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Emily Fabulous » Recipes » Easy Dinner Recipes

Instant Pot Crispy Pork Carnitas

Published: Jan 29, 2020 · Modified: May 30, 2023 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

Jump to Recipe
carnitas tacos

This Instant Pot Crispy Pork Carnitas recipe is perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, taquitos, taco salads, etc. It's quick and easy to make and has so much flavor. Crisp it up in the oven after cooking and you will have a homemade meal that tastes just like it came from a Mexican restaurant!

carnitas-tacos-with-vegetable-toppings

Now that I have an Instant Pot, the possibilities are endless. My go-to right now is Instant Pot Crispy Pork Carnitas. There are so many ways to serve this shredded pork, just like my Instant Pot Kalua Pork.

Jump to:
  • Why I Love This Recipe
  • What is Pork Carnitas?
  • Key Ingredients for Crispy Carnitas
  • Crispy Pork Carnitas Serving Suggestions
  • Variations and Substitutions For This Recipe
  • How to Make Crispy Pork Carnitas in the Instant Pot
  • Expert Tips for Pressure Cooker Shredded Pork
  • Recipe FAQs
  • How to Grind Your Own Chile Spice
  • Other Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes
  • Instant Pot Carnitas

Why I Love This Recipe

With just a few simple steps, you can achieve tender and flavorful pork that's perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more, similar to my Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef. The crisping step at the end adds a delicious crunch and caramelization that takes these carnitas to the next level.

I also love that you can customize this recipe to your taste including adding or removing spice and making it super crispy or moist and tender. And the best part is, this recipe is family-tested and kid-approved!

What is Pork Carnitas?

Pork Carnitas is the Mexican version of shredded pork. It's usually made with a pork butt or pork shoulder because those cuts of meat have more fat content. This helps the pork shred and stay moist while cooking.

Key Ingredients for Crispy Carnitas

  • Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: The recipe calls for 4-5 lb of pork shoulder or pork butt, which is ideal for achieving tender and flavorful meat in the carnitas.
  • Dry Spices: Ground ancho chili powder, ground chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and dried oregano all have Mexican flavors that bring this recipe together.
  • Beer: A can or bottle of pilsner or lager-style beer, such as Corona, is used to add moisture, flavor, and depth to the carnitas during the cooking process.
  • Orange Juice: The juice from an orange adds a tangy and bright citrus note to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Canned Chipotle Peppers: Canned chipotle peppers provide a smoky and spicy flavor to the dish, adding delightful heat and complexity.

*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

Crispy Pork Carnitas Serving Suggestions

  • Put them in Air Fryer Taquitos
  • Add them to these Roasted Veggie Cheese Quesadillas
  • Make Enchiladas, Nachos or Burritos
  • Add them to these Easy Chilaquiles Rojas
  • Carnitas also make a delicious breakfast burrito with eggs

Variations and Substitutions For This Recipe

  • Make it spicy- Add a sliced jalapeno or serrano pepper for additional heat. For a little less heat, de-seed the pepper before placing it in the Instant Pot.
  • Make it smoky- add some liquid smoke or a canned pepper in adobo sauce for a spicy smoky addition.
  • Use beef instead of pork for a change in flavor.
  • Use chicken instead of pork for a sure winner with everyone.

How to Make Crispy Pork Carnitas in the Instant Pot

spices for instant pot carnitas.

Step 1: Mix the spices and salt together in a small bowl. Cut the pork into 2-3 inch cubes and rub the spice mixture all over. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté, add the oil to the bottom of the pot, and brown the cubed meat on all sides. After all of the pieces are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.

instant pot carnitas before cooking.

Step 2: Add the beer and orange juice to the pot and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. Place the onion, chipotle peppers, garlic, and bay leaves in the pot and place the pork pieces on top.

instant pot carnitas before shredding.

Step 3: Put the lid on the Instant Pot, lock it into place, and set it to Pressure Cook on High for 90 minutes. When done, allow the steam to release naturally then remove the pork pieces from the pot. Leave the cooking liquid in the pot, turn the Instant Pot back to sauté, and allow the cooking liquid to simmer.

shredded instant pot carnitas.

Step 4: Turn on your oven broiler to HIGH. Shred the meat using forks, a knife, or shredding claws. Place the shredded pork on a sheet pan with foil. Pour some of the leftover liquid on top of the meat to keep it moist and broil until crispy and brown on top.

Expert Tips for Pressure Cooker Shredded Pork

  • Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to brown the pork pieces on all sides before pressure cooking. This step adds a depth of flavor through caramelization.
  • This makes a lot of shredded pork so I always freeze half for later, it freezes really well.
  • Add a little bit of the leftover cooking liquid to a bag/container for freezing to have when it thaws out.
  • Always read the instruction manual that comes with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make crispy pork carnitas in a slow cooker?

You can still make this Carnitas recipe in your slow cooker! Brown the edges of your meat in a cast iron pan, dutch oven, or another heavy pan. Add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on high for 8 hours. Once it's done, remove the bay leaves, shred, and enjoy!

Do I have to grind my own spices?

It may seem like a lot of work, and although it's easy, it does take extra time. So, if you don't want to or don't have the equipment, skip it!
Most of these spices you can find at your local grocery store either in the spice aisle or the Mexican food aisle. If you are missing one, just add more of what you do have or substitute chili powder.

Can I freeze leftover pork carnitas?

Yes, you can freeze leftover pork carnitas. Once the meat has cooled, place it in a sealable freezer bag or container. It will last in the freezer for 3-6 months.

How do I store leftover carnitas?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness or in the microwave for convenience. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

How to Grind Your Own Chile Spice

This recipe has a ton of flavor and spice (not spicy, but a spice flavor). Since ground ancho chili powder and ground chipotle powder were not available at my grocery store, I ground my own.

This sounds hard, but it was super easy. Also, if you do love heat spice, I would recommend adding a chopped jalapeño or habanero into the liquid or have it as a garnish.

dried Mexican chiles on a counter
dried Mexican chiles
dried, cut up Mexican chiles in a grinder
cut up chiles in a grinder
dried Mexican chiles ground in a grinder
ground dried Mexican chiles

Take a package of dried chilies and cut up the dried chile and remove the seeds if you want to (they can add a little heat). Put the chile pieces in the grinder, and pulse them until they turn into a powder.

It's that easy and it really works! The smell is amazing and it makes quite a bit of spice powder. Put the excess in a small sealable container, label it, and save it for your next spicy recipe!

Other Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes

  • baked-chile-rellenos
    Baked Chile Rellenos
  • mexican tequila queso
    Tequila Queso Fundido
  • Instant Pot Mexican style refried beans
    Instant Pot Mexican Style Beans
  • a bowl of green chile chicken soup with fried tortilla strips
    Instant Pot Green Chile Chicken Soup

If you get a chance to make these Instant Pot Carnitas, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.

3 carnitas tacos with vegetable toppings

Instant Pot Carnitas

Quick, easy, and flavorful Carnitas made in your Instant Pot in no time! Carnitas make amazing tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more and are a great dish to serve for a crowd.
5 from 20 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Recipe Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
pressure release: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 2 hours hours
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 589kcal
Author: Emily
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Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • small bowl
  • baking sheet lined with foil
  • fork, knife, or shredded claws to shred the meat
  • tongs

Ingredients

  • 4-5 pound pork shoulder or butt, cut into large cubes (bone-in or out)
  • 1 tablespoon ground ancho chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground chipotle chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (can sub vegetable oil)
  • 1 can/bottle beer (use a pilsner or lager style, think corona!)
  • 1 large orange, juiced (about ½ cup)
  • 1 large onion, cut into fourths
  • 1-2 tablespoons canned chipotle peppers
  • 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  • Mix the ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, and salt together in a small bowl. Cut the pork into 2-3 inch cubes and rub the spice mixture all over.
  • Set your InstantPot to Sauté, add the oil to the bottom of the pot, and brown the cubed meat on all sides using tongs. You will need to do this in batches so you can move the meat around and get all of the sides nice and brown. After all of the pieces are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
  • Add the beer and orange juice to the pot and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. Add the onion, chipotle peppers, garlic and bay leaves to the pot, and then place the browned pork pieces on top.
  • Place lid on the InstantPot, lock it into place with the steam vent closed, and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 90 minutes. When done, allow the steam to release naturally. Once the pressure has all released completely, remove the pork pieces from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Leave the cooking liquid in the pot and turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté to allow the cooking liquid to simmer.
  • Turn on your oven broiler to HIGH. Shred the meat using forks, a knife, or shredding claws. Place the shredded pork on a sheet pan with foil. Pour some of the leftover liquid on top of the meat to keep it moist and broil until crispy and brown on top.

Notes

  • This makes a lot of shredded pork so I always freeze half for later, it freezes really well 
  • Add a little bit of the leftover cooking liquid to a bag/container for freezing to have when it thaws out.
  • Always read the instruction manual that comes with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 589kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.5g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 41.9g | Saturated Fat: 14.7g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 367mg | Potassium: 691mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 1.9g | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg

Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @EmilyFabulous_Blog or tag #emilyfabulous!
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Comments

  1. Pam says

    July 15, 2022 at 5:29 pm

    5 stars
    Yum!

    Reply
  2. Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

    September 02, 2020 at 9:05 am

    5 stars
    This This Instant Pot Carnitas is making me crave!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 02, 2020 at 5:43 pm

      I hope you get a chance to try it and if you LIKE it, I know it’s good...lol!

      Reply
  3. Michele peterson says

    September 01, 2020 at 11:00 pm

    5 stars
    Our new family fave dinner! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 02, 2020 at 5:25 pm

      You’re welcome, I’m glad the family enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  4. Leslie says

    September 01, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    5 stars
    I will happily try any variation of carnitas! Beer is a great ingredient!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 01, 2020 at 9:34 pm

      I totally agree!!

      Reply
  5. Lisa says

    September 01, 2020 at 11:58 am

    5 stars
    This was so yummy the whole family enjoyed it

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 01, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      Yay, that makes me so happy to hear!

      Reply
  6. Robyn says

    September 01, 2020 at 6:36 am

    5 stars
    These sound just incredible and will doubt become a firm family favourite!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 01, 2020 at 1:46 pm

      I hope so! Everyone in my family loves it.!

      Reply
  7. Emily Woodward says

    September 01, 2020 at 5:41 am

    5 stars
    I've tried a million pork carnitas before, but never with beer! Thanks for a new idea.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 01, 2020 at 1:46 pm

      I hope you enjoy this recipe and it becomes a new favorite!

      Reply
  8. Amy says

    August 31, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    5 stars
    Just ot myself an instant pot so I'm always looking for new recipes. Will be trying this for sure!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 01, 2020 at 3:08 am

      This is a great recipe for instant pot newbies, give it a try!

      Reply
  9. Chef Dennis says

    August 31, 2020 at 11:39 pm

    5 stars
    I love pork carnitas and your version looks ah-mazingly delicious! I can't wait to try your recipe in my kitchen!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 01, 2020 at 3:09 am

      Thanks Dennis, I hope you live this version too!

      Reply
  10. Capri Lilly says

    August 31, 2020 at 11:24 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for the tip of using a coffee grinder to crush your spices! I did that when making this recipe and it turned out great!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 01, 2020 at 3:10 am

      You’re welcome, I’m so glad it worked out for you!! You will find that grinding your own spices is so easy and makes everything better.

      Reply
  11. Alexandra says

    August 31, 2020 at 11:07 pm

    5 stars
    These are sure to become a family favourite - delicious!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 01, 2020 at 3:11 am

      That’s one of the things I live about this recipe...everyone loves it!

      Reply
  12. Taleen | Just As Tasty says

    August 31, 2020 at 7:34 pm

    5 stars
    I love carnitas, and love how easy this looks! Can't wait to make tacos with this recipe!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      September 01, 2020 at 3:12 am

      Carnitas tacos are the best, let me know how it goes!!

      Reply
5 from 20 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I'm Emily! I'm excited to share my passions, experiments, and fun with you. I love to cook, bake, create recipes, mix cocktails and try new things!

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