Ultimate Easy Instant Pot Carnitas: Crispy, Tender Pork in Under 2 Hours
Prepare to revolutionize your weeknight meals with this incredibly simple, yet profoundly flavorful Instant Pot Carnitas recipe. Imagine succulent, fall-apart tender shredded pork, infused with savory spices, onion, a hint of jalapeño heat, and the bright zest of orange juice – all culminating in irresistible crispy edges. Forget long hours over a stovetop; our pressure cooker method delivers authentic Mexican carnitas in a fraction of the traditional time. Whether you’re planning an epic taco night, a hearty burrito bowl, loaded nachos, or a vibrant salad topper, these carnitas are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why This Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe is a Game Changer
Traditional carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, are a labor of love, typically involving hours of slow-cooking pork in its own fat until it’s incredibly tender, then crisping it to perfection. While the results are undeniably delicious, the time commitment can be daunting for busy home cooks. That’s where the Instant Pot truly shines, transforming a weekend project into an achievable weeknight feast!
Our Instant Pot Carnitas recipe works by harnessing the power of pressure cooking to achieve unbelievably tender, juicy pork in under 2 hours from start to finish. This accelerated cooking method locks in moisture and flavor, breaking down the pork fibers to create that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals stovetop versions. The magic doesn’t stop there. After its pressure bath, we give the pork a quick trip under the broiler. This crucial step is what elevates these “little meats” to true carnitas status, creating those coveted crispy, caramelized edges that provide a delightful contrast to the tender interior. You get all the authentic flavor and texture without the all-day wait, making this recipe a consistent winner for flavorful and efficient meal prep.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot Carnitas
Crafting delicious Instant Pot Carnitas requires a careful selection of ingredients that build layers of flavor and ensure the perfect texture. Below, you’ll find a visual overview of everything you’ll need. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the printable recipe card located at the end of this comprehensive guide.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Best Results & Easy Substitutions
- PORK: The heart of any great carnitas recipe is the pork. For this Instant Pot version, a 3-pound boneless pork shoulder roast (often labeled as pork butt or Boston butt) is ideal. This cut is rich in connective tissue and fat, which breaks down beautifully under pressure, resulting in incredibly tender and moist meat. It’s crucial to stick close to the 3-pound recommendation, as a significantly larger roast will require a longer cooking time to reach that perfect shreddable consistency. While some fat is essential for flavor and moisture, you can trim off any excessively large pieces before cooking if desired.
- ORANGE JUICE: Don’t underestimate the power of orange juice in this recipe! Beyond adding a subtle, bright citrus note, the acidity in the orange juice plays a vital role in tenderizing the pork as it cooks. It works with the pressure cooker to break down the meat fibers, ensuring an ultra-juicy and tender outcome. The flavor is very subtle in the final dish – you won’t taste “orange pork,” but rather a depth of flavor and incredible tenderness that makes the carnitas truly stand out.
- AROMATICS & SPICES: Our blend of chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, and garlic salt creates a robust and authentic flavor profile.
- Onion and Jalapeño: These aromatic vegetables form the savory base. Sautéing them first in the Instant Pot builds layers of flavor that permeate the pork.
- Jalapeño Handling: When chopping jalapeños, we highly recommend wearing kitchen gloves. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat, can irritate your skin and eyes. Avoid touching your face until you’ve finished preparation and removed your gloves.
- Spice Level: For those who prefer a spicier kick, feel free to include some or all of the jalapeño seeds. Most of the heat resides in the seeds and the white membrane.
- LIQUIDS & BASE: We opt for Better Than Bouillon brand chicken base, which offers a concentrated flavor.
- Substitution: If you don’t have chicken base, you can easily substitute an equal amount of chicken broth or stock for the chicken base and water combination. Just ensure you have enough liquid for the pressure cooker to come to pressure.
Mastering Instant Pot Carnitas: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize the process of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version with all measurements and instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Seasoning & Pot: In a small bowl, combine your flavorful dry spice blend: chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, and garlic salt. Add half of the olive oil to this mixture to create a paste. Pour the remaining olive oil directly into the Instant Pot insert. This ensures the pot is ready for sautéing and the pork is prepped for maximum flavor.
- Season the Pork: Generously rub the prepared seasoning mixture all over the boneless pork shoulder roast. Ensure every surface is coated to maximize flavor penetration during cooking. This initial seasoning is crucial for a deeply flavorful end product.
- Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and allow the olive oil to heat up. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and jalapeño. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This step extracts their sweetness and gentle heat, building a robust flavor base.
- Deglaze & Add Liquid: Add the chicken base (or broth) to the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Then, pour in the water. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, known as deglazing, prevents the “burn” notice on your Instant Pot and incorporates all those delicious caramelized flavors into the cooking liquid.
- Add Pork & Orange Juice: Carefully place the seasoned pork roast into the pressure cooker, ensuring it’s nestled into the liquid. Pour the cup of orange juice over the pork. This citrusy bath will work wonders during the pressure cooking process, contributing to both tenderness and a subtle flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Turn the vent to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time for 45 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time (usually 10-15 minutes) to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
- Natural Release: Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR). This means you do nothing and let the pressure release on its own for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the float valve drops completely. A natural release helps to keep the meat exceptionally tender and prevents it from drying out.
- Preheat for Crispiness: While the Instant Pot is naturally releasing pressure, preheat your oven to the Broil setting. This prepares your oven for the crucial final step that gives carnitas their signature crispy texture.
- Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the tender pork roast from the Instant Pot and place it on a sturdy baking sheet. If your roast was tied, remove any twine. Using two forks, easily shred the meat. It should be so tender that it practically falls apart. At this stage, you can easily identify and discard any large pieces of excess fat if you prefer leaner carnitas.
- Broil for Crispiness: Place the baking sheet with the shredded pork under the preheated broiler. Broil for 3-5 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it, until the edges of the meat begin to crisp up and turn a beautiful golden-brown. This is the secret to achieving that irresistible crispy carnitas texture that makes them truly authentic and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Instant Pot Carnitas
Once your delicious carnitas have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Absolutely! Carnitas freeze exceptionally well. Place the cooled shredded pork into a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. For best results and to maintain moisture, we highly recommend drizzling some of the leftover cooking juices in with the meat before freezing. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash more broth if needed.
Don’t let those flavorful pan juices go to waste! To make a delicious gravy, first, use a fat separator to remove any excess fat. Return the defatted juices to the Instant Pot. Select the “Sauté” function. Whisk in a couple of teaspoons of cornstarch (mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry first, to prevent lumps). Whisk frequently as the mixture heats until it thickens to your desired consistency. This makes a rich, savory sauce perfect for drizzling over the carnitas or serving with rice.
For maximum crispiness, after shredding, spread the pork out thinly on the baking sheet. Ensure there’s enough space between pieces for the heat to circulate. You can also drizzle a small amount of the reserved cooking liquid or a touch of extra oil over the shredded pork before broiling. Keep a very close eye on them under the broiler, as they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in seconds!
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, though it will take significantly longer. Follow steps 1-5, then place the seasoned pork, sautéed aromatics, chicken base, water, and orange juice into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is easily shreddable. Once cooked, proceed with steps 8-10 (shredding and broiling) to get those essential crispy edges.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Instant Pot Carnitas
The versatility of Instant Pot Carnitas is one of its greatest strengths! These flavorful, crispy pork morsels are fantastic in a myriad of dishes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Taco & Burrito Night: Spoon the carnitas into warm corn or flour tortillas. Garnish with classic toppings like finely diced onion, fresh cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeño, a squeeze of lime, salsa fresca, salsa verde, or creamy guacamole. For burritos, load them up with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite salsa.
- Hearty Burrito Bowls: For a gluten-free option, serve the carnitas over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or quinoa. Add black beans, corn, avocado, pickled red onions, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Loaded Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with carnitas, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, corn, and then bake until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with jalapeños, sour cream, and fresh pico de gallo.
- Enchiladas: Roll the carnitas into corn tortillas with cheese, smother with your favorite enchilada sauce, and bake until hot and bubbly.
- Quesadillas: Mix shredded carnitas with cheese between two tortillas and grill until golden brown and melted.
- Flavorful Salads: Add a protein-packed punch to your greens! Carnitas are excellent atop a crisp romaine or mixed greens salad with roasted corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette.
- Breakfast Carnitas: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and refried beans for a hearty breakfast, or in breakfast tacos!
- Simple Plate: Sometimes, the best way to appreciate delicious carnitas is simply served on a plate with traditional sides like Mexican rice and refried beans.
Discover More Delicious Pork & Mexican-Inspired Recipes
If you loved this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other flavorful options from our kitchen. Here are a few related recipes to inspire your next meal:
- Traditional Slow Cooker Carnitas: For those who prefer the classic, low-and-slow method.
- Classic Pulled Pork: Another tender, shredded pork dish perfect for sandwiches and more.
- Hearty Beef Carnitas: A delicious variation using beef for a different flavor profile.
- Authentic Carne Asada Marinade: Perfect for grilling up steak for tacos or fajitas.
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Instant Pot Carnitas
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast or pork butt
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 ½ cups chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped jalapeno seeds removed
- 2 teaspoons chicken base or broth, see note below
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup orange juice
Things You’ll Need
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Instant Pot
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Chef’s knife
Before You Begin
- You can use pork shoulder or pork butt, but try and stick to 3 pounds as anything larger will have a different cook time.
- When chopping the jalapeño we suggest wearing kitchen gloves and not touching your face until you are finished and have removed the gloves.
- For a spicier finished meal, add some or all of the seeds from the jalapeño.
- We use Better Than Bouillon brand chicken base. You can substitute chicken broth or stock for the base and water.
- If you would like to make a gravy from the juices left in the pressure cooker, begin by using a fat separator to remove the fat. Then sprinkle in a couple of teaspoons of cornstarch and whisk it in while using the saute function. Whisk frequently until thickened.
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine chili powder, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, garlic salt, and half of the olive oil. Pour remaining olive oil into the pressure cooker pot.
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Rub seasoning mixture all over the pork roast.
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Heat olive oil in pressure cooker on the saute function, then add chopped onion and jalapeno. Saute for 2-3 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
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Add chicken base and stir together, then add water. Stir everything together.
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Place seasoned pork roast in the pressure cooker. Pour in orange juice.
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Place lid on pressure cooker and turn vent to the seal position. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
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When pressure cooker is done, do a natural release.
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Preheat your oven to Broil.
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Remove roast from cooker and place on a baking sheet. If your roast is tied, remove the twine and shred the meat using two forks. You can remove and discard any large fatty pieces.
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Place baking sheet in the preheated oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges of the meat begin to crisp up.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Prep time includes 15 minutes for your pressure cooker to come to pressure.
- Store cooled leftover carnitas in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.