Instant Pot Pork Carnitas: Your Shortcut to Crispy, Juicy Perfection!

Oh, friends, get ready to experience a taste sensation that will transport your kitchen straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico! If you’ve ever dreamt of making incredible Carnitas but felt daunted by the hours of simmering, bubbling, and lard-frying, then today is your lucky day. We’re about to dive into the magic of Instant Pot Pork Carnitas – a recipe that delivers unbelievably tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy pork with a fraction of the traditional effort. Prepare for rave reviews and empty plates!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Recipe

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a revelation! Here’s why this Instant Pot version will become your new go-to for the ultimate pork carnitas:

Effortlessly Tender: The Instant Pot does all the hard work, transforming humble pork shoulder into fall-apart perfection in record time.
Authentic Flavor, Modern Ease: We capture all the deep, savory flavors of traditional carnitas without the all-day commitment.
Crispy Edges, Juicy Center: A quick broil after pressure cooking gives you those irresistible crispy bits that make carnitas so famous.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own. Everyone will love it!
Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a big batch and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards this culinary masterpiece. Most of these are pantry staples, ensuring you can whip this up any night of the week!

Ingredients:

3-4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into 2-inch chunks
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 orange, halved
1 lime, halved
½ cup chicken broth or water
2-3 tablespoons lard or avocado oil (for crisping)

How to Make Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Get ready to make magic! Follow these simple steps for the most incredible Instant Pot Pork Carnitas you’ve ever tasted.

Equipment:

Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)
Baking sheet
Foil
Large tongs or two forks for shredding

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork chunks dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the pork with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
2. Add to Instant Pot: Place the seasoned pork chunks into the Instant Pot. Squeeze the juice from the orange and lime halves over the pork, then drop the squeezed halves into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 45 minutes on high pressure.
4. Natural Release: Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the pork incredibly tender. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.
5. Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot and place it on a large baking sheet. Discard the orange and lime halves. Using two forks or tongs, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart easily.
6. Crisp the Carnitas: Preheat your oven broiler to high. Pour about ½ to 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot over the shredded pork on the baking sheet to keep it moist. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of lard or avocado oil over the pork.
7. Broil for Crispy Edges: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, or until the edges of the pork are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, flipping the pork once halfway through for even crisping.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the crispy, juicy Carnitas to a serving platter. Drizzle with a little more of the reserved cooking liquid if desired, and serve hot!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

The beauty of these Instant Pot Pork Carnitas is their incredible versatility! Here are some ideas to make them shine even brighter.

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Carnitas Tacos: Warm corn tortillas, chopped white onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Burrito Bowls: Serve over rice with black beans, corn salsa, avocado, and sour cream.
Nachos Supreme: Layer over tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho toppings.
Salad Topper: Add a flavorful protein boost to your favorite Mexican-inspired salad.
Quesadillas or Gorditas: A fantastic filling for cheesy quesadillas or handmade gorditas.

Flavor Twists:

Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the Instant Pot with the pork, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
Smoky Flavor: A tiny dash of liquid smoke in the Instant Pot liquid can add a subtle smokiness.
Citrus Burst: Garnish with extra lime wedges and fresh orange segments for an even brighter finish.
Pineapple Salsa: The sweetness and acidity of a fresh pineapple salsa perfectly complement the rich pork.

Reader Reviews & Testimonials

We love hearing how much you enjoy our recipes! Here’s what some of our amazing community members have to say about these Instant Pot Pork Carnitas:

Maria P. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “Absolutely incredible! I used to spend all day making carnitas, but this Instant Pot recipe is a game-changer. So tender, and the crispy bits under the broiler are divine. My family begged for seconds!”
David R. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “I was skeptical an Instant Pot could deliver true carnitas flavor, but wow, I was wrong! The pork just melts in your mouth. This is going into my regular rotation for sure. Highly recommend!”
Chloe S. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): “Fantastic recipe, super easy to follow. My only note is to really watch it under the broiler – I almost over-crisped mine, but pulled it out just in time. The flavor is out of this world!”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making Instant Pot Pork Carnitas:

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: Pork shoulder (pork butt) is ideal due to its fat content, which renders down to keep the carnitas juicy. Leaner cuts like pork loin can dry out.
Q: How do I store leftover carnitas?
A: Store cooked carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I skip the crisping step?
A: While the pork will still be delicious and tender, the crisping step is what gives traditional carnitas their signature texture. We highly recommend it!
Q: What if I don’t have fresh orange or lime?
A: You can use a few tablespoons of orange juice and lime juice from a bottle, along with a teaspoon of orange zest, though fresh citrus offers the best flavor.

In conclusion, these Instant Pot Pork Carnitas are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They’re a testament to how modern cooking methods can honor traditional flavors, bringing joy and incredible taste to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Dive in, get cooking, and prepare to fall in love with the crispy, succulent, utterly irresistible magic of this dish. Happy cooking!

Recipe Note:

Always read your Instant Pot manual before use. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific model. Ensure pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.