in an Air Fryer
Follow these steps for tender pork and crisp-tender kimchi vegetables.
Slice the pork tenderloin into very thin strips, about ⅛-¼ inch thick. Thin strips cook quickly and help prevent the pork from becoming tough.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Toss the pork strips with the oil in a bowl, then spread them out on two heated air fryer oven trays.

Cook one tray at a time on the top rack. Air fry for 4 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flip the pork pieces, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Do not try to make the pork deeply browned or crispy, because pork tenderloin is lean and can dry out quickly.
The minimum safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to check doneness if needed. Cook the second tray after the first tray is done.
While the pork cooks, chop the kimchi into bite-size pieces. Line an aluminum baking pan with parchment paper and add the kimchi, including the juices from the jar.
Add the cooked pork strips to the pan with the kimchi and toss gently. Place the pan on a rack in the middle of the air fryer.
⏲️ Cooking Time and Temperature
How long do you cook stir fry in an air fryer? Once the pork is cooked and mixed with the kimchi, air fry the stir fry for 3 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
If you are starting with raw pork tenderloin, the pork cooks first at 375°F (190°C) for about 6-7 minutes per tray, followed by 3 minutes at 400°F (200°C) after it is combined with the kimchi. Total cooking time is usually about 15-20 minutes, depending on your air fryer and whether you need to cook in batches.
If you are using leftover cooked chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, turkey, or tofu, mix it directly with the kimchi and air fry for 3 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This version is an easy way to turn leftovers into a fresh-tasting meal.
Serve the stir fry as is, or garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions if desired.

Storage
Store leftover air fryer stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with a paper towel and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. You can also freeze the stir fry in a food-safe container. For best texture, freeze the stir fry and rice separately, then thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before reheating.
Here are some easy side dishes to serve with air fryer stir fry:
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Wild rice
- Farro
- Quinoa
- Cauliflower rice
- Rice noodles
- Fresh vegetable salad

You can also serve this stir fry over mashed sweet potatoes or white potatoes for a more filling meal.
💡 Stir Fry Air Fryer Variations
- Air fryer stir fry keto: This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates. Serve it over cauliflower rice instead of white rice or grains to keep it keto-friendly.
- Air fryer stir fry with tofu: Use cooked tofu in place of pork. If you want the dish to be vegan, make sure the kimchi you choose is vegan, since many traditional kimchi recipes contain fish sauce.
- Frozen stir fry vegetables: You can use frozen stir fry vegetables in the air fryer if you prefer. Choose a mix such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and snap peas, and cook until hot and tender-crisp.

Air Fryer Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. raw pork tenderloin (454 grams; or use leftover cooked chicken, beef, tofu, shrimp, or pork)
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil (or another cooking oil)
- 14 ounces kimchi (397 grams)
Instructions
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Slice the pork tenderloin into ⅛-¼ inch strips.
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Toss the pork with oil and spread it on two heated air fryer trays.
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Cook one tray at a time on the top rack for 4 minutes. Flip the pork and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
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Check that the pork reaches a minimum safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Cook the second tray the same way.
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Chop the kimchi into bite-size pieces. Line an aluminum pan with parchment paper and add the kimchi with its juices.
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Add the cooked pork to the kimchi and stir gently. Place the pan in the middle of the air fryer.
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Air fry for 3 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite side.
Equipment
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Air fryer
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Knife
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Kitchen thermometer
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Parchment paper
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8×8-inch aluminum pan
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe and may help support fat loss. It is high in protein, relatively low in calories, and filling because it includes non-starchy vegetables. For a lower-carb meal, serve it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
This recipe is not ideal for a low-sodium diet because kimchi is typically salty. To reduce sodium, use unseasoned pork and a lower-sodium or salt-free kimchi option if available.
As long as no gluten-containing seasonings are used, this air fryer stir fry can be gluten-free. Nutrition information is for one serving without rice or side dishes.
nutrition info disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients used. If you have medical needs or follow a special diet, consult a registered dietitian or physician for guidance.
Nutrition
👩🏻🍳 Other Stir Fry Recipes
If you enjoy easy stir fry dinners, try another version with chicken, beef, vegetables, or a simple homemade stir fry sauce. A soy sauce-based sauce can be customized with ginger, garlic powder, sesame oil, rice vinegar, or the seasonings you like best.
👨🏾🍳 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you love air fryer meals, this stir fry is a great addition to your dinner rotation. It is quick, flexible, and easy to adapt with different proteins and vegetables.
