Instant Pot Carnitas: Crispy, Juicy Mexican Pulled Pork in a Flash
Craving tender, flavorful pulled pork with that irresistible crispy edge? This Instant Pot carnitas recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time. No slow cooker required—this pressure cooker method locks in moisture while creating melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just want an easy weeknight dinner, these carnitas are a game-changer.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have juicy pork that shreds effortlessly. The secret? A perfect blend of spices and a quick broil or fry to achieve that coveted crispiness. Ready to master the art of Instant Pot carnitas? Let’s dive in!
Why This Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe Works
Traditional carnitas take hours of slow cooking, but this Instant Pot version cuts the time dramatically while preserving all the rich, savory flavors. Here’s why this method is a winner:
- Speed: Pressure cooking reduces the cook time from hours to under 90 minutes.
- Flavor: The sealed environment infuses the pork with spices and juices for maximum taste.
- Versatility: Use the carnitas in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even as a topping for nachos.
- Crispy Texture: A quick broil or fry step mimics the traditional deep-frying method without the mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create bold, authentic flavors. Gather these before you start:
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless) – Cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 large white onion – Quartered
- 4–5 garlic cloves – Peeled
- 1 orange – Juiced (about ½ cup) and zested
- 1 lime – Juiced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil – For crisping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended)
For deeper flavor, sear the pork chunks in the Instant Pot on the Sauté function:
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté (Normal) mode.
- Add 1 tbsp oil to the pot.
- Working in batches, sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Remove pork and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Liquids
Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Step 4: Add Pork and Seasonings
Return pork to the pot. Add cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and orange zest. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.
Natural release: Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Shred the Pork
Remove the pork from the pot and shred using two forks. Discard bay leaf.
Optional: For thicker carnitas, return shredded pork to the Instant Pot and use the Sauté function to cook off excess liquid (about 5–10 minutes).
Step 7: Crisp the Carnitas
Now for the magic step—crisping! Choose one of these methods:
- Broiler Method (Easiest):
- Preheat broiler to high.
- Spread carnitas on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Broil for 3–5 minutes until edges are crispy and golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss carnitas with 1 tbsp oil and air fry in batches for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Pan-Fry Method:
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add carnitas in a single layer and fry for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These carnitas are incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Tacos: Warm corn or flour tortillas, add carnitas, top with diced onion, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
- Burrito Bowls: Serve over rice with black beans, avocado, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
- Carnitas Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with cheese, carnitas, jalapeños, and guacamole. Broil until melted.
- Quesadillas: Stuff tortillas with cheese and carnitas, then pan-fry until crispy.
- Tostadas: Spread refried beans on crispy tostadas, top with carnitas, lettuce, and crema.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Carnitas
Follow these pro tips to ensure your carnitas turn out flawless every time:
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal because it’s marbled and becomes tender when cooked low and slow.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the pork adds depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
- Use Citrus Wisely: The orange and lime juices not only add flavor but also help tenderize the meat. Don’t substitute with vinegar unless necessary.
- Crisping is Key: Carnitas are traditionally crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Don’t skip the crisping step!
- Make Ahead: Carnitas taste even better the next day! Store cooked carnitas in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Properly: Warm carnitas in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Variations to Try
Feel like mixing it up? These variations keep things exciting while staying true to the carnitas spirit:
- Spicy Carnitas: Add 1–2 chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Instant Pot.
- Beer-Braised Carnitas: Replace chicken broth with a 12-oz bottle of Mexican lager (like Modelo or Corona).
- Pineapple Carnitas: Add 1 cup pineapple chunks to the pot for a sweet and savory twist.
- Carnitas Tinga: Mix in 1 cup of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy version.
- Slow Cooker Option: Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
Pork loin is leaner and can dry out during pressure cooking. For best results, stick with pork shoulder or pork butt.
Do I need to use an Instant Pot?
While an Instant Pot is ideal for speed and convenience, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or stovetop pressure cooker with adjusted cook times.