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Vegetarian & Vegan · Recipe Guide

Air Fryer Pulled Jackfruit, Smoky and Tender

Smoky, BBQ-glazed pulled jackfruit with crispy edges — the plant-based answer to pulled pork, in 18 minutes.

Young jackfruit shreds like pulled pork, and the air fryer crisps its edges while the BBQ glaze caramelises — the plant-based answer to a pulled-meat bun. Here's how.

Key takeaways

Q: How do you make pulled jackfruit in an air fryer?

A: Shred drained young jackfruit, toss with BBQ glaze, and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, until crispy at the edges.

Q: What jackfruit do you use?

A: Tinned young (green) jackfruit in water or brine — not the sweet ripe kind.

How to prep it

Use tinned young jackfruit in water or brine, drain it well, and pull it apart with your fingers or a fork into shreds. Toss with smoked paprika and a BBQ glaze. The air fryer then crisps the edges and caramelises the sauce.

The recipe

Air Fryer Pulled Jackfruit

10 minPrep
17 minCook
2Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 tin young jackfruit, drained
  • 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oil

Method

  1. Shred the jackfruit; toss with sauce and spice.
  2. Air fry at 200°C for 15–18 minutes.
  3. Shake a couple of times for crispy edges.
  4. Pile into buns or wraps.
140 kcal 2g protein 28g carbs 3g fat 5g fibre

Tips

  • Use young jackfruit, not the sweet ripe kind.
  • Drain well so it crisps rather than steams.
  • Pile into buns with slaw — like pulled pork.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make pulled jackfruit in an air fryer?

Shred drained young jackfruit, toss with BBQ glaze and smoked paprika, and air fry at 200°C for 15–18 minutes until crispy at the edges.

What kind of jackfruit do you use?

Tinned young (green) jackfruit in water or brine — its neutral flavour and stringy texture shred like pulled meat. Avoid the sweet ripe kind.

Is jackfruit high in protein?

No — it's low in protein, so pair it with beans, tofu or a protein-rich side for a balanced meal.