Get ready to fall head over heels for Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas—a flavor-packed, fuss-free way to bring authentic, street-style Mexican pork carnitas right into your own kitchen. This recipe transforms rich, marbled pork shoulder into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth shreds, then gilds the lily with irresistibly crispy edges thanks to a quick broil at the end. Bursting with citrus, savory spices, and just the right pop of heat, these carnitas are made for sharing with friends, stuffing into tacos, or devouring straight off the baking pan. It’s your new dinnertime hero, and it all happens with ease in your trusty Instant Pot!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of simple, staple ingredients, this dish absolutely explodes with flavor. Each component brings something special, from the deep porky richness to the brightness of fresh citrus and the fragrant punch of aromatic spices—together, they ensure your Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas are anything but boring!
- Pork shoulder (3 lbs, boneless): Marbled with just the right amount of fat, this cut transforms into fork-tender, juicy carnitas after pressure cooking.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps create that perfect surface sear on each pork chunk.
- Onion, chopped (1): Lends sweetness and aroma as it melts into the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): For a bold, fragrant punch that permeates the entire dish.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Layers in earthy, herbal notes common in authentic carnitas.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Delivers warmth and a smoky undertone that anchors the whole flavor profile.
- Chili powder (1/2 tsp): Provides just enough gentle heat and color to balance the citrus.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential to bring all the flavors into sharp focus.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle kick and depth to every bite.
- Orange juice (1/2 cup): Brightens the pork and brings that signature carnitas succulence and sweetness.
- Lime juice (1/4 cup): Lifts and balances the richness with a tangy zing.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps tenderize the pork while lending savory body to the cooking liquid.
How to Make Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas
Step 1: Sear the Pork for Maximum Flavor
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and drizzle in the olive oil. Working in batches, sear the pork chunks on all sides until each piece is beautifully browned and caramelized—about 5–6 minutes total. This step creates an incredibly flavorful crust and deepens the overall taste of your Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas, so don’t rush it! Remove the pork and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the hot pot, stirring and scraping up all those gorgeous browned bits on the bottom. After about 2 minutes, once the onion softens and smells amazing, sprinkle in dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to toast the spices and let the flavors bloom.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pressure Cook
Return the seared pork to the Instant Pot, nestling it into the onion-spice mixture. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth—these liquids will help tenderize the pork and infuse every shred with zesty, savory notes. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes for the juiciest results.
Step 4: Shred and Crisp Under the Broiler
Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a baking sheet and shred it using two forks. Drizzle a bit of the flavorful cooking liquid over the top, then spread the meat out evenly. Pop the tray under your broiler for 5–8 minutes, watching closely as those beautiful edges crisp up to golden perfection. The combination of tender meat and crispy bits is what makes Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas totally irresistible!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the best part—pile your crispy carnitas into warm tortillas, scatter on your favorite toppings, and dig in! Whether you’re hosting taco night or craving the ultimate burrito bowl, Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas will outshine any takeout version.
How to Serve Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas
Garnishes
Don’t hold back on the toppings! Fresh cilantro, chopped onions, bright lime wedges, and creamy slices of avocado can elevate your carnitas to new heights. A sprinkle of Cotija cheese and some thinly sliced radishes add color and crunch, making every bite pop.
Side Dishes
For a true fiesta, pair your Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas with classic Mexican rice, smoky black beans, tangy pickled red onions, or a crisp slaw. Even a simple pile of warm corn tortillas and a chilled salsa bar will turn your table into a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the taco! Serve carnitas over loaded nachos, tuck them into burritos, roll them into taquitos, or spoon them atop hearty rice bowls or crisp salad greens. Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas are endlessly versatile, soaking up any flavors and easily adapting to any presentation you dream up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas store like a dream. Simply cool the meat to room temperature, then pack it into an airtight container with a spoonful or two of the reserved cooking liquid—this helps keep the pork juicy in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
To make your carnitas even more convenient, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, again with a bit of cooking liquid for best results. They’ll be ready for delicious instant meal solutions for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When you’re craving carnitas again, just reheat the pork on a skillet with a splash of broth or in the microwave until piping hot. If you want to revive those crispy edges, a couple of minutes under the broiler will work wonders—making your Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas just as tasty as day one!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas?
While pork shoulder is traditional for its perfect balance of fat and flavor, you can substitute pork butt or even country-style ribs in a pinch. Leaner cuts like pork loin will work, but may result in slightly drier carnitas—when possible, stick with a cut that has good marbling.
Is the broiling step necessary?
You’ll get tender and flavorful carnitas straight from the Instant Pot, but that final blast under the broiler creates those signature crispy bits that make Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas so amazing. It takes only a few minutes and is absolutely worth it!
Can I make these carnitas in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas taste even better after resting overnight. Store the shredded pork and its juice separately, then just crisp it up in the oven or skillet before serving for the freshest texture.
Are Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas gluten-free?
Yes! All of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve with corn tortillas and check your chicken broth label if you’re sensitive to gluten.
What’s the best way to serve a crowd or for meal prep?
Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas are perfect for parties or meal prep. Make a big batch, set up a DIY taco bar with plenty of toppings, or freeze individual servings for easy weeknight dinners that come together in minutes!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hands-off, flavor-packed way to jazz up dinner, Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas should be at the top of your list. With just a few ingredients and almost no effort, you can create a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy every irresistibly crunchy, juicy bite!
Print
Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas that are flavorful and tender on the inside, with a crispy finish on the outside. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls!
Ingredients
Pork Carnitas:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless), cut into large chunks
- 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
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Sear Pork: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Sear pork chunks on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic in the pot, then add oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Return pork to the pot with orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Pressure cook for 45 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
- Shred and Crisp: Shred the pork and broil for crispy edges.
- Serve: Enjoy in tacos, burritos, or bowls!
Notes
- This recipe can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
- Crisping the carnitas under the broiler adds a delightful crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
