Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Last updated on January 17th, 2024 at 09:44 pm

Easy Instant Pot Pork Carnitas also called Mexican Pulled Pork is the BEST recipe to make in the Instant Pot. Pork Carnitas is typically made with a pork shoulder roast also called a picnic roast and can be a tougher cut of meat. When pressure cooking this cut of meat with lime juice, chipotle chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and onion the results are AMAZING! Pork Carnitas are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. For exceptional flavor don't forget to broil the meat for perfectly crispy edges. This recipe can also be cooked in a slow cooker too.

This recipe was inspired by these popular Instant Pot Recipes. Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pork, Instant Pot BBQ Chicken, Instant Pot Pita Tacos, and pair perfectly with Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice.

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Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Ingredients:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4-5 Lb. Pork Shoulder Roast (picnic roast)
• 2-3 Fresh Limes
• White Onion
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• Bay Leaves
• Chipotle Powder
• Black Pepper
• Sea Salt
• Onion Powder
• Ground Cumin
• Dried Oregano

Toppings

• Fresh Cilantro
• Purple Onion
• Avocado
• Sour Cream
• Salsa

How To Make Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Start by selecting the sauté function on the Instant Pot and add EVOO. While the Instant Pot is heating up cut the pork roast into large chunks, about 2–3-inch pieces.

Next, slice the white onion into ½-inch slices and set it aside. When the display reads HOT add the pork to the Instant Pot. Sear the meat on all sides, using tongs or a wooden spatula to turn the meat. If needed work in batches. Season meat with chipotle powder, black pepper, salt, onion powder, cumin, & oregano. Press cancel/off to turn off the sauté function of the Instant Pot.

Add chicken broth and lime juice and using a wooden spatula deglaze the bottom of the pot to be sure there is nothing stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add bay leaves and white onion slices on top.

Next, place the Instant Pot lid on and turn it to the locked position. Select manual/pressure cook and set the cooking time for 60 minutes. When the cooking time is complete allow for the pressure to release for 15 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.

When the lid can be safely removed shred the chunks of pork using two forks or meat claws. Using a slotted spoon remove the pork to a bowl for serving. Serve on warmed flour or corn tortillas topped with diced purple onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream & salsa.

Crispy Pork Carnitas

Optional, but for delicious crispy edges of pork follow these instructions:

1. Place pork on a baking sheet and broil on high for 5-8 minutes or until you've reached your desired crispness
2. Drizzle reserved juice from the Instant Pot over the pork after removing it from the broiler.
3. Serve as noted above with your choice of toppings

If you love Instant Pot Pork Carnitas, you'll also love Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork, Chicken Flautas, 5-Minute Blender Salsa, & Chili Cheese Frito Chicken Casserole.

Slow Cooker Instructions

To prepare pork carnitas in the crock-pot or slow cooker slice the onions and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the whole pork roast in the slow cooker on top of the onions. In a large measuring cup combine the broth, lime juice, and all of the spices and stir to combine. Pour the broth mixture over the pork roast and add bay leaves on top. Cover with lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Shred and serve or broil for crispy edges as described above.

Recipe Variations

Easy substitutions for this recipe if you don't have chipotle powder substitute chili powder instead. Orange juice can also be used instead of lime juice or you can use a few tablespoons of each for additional flavors.

More Instant Pot Recipes You'll Love

How To Freeze Pork Carnitas

Using 1 cup or 2 cups Souper Cubes spoon the desired amount of leftovers into the Souper Cube tray and place the lid on firmly. Place the tray in the freezer overnight. When the food has frozen completely remove the cubes and transfer them to a dated and labeled freezer bag for up to 3 months or vacuum seal for up to 6 months.

To reheat frozen Instant Pot Pork Carnitas remove a frozen cube and allow to thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. To microwave from frozen, place the cube in a covered microwave-safe dish. Heat for 4-5 minutes or until meat is thoroughly heated.