Instant Pot Carnitas
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This Instant Pot pork carnitas recipe is one I lean on when the day gets busy but I still want something homemade. There are days when dinner just needs to be easy. Not rushed or thrown together, but something you can count on without standing in the kitchen the whole time. This easy dinner recipe lets you take a break, and still end up with a meal everyone is happy about.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
This is one of those recipes that makes dinner prep easier without feeling boring. Once the carnitas are cooked, you can serve it a few different ways, which helps when everyone wants something a little different.
Cooking carnitas in the Instant Pot is very simple, which is exactly what any parent will appreciate after a busy day! And of course, clean up doesn’t take very long.
I also like having it on hand for the next day. It makes quick lunches or another easy dinner, which is always a win during the week.
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making Instant Pot carnitas! I’ve made this recipe countless times, so I can save you from a failed attempt.
- Cut the pork into a few smaller pieces so it fits nicely into the pressure cooker.
- Do not rush the pressure release. Letting it sit helps keep the meat tender.
- Shred the pork while it is still warm so it stays soft and juicy.
- Save some of the cooking liquid to keep the meat from drying out.
Ingredient Notes
You’ll want to add these ingredients to your grocery shopping list:
Pork shoulder is the best cut to use here because it becomes really tender and easy to shred after cooking. It might seem like a large cut at first, but it breaks down in a way that makes it perfect for meals like this.
The spice blend is simple but it gives the pork that familiar carnitas flavor without making things complicated.
Orange and lime juice have acids that balance the richness of the meat. For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed juice.
The chicken broth keeps everything from drying out and creates a flavorful liquid you can use later, especially if you decide to crisp the pork at the end.
Substitutions
- If you do not have fresh citrus, bottled juice will work fine. Just keep in mind that it won’t be as flavorful.
- You can use any flavor of broth or stock. I prefer chicken broth, but I like to keep Instant Pot Vegetable Stock in my freezer in case I need it.
Recipe Variations
- Add a little heat with chili flakes, diced green chilies, or jalapeños.
How to Cook Carnitas in the Instant Pot
This is a summary of the steps. For the full instructions, see the recipe card! ⬇️
Jump to Recipe
- Start by mixing your spices together in a small bowl so everything is ready to go.
- Cut the pork into a few smaller pieces and pat it dry.
- Season the meat. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
- Add the onion, garlic, citrus juices, and broth to the Instant Pot.
Quick Tip
If you have time, crisping the pork at the end will create that classic carnitas texture that makes this recipe stand out.
- Once everything is in, secure the lid and let it cook until the pork is tender and easy to pull apart.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred it using two forks. I usually do this while it is still warm because it comes apart more easily and stays tender.
Make it kid friendly:
I usually set everything out and let them build their own plate with rice or tortillas. It makes dinner a little more fun and helps everyone find something they will eat.
Meal Prep Notes
The shredded pork freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, so it's great for meal prep! Just be sure that the meat is cool before you freeze it. Otherwise, it's more likely to become freezer-burned.
Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe FAQs
No, it is optional, but it does make a difference. Crisping the pork gives it that classic carnitas texture with slightly crispy edges.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to a week. Keeping the pork in a little of the cooking liquid or broth helps it stay moist.
Serving Suggestions
There are a lot of ways to serve the Mexican pulled pork!
For lunch or dinner, make a carnitas bowl with the shredded meat, black beans, and avocado slices served over cilantro lime rice or broccoli rice.
Pork nachos are another delicious and easy idea! You can make my air fryer tortilla chips recipe for the base of the nachos.
After you make this recipe, please give it a star rating below and comment to let me know how it went!
Instant Pot Carnitas
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot at least 6 quarts in size
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. boneless pork shoulder roast (also called pork butt), cut into 3-4 large chunks)
- 1 onion peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup orange juice from 1 orange
- ¼ cup lime juice from about 2 limes
- ½ cup chicken broth or stock
Instructions
- Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.1 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- Cut pork shoulder into 3–4 smaller chunks and pat them dry with paper towels. Season pork on all sides and lightly drizzle with olive oil.4 lbs. boneless pork shoulder roast
- Add onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, broth, and pork to the Instant Pot, placing the pork on top. Secure lid on the Instant Pot and set valve to Sealing. Manually set to cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. *It usually takes at least 10 minutes for the IP to come to pressure.1 onion, 4 cloves garlic, ⅓ cup orange juice, ¼ cup lime juice, ½ cup chicken broth, 4 lbs. boneless pork shoulder roast
- Allow natural release of pressure: When cooking timer goes off, let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove pork to a cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat. Discard any large fat pieces.
- For extra crispy carnitas: spread shredded pork on a baking sheet, and drizzle with 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from the pressure cooker. Place under oven broiler for 3–5 minutes until edges are crispy.
Notes
- Dry pork well before seasoning to help the spices adhere.
- For tender carnitas, don’t skip the 15-minute natural release.
Nutrition
Other Easy Instant Pot Dinners
All of these are simple recipes, and the meals are delicious!
