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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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This makes a lot of shredded pork so I always freeze half for later, it freezes really well.
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Add a little bit of the leftover cooking liquid to a bag/container for freezing to have when it thaws out.
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Always read the instruction manual that comes with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.
Recipe FAQs
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Instant Pot Carnitas
Equipment
- small bowl
- baking sheet lined with foil
- fork, knife, or shredded claws to shred the meat
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
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Pam says
Yum!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This This Instant Pot Carnitas is making me crave!
Emily says
I hope you get a chance to try it and if you LIKE it, I know it’s good...lol!
Michele peterson says
Our new family fave dinner! Thanks!
Emily says
You’re welcome, I’m glad the family enjoyed it!!
Leslie says
I will happily try any variation of carnitas! Beer is a great ingredient!
Emily says
I totally agree!!
Lisa says
This was so yummy the whole family enjoyed it
Emily says
Yay, that makes me so happy to hear!
Robyn says
These sound just incredible and will doubt become a firm family favourite!
Emily says
I hope so! Everyone in my family loves it.!
Emily Woodward says
I've tried a million pork carnitas before, but never with beer! Thanks for a new idea.
Emily says
I hope you enjoy this recipe and it becomes a new favorite!
Amy says
Just ot myself an instant pot so I'm always looking for new recipes. Will be trying this for sure!
Emily says
This is a great recipe for instant pot newbies, give it a try!
Chef Dennis says
I love pork carnitas and your version looks ah-mazingly delicious! I can't wait to try your recipe in my kitchen!
Emily says
Thanks Dennis, I hope you live this version too!
Capri Lilly says
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!
Emily says
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.
Alexandra says
These are sure to become a family favourite - delicious!
Emily says
That’s one of the things I live about this recipe...everyone loves it!
Taleen | Just As Tasty says
I love carnitas, and love how easy this looks! Can't wait to make tacos with this recipe!
Emily says
Carnitas tacos are the best, let me know how it goes!!