5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas

Introduction

This 5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas recipe delivers all the savory magic of traditional Mexican street food—crispy, juicy pork with irresistible citrus and spice—in a fraction of the time. With the help of your Instant Pot, you can achieve fall-apart tender, flavor-packed carnitas at home in about an hour, making it an unbeatable option for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.

Whether served in tacos, burritos, or salads, these carnitas are loved for their authenticity, simplicity, and bold, crowd-pleasing flavors.

The Ultimate Instant Pot Carnitas—Why They Stand Out

Unlike slow-cooked versions, this recipe harnesses pressure-cooked tenderness combined with a quick crisp for a genuine carnitas experience. The pork shoulder is seasoned with a harmonious blend of spices and citrus, then quickly pressure-cooked and finished under the broiler or an air fryer for irresistibly crispy bits—just like from your favorite taqueria.

Flavorful Prep Made Simple

For maximum efficiency and flavor, start by cutting the pork into large chunks for even cooking. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly dice onions and jalapeños for your aromatic base. Sear the pork directly in your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart on sauté mode—no extra pans needed—letting the Maillard reaction add layers of richness.

Once the pork is browned, toss with garlic, onion, orange, lime, and a blend of cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chili. Quick pressure cooking infuses every bite with zesty, aromatic flavor in under 40 minutes.

Crisping for the Perfect Carnitas Finish

After shredding the cooked pork, transfer it to a sheet pan. To achieve signature crispy edges, broil for a few minutes, or use an COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey for a mess-free extra-crispy finish. This step elevates the carnitas from great to extraordinary, delivering perfect texture in minutes.

Serving, Storing, and Savoring Your Carnitas

Present your carnitas family-style with warm tortillas, freshly chopped onion, and cilantro. Keep toppings tidy with the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3, which lets you prep garnishes with ease. Any leftovers will store perfectly in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for quick lunches or repurposed meals throughout the week.

Pair carnitas with salsa, pickled onions, or avocado for a meal brimming with color, crunch, and satisfaction—a real crowd pleaser!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 320–350 calories, depending on toppings and tortillas. Enjoy as a protein-packed main, and feel free to serve with lighter sides for a balanced meal.

5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas (Recap)

Quick, flavorful, and authentically crisp, these Instant Pot carnitas will become your go-to for any Mexican-inspired feast. With minimal prep and unbeatable results, you’ll discover why this dish consistently earns five stars from cooks and eaters alike.

Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to sauté mode. Add oil, then sear pork chunks in batches until browned. Set aside.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño (use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick prep). Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Return the pork to the pot. Add salt, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
4. Seal and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then vent remaining pressure.
5. Transfer pork to a large bowl and use a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black to shred the meat effortlessly, mixing in some cooking liquid for moisture.
6. Spread shredded pork on a parchment-lined baking sheet (line with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet for easy cleanup). Broil on high for 3–5 minutes until edges crisp, or use the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to crisp in batches.
7. Serve carnitas in tortillas with toppings of your choice. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes (including pressure and browning)

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes