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The BEST Instant Pot Carnitas (5-Star Rated!)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

February 25, 2025

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4.97 from 318 votes

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Instant pot carnitas pinterest image.
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This easy Instant Pot Carnitas recipe results in tender, juicy pork carnitas with the most perfect crispy texture!

Crispy carnitas on baking sheet.

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Table of Contents

  • Ingredients needed
  • How to make them
  • Topping ideas
  • What to serve with them
  • How to make ahead & store
  • FAQs
  • Wine pairings
  • Full Recipe

No instant pot? Try my slow cooker carnitas recipe!

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know that I’m all about quick and easy Instant Pot recipes. And while the name may imply otherwise, the Instant Pot doesn’t actually make everything in an “instant.” But it does make cooking so much easier and hands-free.

Traditionally, I would make these carnitas in the slow cooker, letting them cook for 10 hours while I’m away at work. That slow cooking process really gets the pork nice and tender, and shred-able, exactly what you want with pork carnitas.

But you know, there are some days when I just don’t make the time to plan ahead for dinner.

That’s usually when the Instant Pot comes out. It can transform a tough cut of meat that would normally take all day to cook, in a fraction of the time.

Plus, while those juicy pork carnitas cook away in the Instant Pot, that’s the perfect time to prep your garnishes for these Instant Pot Pork Carnitas – quick pickled red onion, cilantro lime crema, guacamole, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and  lime wedges.

It’s also the perfect time to warm up some corn tortillas.

Traditional carnitas would take all day in my crockpot. But this instant pot version cooks in only 40 minutes. To that, you’ll need to add about 10 minutes for the pressure to build and 15 minutes for the pressure to release, so you’re looking at just over an hour from start to finish.

But there’s one last step – the most important part to get those pork carnitas nice and crispy at the end – popping them under the broiler with a sprinkle of salt for about 5 minutes to get those beautiful browned bits. Yum!

This is a great recipe for parties, since it makes a lot of carnitas. Or for meal prep, since you can keep the shredded pork on hand for making burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, or salads throughout the week.

Spices on a plate for the Instant Pot Carnitas

Ingredients needed

  • Pork – Pork shoulder results in fall apart tender carnitas. You can also use pork butt.
  • Spices – Garlic salt, cumin, oregano, brown sugar, dried basil, coriander, chili powder, and paprika.
  • Citrus – Oranges & Lime

How to make them

  • Cut your boneless pork shoulder into large cubes – This helps to cut down on cooking time.
  • Season the pork cubes well with loads of yummy spices – garlic salt, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, cumin, ground coriander, brown sugar, and sweet paprika. You could also use taco seasoning here.
  • Add in the cooking liquids. This is what helps the pressure build in the instant pot, but it also flavors the meat – fresh squeezed orange and lime juice and bit of water to top it off.
  • Then just seal the pot and pressure cook on high pressure for 40 minutes.
  • For crispy carnitas, arrange the cooked carnitas on a baking sheet and pop them under a hot broiler for a couple minutes to get those delicious, crispy edges.
  • Serve them up with your favorite toppings!
Oranges, limes and pork in Instant Pot.

I like to serve my Instant Pot pork carnitas in the traditional style of the street taco – dressed simply with cilantro, avocado and some quick pickled onions.

You can make those pretty pink pickled onions up to two weeks ahead of time. In truth, I normally have a jar in my fridge at all times.

I’ve even got an entire post dedicated to how I pickle my onions. I love having them on hand for topping all kinds of things – salads, Instant Pot Split Pea Dal, Chicken Gyro Bowls, Migas.

Topping ideas

  • Pickled Onions
  • Salsa Taquera
  • Cilantro Lime Crema
  • Chipotle Crema
  • Guacamole
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Chipotle Salsa
  • Sour Cream
  • Mango Salsa
  • Pineapple Salsa
  • Salsa Verde
  • MORE 7+ taco sauce recipes

My favorite way to serve carnitas is in the traditional style of the street taco. Dressed simply with cilantro, avocado and some quick pickled onions.

The best part is, you can make those pretty pink pickled onions up to two weeks ahead of time. In truth, I normally have a jar in my fridge at all times.

I’ve even got an entire post dedicated to how I pickle my onions. I love having them on hand for topping all kinds of things – salads, Instant Pot Split Pea Dal, Chicken Gyro Bowls, Migas.

What to serve with them

  • Instant Pot Refried Beans
  • Mexican Black Beans
  • Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)
  • Mexican Street Corn Salad
  • Oven Roasted Carrots (Elote Style)
  • Vinegar Slaw
  • Instant Pot Mexican Rice
  • MORE → 30+ Sides for Carnitas
Crispy carnitas on baking sheet.

How to make ahead & store

Carnitas will last in the fridge for up to five days. Store them in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to three months. I like portion the cooked pork into individual freezer bags and freeze them flat.

FAQs

What is Pastor vs Carnitas? 

Al pastor and carnitas are both pork, however they are prepared differently. Carnitas are slow braised in cooking liquid or fat. Al pastor is marinated (often with pineapple), then put on a hot grill to caramelize. 

What is Carne Asada vs Carnitas? 

Carne asada is marinated beef that is most often grilled. Carnitas are made from pork, that is braised until it is fall-apart tender. 

Why is the secret to tender pulled pork? 

Cooking carnitas requires a long cook time for the meat to become tender. If you find that your meat is tough, you may need to cook it a bit longer. Place the lid back on your pot and cook for 5 minutes longer. Repeat the process if you still find that your meat is tough. 

Can you overcook pork shoulder? 

Unlike more lean cuts of pork, like the chops and tenderloin, pork shoulder becomes more tender the longer it cooks. So even if you cook it a bit too long, it won’t become  dry or rubbery. 

What if I can’t find pork shoulder? 

You can also use pork butt for this recipe. You want something with a good amount of fat. Lean cuts, like a pork tenderloin, will not become fall apart tender, which is what you want for this carnitas recipe. 

Why do you put orange juice in carnitas?

By adding orange and lime juice to carnitas, it gives the meat a great tang and amazing flavor!

Close up of carnitas taco topped with pickled onion, jalapeno and avocado.

Wine pairings

  • If you’d like to pair these tacos with a bottle of wine, a Tempranillo would be an excellent choice to compliment the spices in the pork carnitas.
  • An authentic Mexican dish is always excellent with beer. Try a light Mexican lager.
  • Margaritas – Try this one, this one, or this one.

More instant pot recipes

  • Instant Pot Dal with Split Peas
  • Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage & Kale
  • The Best Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
  • Instant Pot Lentils
  • Instant Pot Rice
  • Instant Pot Cheesy Southwestern Lentils & Brown Rice

Did you try these instant pot pork carnitas?

If you thought these were the best instant pot carnitas, I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished carnitas tacos and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on  Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

No instant pot? Try my slow cooker carnitas recipe!

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Crispy carnitas on baking sheet.

Full Recipe

Instant Pot Carnitas

The BEST Instant Pot Pork Carnitas are easy to make at home with your electric pressure cooker. A quick pop under the broiler at the end ensures that the carnitas get nice and crispy!
4.97 from 318 votes
Print Pin
Serves 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 40 minutes mins
Time for Pressure to Build and Release: 25 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

For Serving

  • Corn Tortillas
  • Pickled Onions
  • 1 avocado (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 lime (cut)

Carnitas

  • 4-6 pounds pork shoulder (slightly trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch cubes)
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic salt
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 oranges (sliced in half)
  • 1 lime (sliced in half)
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

Carnitas

  • Combine garlic salt, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, cumin, ground coriander, brown sugar, and sweet paprika.
  • Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork pieces and place in Instant Pot.
  • Squeeze the juice from the oranges and limes over the pork. Place rinds pulp side down in Instant Pot and add 1 cup water.
  • Make sure your sealing ring is in place on the lid. Lock the lid onto Instant Pot and set the steam release knob to the “sealing” position.
  • Press the “manual” button and set Instant Pot for high pressure for 40 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for Instant Pot to come to full pressure, then the display will show a countdown timer.
  • Once the 40 minutes are up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Open the lid.
  • Preheat oven broiler. Shred the pork using two forks then use a slotted spoon to remove the pork, and place on a baking sheet. 
  • Taste the pork for saltiness. You may want to sprinkle some additional salt on top. (I especially like using my homemade citrus salts at this stage of the recipe!
  • Place underneath broiler until tips of pork are browned and slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes. (Don’t walk away from it. Keep an eye on meat to make sure it doesn’t burn or become overly browned).

Assembly

  • Warm your tortillas either by wrapping in a wet paper towel and mirorwaving for 30 seconds, or wrapped in foil in the oven.
  • Place carnitas in tortillas and serve topped with sliced avocado, cilantro and pickled onions. Garnish with lime wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 1988mg | Potassium: 1360mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 530IU | Vitamin C: 38.9mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 5mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

This recipe was originally published in 2018. It was updated in 2019 to add instructional photographs and a video. The instant pot carnitas recipe remains the same. Enjoy! 

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4.97 from 318 votes (223 ratings without comment)

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261 responses

  1. Vincent
    April 10, 2025

    4 stars
    These Instant Pot Pork Carnitas are a game-changer! The flavors from the orange juice, cumin, and garlic sound so mouthwatering, and I love how quick and easy it is to make such tender, juicy pork in the Instant Pot.
    Your step-by-step instructions are super helpful too – perfect for a busy weeknight. One small suggestion: maybe include a note on how to adjust the spice level for those who prefer a milder taste?
    Amazing recipe

    Reply
  2. Claudia H
    April 14, 2025

    5 stars
    I just finished this meal and it was Outstanding as per my husband. The meat was very flavorful and I loved adding your pickled onions to the tacos. This will be going on my Pinterest board under Make It Again. Thank you for sharing your recipe!

    Reply
    1. Erin Lynch
      April 14, 2025

      Thanks so much for trying it Claudia! I’m so glad you guys liked it!!!

      Reply
  3. Julie
    April 17, 2025

    4 stars
    Good recipe overall. Leaving the orange rinds and lime rind in gave a bitter citrus finish to the pork. Not too overbearing when served with pickled onions and some avocado. Next time I’ll just use the fresh juice from the citrus and definitely leave the rinds out.

    Reply
  4. Julie
    April 21, 2025

    Hi, wondering if we could make this in the slow cooker? How it would turn out.

    How many hours at low?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Erin Lynch
      April 22, 2025

      Hi Julie – These turn out great in the slow cooker. Here’s my method.

      Reply
  5. Melody Meinhardt
    May 4, 2025

    5 stars
    Soooo delicious! Made exactly as shown, 4.5 lb pork butt. Smelled so good while cooking, and after lightly browning in the oven, was beyond my expectation. Served at a taco party and had rave reviews!

    Reply
    1. Erin Lynch
      May 6, 2025

      Thank you so much Melody!

      Reply
  6. Mamie
    May 16, 2025

    5 stars
    Fantastic recipe! Hubby was a skeptic as he doesn’t love pork but he thought it was a winner! I did 3lbs boneless pork shoulder rib, only used 1 orange/1lime, and omitted the 1 cup of water and still ended up with 2 cups of liquid at the end. I used the juices to cook rice, served as carnita bowls. Huge hit! Will definitely keep in my rotation of meals!

    Reply
    1. Erin Lynch
      May 20, 2025

      Thank you Mamie!

      Reply
  7. Lisa Kukuk
    June 25, 2025

    5 stars
    I have made this recipe three times now…. It’s is super easy and has lots of flavor. I tweak it just at the end. While shredding the carnitas I put the leftover liquid in a skillet and cook the liquid down until it thickens up . Then I pour it over the shredded carnitas that are sitting on a rack on a cookie sheet. Then pop under the broiler. It really impacts the carnitas with great flavor

    Reply
    1. Erin Lynch
      June 26, 2025

      Thank you Lisa!!! I appreciate the comment 🙂

      Reply
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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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