If you’ve been searching for a bold, mouthwatering, and fuss-free way to enjoy tender pork bursting with vibrant flavors, you’ve just found it. The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, juicy pork that’s incredibly tender on the inside with delightfully crispy edges on the outside. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a fiesta of taste, all while using the magic of the Instant Pot to cut down the cooking time without sacrificing any of the traditional carnitas charm. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to method for carnitas every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that unforgettable balance of flavors and textures. These straightforward components come together to build layers of smoky, zesty, and savory notes that make this dish shine.
- 3.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks: The star of the dish, chosen for its perfect marbling that yields tender, flavorful meat.
- 1 medium white onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the carnitas base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic pungency and richness.
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2-3 oranges): Brings a subtle citrus sweetness and helps tenderize the pork.
- Juice of 2 limes: Adds fresh acidity to brighten the flavors.
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or any broth or water): Keeps the pork moist during cooking and builds savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Delivers smoky heat and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Adds warm, nutty undertones essential for classic carnitas flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ground oregano: Offers herbaceous notes that lift the dish.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Infuses a rich smokiness that mimics slow-cooked outdoor carnitas.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle spiciness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides a subtle kick without overpowering the pork.
How to Make The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Adding a bit of oil, brown the pork chunks in batches, 2-3 minutes on each side. This caramelizes the outside, locking in flavor and developing those irresistible crispy bits that set carnitas apart.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
With the pork removed temporarily, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful fragrance, creating a flavorful base for the pork to cook in.
Step 3: Combine Liquids and Pork
Return all the pork chunks to the pot. Pour in the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth — these liquids work together to keep the meat tender and add vibrant citrus notes that balance the spices beautifully.
Step 4: Season It Up
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne across the top. Give everything a gentle stir to combine without breaking up the pork pieces, ensuring each bite will be evenly flavorful.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to seal. Select manual or high-pressure mode and set the timer for 30 minutes. This cooking method intensifies flavors while making the pork incredibly tender and shreddable.
Step 6: Release the Pressure
Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to maintain moisture in the pork, then quick release any remaining pressure to open the pot safely.
Step 7: Shred and Crisp
Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. For an authentic finishing touch, spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes to develop perfectly crispy edges reminiscent of traditional carnitas.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with soft tortillas, fresh salsa, and your favorite toppings for an easy, delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe to a new level. Try topping your carnitas with diced onions, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime for bursts of freshness and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair your carnitas with traditional accompaniments like warm corn tortillas, creamy guacamole, tangy pickled jalapeños, and a side of Mexican rice or black beans to round out your meal with comforting starches and complementary flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, turn your carnitas into crispy tacos, loaded burrito bowls, crunchy nachos, or even carnitas-topped salads. The versatility of The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe means you can enjoy it in countless delicious ways every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, stash any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The carnitas will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy quick, flavorful meals throughout the week.
Freezing
The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the shredded pork into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your carnitas gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to preserve that tender yet crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, pork butt can also work well. Leaner cuts like pork loin may dry out during cooking, so shoulder is preferred for the best carnitas.
Is it necessary to brown the pork first?
Browning the pork adds a deep, savory depth through caramelization and helps develop those crispy bits essential in carnitas. Skipping this step will still yield tender meat but with less flavor complexity.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can slow-cook the carnitas in a Crock-Pot on low for 6-8 hours or braise it in the oven at 300°F for about 3-4 hours, though the Instant Pot dramatically cuts down cooking time.
How spicy is The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe?
The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the cayenne, which can be adjusted up or down according to your preference, allowing you to control the spiciness with ease.
What if I want extra crispy carnitas?
After shredding, spread the pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes, turning once to get those irresistible crispy edges that make carnitas truly special.
Final Thoughts
Once you try The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s quickly become a beloved favorite. The combination of simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor makes it perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or any time you crave authentic carnitas without hours of fuss. So fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy carnitas made easy and delicious every time!
Print
The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe delivers tender, flavorful Mexican pulled pork with a perfect balance of citrus and spices. Using the Instant Pot ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat in less than an hour. Finish with a quick broil for irresistible crispy edges, perfect for tacos, burritos, or your favorite Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2–3 oranges)
- Juice of 2 limes
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or any broth or water)
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Pork: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Brown the pork chunks in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely seared, then remove and set aside to preserve the fond and enhance flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, which creates a flavorful base for the pork.
- Add Liquids and Pork: Return the browned pork chunks to the pot. Pour in the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth to add moisture and brightness to the dish.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the pork. Stir gently to evenly distribute the spices.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the valve, and set to manual/high pressure for 30 minutes to cook the pork until tender and shreddable.
- Release Pressure: Allow the Instant Pot to natural release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure to safely open the pot.
- Shred and Crisp: Remove the pork from the pot and shred using two forks. For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the carnitas warm with tortillas, salsa, and your favorite Mexican toppings for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh orange and lime juice for the best citrus flavor.
- Broiling for 5 minutes is optional but adds wonderful texture.
- Leftover carnitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer milder or spicier carnitas.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, water can be substituted without major flavor loss.
