Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe
If you’re hunting for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience with a glorious contrast of crunchy edges and juicy, flavorful meat, look no further than these Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas. This recipe turns simple pork shoulder into magic with the help of citrus, spices, and a low-and-slow simmer, followed by a quick spin under the broiler for irresistible crispiness. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping like a pro, these carnitas are about to become your new favorite way to enjoy taco night—trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas lies in its unfussy ingredient list, where each item shines and builds the savory, citrusy depth that sets this dish apart. These essentials work together for bold flavor, tender texture, and that signature porky perfection we all crave.
- Pork shoulder: The star of the show—choose a boneless cut, as its marbling makes the meat fall-apart tender and flavorful.
- Olive oil: Helps create that beautiful brown crust when searing the pork before it hits the slow cooker.
- Onion: Adds sweet, savory notes and melts beautifully as it cooks, enriching the broth.
- Garlic cloves: Use fresh and mince it for maximum punch—garlic infuses everything with warmth.
- Dried oregano: Classic herbal flavor that brings depth and a subtle earthiness.
- Ground cumin: Essential for a smoky, Mexican-inspired foundation that gives carnitas their characteristic taste.
- Chili powder: Delivers gentle heat and a gorgeous, rich color to the dish.
- Salt: A must for seasoning the meat and bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough bite to balance the spices.
- Orange juice: The not-so-secret ingredient for sweetness, acidity, and a beautiful citrus fragrance throughout.
- Lime juice: Brightens up the entire dish and ensures every bite pops with zingy freshness.
How to Make Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Step 1: Brown the Pork Shoulder
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chunks on all sides until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes total. This simple step adds a ton of flavor and helps lock in those irresistible juices that make Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas so special.
Step 2: Layer Into the Slow Cooker
Once your pork is beautifully browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. Scatter in the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sprinkle in the oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the orange juice and lime juice, allowing the flavors to mingle and soak into the meat. The aroma at this point is already mouthwatering!
Step 3: The Slow Cooker Magic
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours (or high for 4 to 5 hours) until the pork becomes tender enough to practically fall apart. This is truly the “set it and forget it” stage—just let the slow cooker work its magic, drawing out rich flavors and making the meat impossibly succulent for your Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas.
Step 4: Shred That Gorgeous Pork
Carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into delicious, bite-sized pieces. Don’t forget to save some of those incredible juices in the bottom of the slow cooker—drizzling them over the shredded pork will amp up the moisture and flavor.
Step 5: Broil for Crispiness
Here’s the secret to that restaurant-style finish: Spread the shredded pork in an even layer on a foil-lined baking sheet, spoon over some reserved juices, and pop it under your broiler for about 5 to 8 minutes. You’ll see the edges crisping up and turning golden brown. This step transforms the texture, making these Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas so incredibly addictive.
How to Serve Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to bring color, freshness and a little extra zing to the plate! Sprinkle carnitas with diced white onion, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, fresh lime wedges, or a drizzle of tangy crema. Each garnish provides contrast and elevates every bite, adding crunch, brightness, or creaminess as you desire.
Side Dishes
The classic accompaniments to Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas never disappoint. Serve alongside warm corn tortillas, fluffy Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple avocado salad. For a festive table, offer roasted corn, pickled jalapeños, or charred street-style veggies—each side pairs beautifully and makes the meal feel like an at-home fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Stuff the carnitas into tacos or burritos, pile them on a tostada, or even make carnitas breakfast hash with crispy potatoes and eggs. Fancy dinner guests? Try serving carnitas in lettuce cups or mini sliders at your next party. These versatile pork bites fit any occasion and keep eaters coming back for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas store incredibly well in the fridge. Cool leftovers completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, freeze your carnitas in portioned freezer bags or containers, making sure to pour in a little extra cooking liquid to prevent the meat from drying out. Label and date your containers for easy meal planning—the pork will keep happy and flavorful in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To recapture that crispy magic, reheat leftover carnitas spread out on a baking sheet under the broiler or in a hot skillet until sizzling at the edges. A splash of the reserved juices can restore moisture, so don’t skip this step for the best results!
FAQs
Can I make these carnitas without searing the pork first?
Absolutely! The searing step deepens flavor and color but isn’t strictly necessary. If you’re pressed for time, feel free to skip it—your Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas will still be tender and tasty, just with a slightly softer flavor profile.
What kind of pork works best for carnitas?
Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) is ideal due to its marbling and moisture. Leaner cuts like pork loin can dry out, so stick with shoulder for that juicy, shreddable result that makes these carnitas unforgettable.
How do I keep the pork from drying out under the broiler?
Drizzling some of the reserved slow cooker juices over the meat before and after broiling locks in moisture and amps up the flavor. Keep a watchful eye so it crisps without burning, and you’ll nail that signature texture.
Can I cook this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes! Slow cook and shred the pork a day ahead, then broil it just before serving to restore the crispiness. This approach makes entertaining a breeze and ensures your guests get piping hot, freshly crisped carnitas.
Are Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, thanks to its simple seasoning and fresh ingredients. Just be sure to use gluten-free tortillas or sides if needed for a completely safe and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas earn a spot on so many family tables—they’re easy, incredibly flavorful, and crowd-pleasing every single time. Give this recipe a go and let its unfussy magic turn a simple pork shoulder into a memorable feast. You’ll love sharing it, tasting it, and coming back for more!
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Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that is perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or just on its own. The pork is cooked low and slow until tender, then crisped up under the broiler for that irresistible crispy texture.
Ingredients
Pork:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless), cut into large chunks
Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the pork chunks on all sides until browned, about 6–8 minutes total.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Add chopped onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, orange juice, and lime juice. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until tender.
- Shred the pork: Remove and shred the pork with two forks.
- Crisp the pork: Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5–8 minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy the crispy carnitas in your favorite dishes!
Notes
- Skip searing to save time.
- Save cooking juices for extra flavor and moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
