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Home » Recipes » Cooking Method » Instant Pot

Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas

Updated: April 25, 2023 | Published on: April 23, 2023 - Molly Thompson12 Comments

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Jump to Recipe

These instant pot carnitas are so tender they fall apart with one fork, while the outside is seared to a crispy golden brown. Serve this flavorful and juicy pork over rice or inside tacos with your favorite toppings.

Love tender, fall-apart pork recipes? Try these Instant Pot Country Style Ribs and this recipe for Instant Pot Pulled Pork.

crispy instant pot carnitas on a sheet pan
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love Instant Pot Carnitas
  • Grab These Ingredients
  • How to Make Instant Pot Carnitas
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Ways To Serve Instant Pot Carnitas
  • Storage Tips
  • Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas
  • Comments

Salt, fat, acid and heat (the cornerstone of a good recipe) are all happening in this pork carnitas!

You may think they have to be cooked low and slow for HOURS when you think of tender, juicy carnitas. But did you know the Instant Pot achieves the same result in less than half the time!?

Juicy, crispy pork carnitas you can cook from start to finish on a weeknight.

Top these pork carnitas with avocado crema, healthy guacamole, vegan cashew queso, or creamy jalapeño ranch dressing.

Why You'll Love Instant Pot Carnitas

  • The same tender shredded pork in a fraction of the time.
  • Every bite tastes like traditional carnitas. 
  • Tender juicy pork with crispy edges every time.
  • Great for meal prep (carnitas bowls!).
  • It's an easy recipe to make a big batch and freeze for later.
a bowl of instant pot carnitas on a countertop with toppings

Grab These Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients for this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe. Most of these are fresh ingredients and easy to find in grocery stores. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

a large sheet pan with all of the ingredients for instant pot pork carnitas including pork shoulder, onion, oranges, limes, spices and garlic
  • Seasoning: a mixture of cumin, oregano, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and black pepper give the carnitas the classic Mexican flavors.
  • Citrus juices: a mix of fresh lime juice and fresh orange juice add acid and flavor to the cooking liquid.
  • Pork shoulder: this is often called pork butt and you can find it in the meat section of the grocery store. It will either be in the pre-packaged section or behind the butcher counter. It's the same cut of pork you use to make Instant Pot Pulled Pork. 
  • Garlic and onion: these aromatic ingredients and a base flavor to build off of.

Tip: This recipe calls for about 3 lbs of pork shoulder, but you can cut it and freeze the pork to make carnitas another day or try these tacos al pastor too if you can only find a larger cut.

Making these for a crowd? You need ⅔ lb of raw pork shoulder for each person. Multiply your guest count by .66 to get the amount of pork shoulder to purchase then adjust this recipe.

Are carnitas healthy? While we're on the topic of ingredients, let's talk about just how healthy these crispy carnitas are! They're whole30, gluten free, dairy dairy free, sugar free and and a great source of protein.

How to Make Instant Pot Carnitas

The full printable recipe is below, but let’s walk through the steps with some photos so you have a clear idea of what to expect. These pressure cooker carnitas are so easy and these step-by-step instructions will make sure they turn out every time.

Watch How to Make Instant Pot Carnitas

Cover the pork in the dry rub and use your fingers to rub it into all sides of the pork. Warm olive oil over high heat in the Instant Pot on the saute setting. 

carnitas seasoning on raw pork shoulder

Working in batches, sear 4-5 pieces of pork shoulder for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and brown. Transfer the seared pork to a cutting board.

how to sear pork shoulder in the instant pot

Add a bit more oil to the bottom of the pot and soften the onions for 2-3 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the broth and add the bay leaves then place the pork back in the pot.

how to make instant pot carnitas

Close the lid and turn the pressure valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 55 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for Instant Pot to come to pressure before it counts down. When the timer goes off, naturally release the Instant Pot (do nothing) for 10 minutes then turn the pressure release valve to quick release (release the remaining pressure).

carnitas in the instant pot

Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked pork pieces from the Instant Pot onto a sheet pan. Shred the pork with two forks. It should fall apart easily.

how to shred instant pot carnitas

Spread it out evenly onto the sheet pan and place it under the oven broiler for 3-5 minutes, turning the pan once or twice to crisp it evenly. This extra step makes such a difference! You can't beat the tender pork with crispy edges.

crispy carnitas on a sheet pan

Recipe FAQs

Why is my pulled pork though in the Instant Pot?

The main reason your pork is tough is that it's undercooked. Unlike other cuts of pork, the pork butt (pork shoulder) needs time to render out the fat and tenderize the meat. It benefits from a long cook time. We've tested this recipe 5+ times with varying cook times and anything under 50 minutes resulted in tough pork. Pressure cooking for almost an hour with a natural release will give you the most tender shredded meat.

What is the difference between pulled pork and carnitas?

Pulled pork is a general term for slow-cooking pork shoulder for hours until it falls apart. It's often served with BBQ sauce, like in this Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe. Carnitas (translated to little meats) slow cook for hours as well, but they're broiled at the end for a crispy outside. They also include Mexican spices like chili powder and cumin. 

Why do you put orange juice in carnitas?

The orange juice, along with the lime juice, adds acidity to the dish, balancing out the flavor, but it also helps break down the meat. 

Is Instant Pot Pulled Pork as good as the Slow Cooker?

I've made this recipe in the slow cooker and the Instant Pot several times with very similar results. I love the crock pot because you can set it and forget it for hours! You're guaranteed tender pork every time. The upside to the Instant Pot is that it you can sear the pork directly in the pot rather than in a separate pan. You can also achieve the same fall-apart texture in just over an hour.

Can you overcook pulled pork in the Instant Pot?

Unlike beef, pork will fall apart and get more tender the longer you cook it in the Instant Pot. You can overcook it, but cooking it longer won't hurt!

crispy carnitas after they're broiled in the oven

Ways To Serve Instant Pot Carnitas

Once you make this tender meat, you can serve it up in several ways to keep things exciting. here are our favorite ways to enjoy this recipe.

  • On top of burrito bowls. Serve them over cilantro lime rice with toppings like roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, red onion, pico de gallo, guacamole, fresh cilantro, jalapeno ranch, avocado crema, or cashew queso.
  • Make carnitas tacos. Heat up flour or corn tortillas and add a helping of carnitas and your favorite toppings.
  • Roll it in a burrito. Just like Chipotle, roll them up with rice, beans, and toppings.
  • Put them on nachos with your favorite toppings and creamy avocado dip.

Storage Tips

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven on a baking sheet until heated through.

To freeze: allow the pork carnitas to cool completely then store them in a freezer bag and, remove as much air as possible. Lay flat to freeze to save space. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat large batches of carnitas in the slow cooker.

carnitas burrito with black beans and jalapeno ranch

Similar recipes you'll love:

  • Carne asada tacos
  • Sheet pan burrito bowl
  • Healthy chicken enchiladas
  • Instant pot salsa chicken
  • Mexican beef and rice skillet
a black fork scooping out crispy instant pot carnitas from a sheet pan

Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas

These instant pot carnitas are so tender they fall apart with one fork, while the outside is seared to a crispy golden brown. View the blog post above for step-by-step images to go along with this recipe!
4.59 from 24 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 359kcal
Author: Molly Thompson
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Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 3 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon EACH: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 lb pork shoulder (pork butt) cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
  • 6 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 1 medium white onion cut into large chunks
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ⅓ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
  • ⅓ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • For serving: fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, avocado crema, jalapeño ranch, cashew queso, lime juice, diced red onion, cilantro lime rice

Recommended Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Large sheet pan

Instructions

  • Mix all of the spices in a small bowl. Rub the mixture into all sides of each piece of pork, using your fingertips to rub it in until the outside turns a red hue from the paprika and chili powder.
  • Drizzle the olive oil into the bottom of the Instant Pot and turn it to the saute function until it's hot and shimmering. Working in batches, sear 4-5 pieces of pork shoulder for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and brown. Transfer the seared pork to a cutting board.
  • Pour in a bit more oil in the bottom of the pot and add the onion and cook to soften for 2-3 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Pour in the lime juice, orange juice, broth, and bay leaves. Stir it togetheere, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cancel the saute setting and close the lid and turn the pressure valve to the sealing position.
  • Cook on high pressure for 55 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for Instant Pot to come to pressure before it counts down. When the timer goes off, naturally release the Instant Pot (do nothing) for 10 minutes then turn the pressure release valve to quick release (release the remaining pressure).
  • Preheat the oven to broil. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked pork pieces from the Instant Pot onto a sheet pan. Shred the pork with two forks. It should fall apart easily.
  • Spread it out evenly onto the sheet pan and broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes, turning the pan once or twice to crisp it evenly. Serve warm in tortillas, a burrito, or in a burrito bowl.

Notes

Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe: follow the instructions to season and sear the pork shoulder. Transfer it to the slow cooker with the onion, garlic, lime juice, orange juice, and ½ cup of the broth. Slow cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6-8 hours.
How much carnitas to make for a crowd: You'll need ⅔ lb of raw pork shoulder for each person. Multiply your guest count by .66 to get the amount of pork shoulder in pounds to purchase then adjust this recipe accordingly.
*We updated this recipe on 4/24/2023 with a few added spices. We also used a dry rub rather than adding the spices to the cooking liquid.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.4g | Protein: 52.1g | Fat: 12.8g | Cholesterol: 136.8mg | Sodium: 1055mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 2.4g
Did you make this recipe?Mention @What_MollyMade or tag #whatmollymade!

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Brooke says

    February 22, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    Could I crockpot this recipe? What do you recommend time wise?

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      February 23, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      Yes you can! I would try on low for 8-10 hours! You can also put it in a dutch oven and cook it at 300°F for 2 1/2 - 3 hours in the oven!

      Reply
  2. Becca says

    April 24, 2021 at 11:24 am

    5 stars
    Love this recipe! I cooked these in a Dutch oven for 3 hours at 300° since I don’t have an instant pot and they turned out great. I throw a serving or two in the air fryer when I’m ready to serve and they are crispy and yummy! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful recipes!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      April 26, 2021 at 4:11 pm

      Hey Becca! I've made these in the dutch oven too and LOVE them that way. Such a genius idea to get them crispy in the air fryer:) Thanks for taking the time to share!

      Reply
  3. Ann Davis-Rowe says

    June 12, 2021 at 9:22 am

    5 stars
    This was a big dinner party hit! So easy and tasty. Did add two chipotles in adobo because we had them on hand.

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      July 06, 2021 at 11:00 am

      This sounds amazing! Thank you!

      Reply
  4. B. F. says

    February 02, 2023 at 2:43 pm

    4 stars
    The “jump to recipient” ingredients all for an onion but it’s not in the instructions. At what point do you use it? Thanks!

    Reply
    • B.F. says

      February 02, 2023 at 2:52 pm

      Pulled out my reading glasses and I correct myself. Thank you for a great recipe!

      Reply
  5. Sophie Schoenebaum says

    February 16, 2023 at 8:20 pm

    5 stars
    These were awesome! Easy, healthy, and turned out great. I followed her instagram video and pressure cooked on high for 55 minutes, the meat totally fell apart. Will definitely make again.

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      March 09, 2023 at 8:54 am

      Thanks, Sophie!!

      Reply
  6. Emily says

    March 23, 2023 at 2:52 pm

    5 stars
    If I could give this 10 stars I would. Probably my favorite recipe on this site. Seriously so delicious. Never seem to make enough of this one and the family is bummed when we don’t have any left over.

    Reply
  7. Liz says

    May 03, 2023 at 1:45 am

    If you double the recipe, can it all be cooked at once? Would the cooking time change?

    Reply

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