If you’re craving all the tenderness and zesty flavor of classic Mexican pulled pork—but want it fast and fuss-free—then these Easy Instant Pot Carnitas are about to become your go-to! Imagine heaps of juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork with crispy edges, perfectly aromatic with citrus and spices, all ready in a fraction of the time thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot. Whether you’re hosting taco night or just need a crowd-pleaser for meal prep, this recipe brings celebration-worthy flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Instant Pot Carnitas is in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one has a clear role: the pork becomes irresistibly succulent, the citrus keeps it fresh and bright, while a handful of spices give you layers of savory warmth. Here’s what you’ll need and how it all comes together:
- Pork shoulder (boneless), 3 pounds: This is the star—well-marbled and perfect for shredding after a pressure-cooked soak in spices and citrus.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Adds richness and helps develop flavor-crisped edges during searing—don’t skip it!
- Onion, 1 chopped: Brings sweetness and an aromatic backbone that melds with the meat and sauce.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: For that irresistible punch of flavor that makes carnitas truly memorable.
- Chili powder, 1 tablespoon: A key source of smoky heat and bold color—this is what gives carnitas their signature personality.
- Ground cumin, 2 teaspoons: Adds depth and earthiness to balance the citrus and heat.
- Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon: Just a hint ushers in freshness and that unmistakable Mexican flavor.
- Smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon: A subtle smoky note that takes these carnitas to the next level.
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and adds just a little bite.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Crucial for bringing out every bit of savory goodness in the pork.
- Orange juice, 1/2 cup: A touch of sweetness and acidity that makes the carnitas juicy and bright.
- Lime juice, 1/4 cup: Cuts through the richness and gives every bite a pop of zing.
- Chicken broth, 1/2 cup: Keeps things moist and infuses the pork with savory depth as it cooks.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Carnitas
Step 1: Sear the Pork for Flavor
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat up the olive oil. Working in batches, brown each chunk of pork on all sides—about 2–3 minutes per batch. Take your time here! Searing builds a gorgeous crust and loads your carnitas with those caramelized flavors we all crave. Remove the pork pieces and set aside when they’re golden all over.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
With the Instant Pot still in Sauté mode, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for a minute or two until fragrant—the aroma is just heavenly! This step adds layers of sweetness and savoriness to your Easy Instant Pot Carnitas.
Step 3: Add Spices and Pork Back In
Return all the seared pork to the pot and stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so every piece is glistening with those spices. This is where your kitchen really starts to smell incredible!
Step 4: Pour in Citrus and Broth
Now, brighten everything up by pouring in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Give it a quick stir to combine, ensuring the meat is nestled nicely in all those zesty juices and fragrant spices. This bath of flavor works wonders while pressure cooking.
Step 5: Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection
Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 35 minutes. When the cook time’s up, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes to keep everything juicy. Then, quick release any remaining pressure—it’s almost showtime!
Step 6: Shred the Pork
Transfer the pork to a big bowl and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly, soaking up that beautiful sauce from the pot. This is the moment where your Easy Instant Pot Carnitas become irresistibly tender and ready for topping any way you love.
Step 7: Optional—Broil for Crispy Edges
If crispy, caramelized bits sound good to you (and why wouldn’t they?), spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet, drizzle with a bit of the cooking liquid, and broil on high for 5–8 minutes. Watch closely—once you see those golden edges, you’re in carnitas heaven!
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Carnitas
Garnishes
Turn your carnitas into a party with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced onions, sliced radishes, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. These toppings add color, crunch, and an extra layer of freshness that pairs spectacularly with the rich pork.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with some Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, or a vibrant corn salad. Even a simple bowl of tortilla chips and salsa works wonders, setting the stage for the flavor-packed main event that is Easy Instant Pot Carnitas.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just think tacos! Pile your carnitas into burritos, layer into hearty bowls with rice and beans, roll up in enchiladas, or scatter on top of nachos for a casual game day feast. This recipe’s versatility is one of the best parts—you can serve it a different way every week and never tire of it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even deeper overnight, making it a meal-prep dream.
Freezing
Easy Instant Pot Carnitas freeze beautifully! Portion into resealable bags or containers, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re good to go for easy future dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the carnitas in a skillet with a splash of broth or the reserved cooking juices to keep them moist. You can also broil them again for a few minutes if you want to bring back those crispy bits—just as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can swap in pork butt or country-style ribs if you prefer. Just keep an eye out for bone-in cuts, which may need slightly longer to cook.
How spicy are these Easy Instant Pot Carnitas?
They have just the right amount of warmth without overwhelming heat. If you like things spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños before pressure cooking.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can make carnitas in a slow cooker or oven! Sear the pork as directed, then cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or bake covered at 325 F for about 3 hours until it’s pull-apart tender.
Can I make Easy Instant Pot Carnitas ahead for a party?
Definitely! Cook them the day before, store in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving. Finish with a quick broil to recapture those irresistibly crisp edges right before party time.
Are Easy Instant Pot Carnitas gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect for anyone with dietary needs. Just double-check your chicken broth and spices to be sure there are no hidden additives.
Final Thoughts
You’re officially set to bring Easy Instant Pot Carnitas into your regular meal rotation, and I can’t wait for you to sink your fork into these vibrant, crowd-pleasing flavors. Whether it’s family dinner, a party spread, or an easy make-ahead lunch, this dish is a guaranteed celebration on your table. Go ahead—your Instant Pot is calling and the best carnitas of your life are waiting!
Print
Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy tender and flavorful Easy Instant Pot Carnitas, a classic Mexican dish made simple using the Instant Pot. Perfectly seasoned and versatile, these carnitas are great for tacos, burritos, bowls, and more.
Ingredients
Pork Carnitas:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder (boneless), cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Sear the Pork: Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and sear the pork pieces until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Return pork to the pot, add spices, and coat the pork.
- Add Liquids: Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set to Manual High Pressure for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release.
- Shred and Crisp: Remove pork, shred, and broil for crispy edges if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy in various dishes with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with orange and lime zest.
- Leftovers freeze well for future use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes (plus pressure release)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
