5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas

Introduction

Boldly seasoned, irresistibly tender, and unbelievably easy—these 5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas deliver all the rich flavors of a slow-cooked classic in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish shines with its effortless prep and consistently juicy results.

Praised for their versatility and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Instant Pot carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads. Elevate your weeknight dinners or party spreads with a meal that’s sure to impress every time.

Why 5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas Stand Out

Classic carnitas are slow-braised for hours, but with the Instant Pot, you get deep flavor and succulence in under an hour—an instant crowd-pleaser. Each bite bursts with notes of orange, cumin, and garlic, balanced by crispy, caramelized edges. The authenticity and convenience make this recipe a go-to for busy cooks and flavor seekers alike.

Essential Carnitas Prep

For perfectly bite-sized pork pieces and a tidy prep, a reliable chopper saves time and effort. Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for dicing onions and prepping aromatics. Trim your pork shoulder easily on a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board for the best results. Gather your masa, stock, and zesty citrus—fresh orange and lime bring brightness to balance the rich pork.

Instant Pot Cooking and Crisping

An Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is the heart of this recipe, turning tougher cuts of pork shoulder into fork-tender morsels in under an hour. After pressure cooking, use a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for effortless, even shredding.

To achieve signature crispy edges, finish your shredded pork in batches in a hot skillet. While a cast iron pan is traditional, a reliable SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet delivers perfect browning with less sticking.

Serving Carnitas Like a Pro

Serve carnitas family-style with warm tortillas, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. For a lighter twist, pile the carnitas atop a crisp salad in a Bentgo Salad Container for easy meal-prep lunches.

Complete the experience with your favorite salsas, avocado, and a refreshing drink in a Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Instant Pot Carnitas recipe serves 8 generous portions. Each serving (without toppings or tortillas) contains approximately 325 calories, 20g fat, 28g protein, and 2g sugar. These carnitas are naturally gluten-free and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

5-Star Rated Instant Pot Carnitas (Recap)

Quick, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy, these Instant Pot Carnitas win rave reviews for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and versatility. With minimal prep and unbeatable results every time, this is the recipe you’ll reach for on busy nights and festive weekends alike.

Instructions

1. On a Bamboo Cutting Board, trim and cube the pork. Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Place pork, onion, garlic, salt, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and pepper in the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker insert. Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
3. Lock the lid, ensure the steam release valve is set to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then vent the remaining steam and open carefully with an oven mitt.
4. Transfer the pork to a large bowl and shred using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist or two forks. Skim extra fat from the juices then add 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid back to the pork for moisture and flavor.
5. For crispy edges, heat a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over high heat. Working in batches, add shredded pork and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until browned and crisp. Serve immediately with your chosen toppings.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes (plus pressure release)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes