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5 from 2 votes
5 Comments

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Total Time1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Recipe
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By: Joanna Cismaru Posted: 06/23/20 Updated: 06/18/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas – Juicy, tender shredded pork cooked in a simple spice rub. Half the time, all of the flavor – thanks to the instant pot! Perfect for tacos, burritos and more!

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • What are pork carnitas?
  • What’s the difference between carnitas and pulled pork?
  • The trusty instant pot
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How to make pork carnitas in the Instant Pot
  • How to serve
  • How to store leftovers
  • Did you like this recipe? Try these!
  • Subscribe & receive a FREE Comfort Food Recipe Book!
  • Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
  • Did you try this recipe?
pork carnitas on a baking sheet with a spatula in there right out of the oven

These Instant Pot Pork Carnitas are incredibly tender, mouthwateringly juicy, yet crispy on the outside. Also known as “Mexican Pulled Pork” this dish is extremely flavorful, super easy to throw together and cooks in half the time – thanks to the trusty instant pot!

This is a fool proof recipe, with simple ingredients and bold flavors, I can’t think of a better topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos! The combination of orange and lime juice make these carnitas fall apart tender and the spice rub is out of this world. What are we waiting for?! Let’s get started!

What are pork carnitas?

Carnitas are essentially the Mexican version of pulled pork and is made by either braising or simmering the meat in oil or lard until tender, then shredding it into small pieces to be used as a filling for a variety of fantastic dishes.

Carnitas are traditionally made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) because of the higher fat content, which helps the meat stay super tender and juicy while it’s cooked. This dish was originated in Mexico, therefore carnitas actually translates to “little meats”.

overhead shot of freshly made pork carnitas in a white bowl

What’s the difference between carnitas and pulled pork?

There is only ONE difference between carnitas and pulled pork and that is the broiling stage. Carnitas are typically put under a broiler after cooking to give the meat a beautiful, crispy finish.

The trusty instant pot

The best part about cooking Pork Carnitas in the instant pot is that you can essentially throw all of your ingredients in it, set it and the instant pot will take care of the rest. You’ll end up with incredibly flavorful, juicy and tender pieces of pork – in half the time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

overhead shot of all ingredients needed to make pork carnitas in the instant pot
  • Pork – Pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into 1.5″ – 2″ cubes. For Beef Carnitas check out my recipe!
  • Citrus – You’ll need both Oranges and Limes!
  • Onion – White onion, peeled and quartered.
  • Garlic – Crushed. Fresh is best! 
  • Broth – Chicken broth, or water will work.

Dry rub

  • Cumin
  • Oregano
  • Chili Powder
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Salt & Pepper

How to make pork carnitas in the Instant Pot

detailed process shots showing how to make pork carnitas in the instant pot
  1. Season Pork – Add the cubed pork to your Instant Pot. Mix the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl, and sprinkle over the pork. Toss the pork well to coat with the dry rub.
  2. Add Citrus – Cut the oranges in half and squeeze the juice over the seasoned pork. Place the juiced oranges halves into the Instant Pot on top of the pork. Repeat with the limes.
  3. Cook – Add the onion, garlic, and broth to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and turn the VENT knob to SEAL. Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes.
  4. Shred – Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Once safe, remove the lid of your Instant Pot. Shred the pork with 2 forks or use an electric mixer.

*OPTIONAL BROIL: Scoop the shredded pork onto a large baking sheet. Broil for 2-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the pork, until crisped to your preference.

overhead shot of finely shredded pork carnitas in a white bowl

How to serve

When it comes to carnitas, you have a plethora of options! Serve it as is; shredded on a bun, in a taco, quesadilla, burrito or wrap! However you choose to serve this mouthwatering pork, you won’t be disappointed.

How to store leftovers

Store leftover pork carnitas in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to preserve the life of your carnitas, you can store them in the freezer – sealed or tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. FYI – While the pork will keep longer, it will lose some of its texture quality, just keep that in mind!

side shot of shredded pork carnitas in a white bowl

Did you like this recipe? Try these!

  • Mexican Stuffed Peppers
  • Beef Carnitas
  • Barbacoa
  • Instant Pot Corned Beef
  • Easy Mexican Casserole
  • Super Easy Taco Dip
  • Beef Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
  • Sopapillas
  • Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Pork Paprikash
  • Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas – Juicy, tender shredded pork cooked in a simple spice rub. Half the time, all of the flavor – thanks to the instant pot! Perfect for tacos, burritos and more!
Prep: 15 minutes mins
Cook: 40 minutes mins
Total: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
NPR Time: 15 minutes mins
Print
Rate
8

Equipment

  • Instant Pot – 6 quart

Ingredients

  • 4 pound pork shoulder (butt) cut into 1.5" – 2" cubes
  • 2 oranges
  • 2 limes
  • 1 white onion peeled and quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or water

Dry rub

  • 2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper or to taste
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Season Pork: Add the cubed pork to your Instant Pot. Mix the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl, and sprinkle over the pork. Toss the pork well to coat with the dry rub.
  • Add Citrus: Cut the oranges in half and squeeze the juice over the seasoned pork. Place the juiced oranges halves into the Instant Pot on top of the pork. Repeat with the limes.
  • Cook: Add the onion, garlic, and broth to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and turn the VENT knob to SEAL. Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes.
  • Shred: Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Once safe, remove the lid of your Instant Pot. Shred the pork with 2 forks or use an electric mixer.
  • Broil: Scoop the shredded pork onto a large baking sheet. Broil for 2-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the pork, until crisped to your preference.

Tips & Notes:

  1. Store leftover pork carnitas in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap in the fridge for 3-4 days.

nutrition facts

Serving: 1serving Calories: 239kcal (12%) Carbohydrates: 8g (3%) Protein: 28g (56%) Fat: 10g (15%) Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) Cholesterol: 93mg (31%) Sodium: 402mg (17%) Potassium: 601mg (17%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 4g (4%) Vitamin A: 265IU (5%) Vitamin C: 25mg (30%) Calcium: 57mg (6%) Iron: 2mg (11%)
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts. Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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