You, our wonderful readers, absolutely adored our Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe that we shared a while back. Its effortless preparation and incredible flavor made it a staple for many, yielding the most tender shredded pork for all your beloved Mexican-inspired dishes. We’ve heard your requests loud and clear for more pressure cooker and Instant Pot recipes, and we’re thrilled to deliver!

You are going to fall in love with how incredibly straightforward this Instant Pot Carnitas recipe is to prepare. It truly streamlines the process without compromising on taste or texture. This versatile shredded pork isn’t just for tacos; I personally use it in rice bowls, cheesy quesadillas, and savory enchiladas. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner in a flash.

Perhaps you’re wondering, “What exactly are carnitas?” Originating from Mexican cuisine, “carnitas” translates to “little meats.” Traditionally, they are made by simmering or braising pork in oil or lard until it’s incredibly tender, then often fried until crispy. Our modern twist uses the magic of the Instant Pot to achieve that succulent tenderness much faster, followed by a quick sauté or broil for the signature crispy edges. This recipe infuses the pork with the bright acidity of lime juice and a unique depth of flavor from beer – a delightful departure from traditional methods that you’re sure to enjoy!

If you’re a fan of flavorful pork dishes, don’t forget to explore our other fantastic pork recipes here. And for more Instant Pot inspiration, you might also enjoy our Instant Pot Turkey Chili, hearty Instant Pot Pork Chili, quick Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta, comforting Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, or this classic Instant Pot Beef Stew. Each one offers a delicious way to utilize your Instant Pot for incredible meals!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Creating mouth-watering, tender, and crispy Instant Pot Carnitas is simpler than you think. Follow these clear steps to achieve perfect results every time!

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine all the dry spice rub ingredients: brown sugar, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Mix them thoroughly until well combined. This blend is key to building a deep, complex flavor profile for your pork.

Next, generously sprinkle this aromatic spice mix evenly over both sides of your pork chops. Use your hands to gently rub and press the spices into the meat, ensuring that every surface is coated. This helps the flavors penetrate deeply during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Pork for Deep Flavor
Activate the Sauté-Normal function on your Instant Pot and allow it to heat up for about a minute. Add the olive oil to the inner pot. Once the oil is hot and shimmering (but not smoking), carefully add the seasoned pork chops. Cook them for approximately 2 minutes per side, developing a beautiful golden-brown sear. This crucial step creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction, locking in juices and adding depth to the carnitas. If you’re cooking more than two chops, sear them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the meat instead of searing it.

Step 3: Introduce the Liquids and Begin Pressure Cooking
After searing both sides of the pork chops, pour in the beer and fresh lime juice. These liquids will not only tenderize the meat but also contribute significantly to the overall flavor. Ensure any browned bits at the bottom of the pot are scraped up with a wooden spoon or spatula (this is called deglazing) as these bits hold a lot of flavor and prevent a “BURN” error.

Step 4: Pressure Cook Until Fork-Tender
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function (on older models) and set the cooking time to 10 minutes on High pressure. The Instant Pot will take about 5-10 minutes to come to pressure before the countdown begins.

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes. This is crucial for keeping the pork moist and tender. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to quick release any remaining pressure. Once the floating valve drops, it’s safe to carefully remove the lid.

Step 5: Shred the Perfectly Cooked Pork
Carefully remove the tender pork chops from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a sturdy cutting board. Using two forks, begin to shred the meat. It should be so tender that it practically falls apart with minimal effort. Discard any bones or large pieces of fat that haven’t rendered down.

Step 6: Achieve the Signature Crispy Carnitas Texture
This final step is what truly sets carnitas apart! Add the shredded pork back into the Instant Pot, along with some of the remaining cooking liquid (about ½ to 1 cup, depending on how moist you like it). Switch the Instant Pot back to the Sauté-Normal function. Cook the pork, stirring occasionally, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the liquid has almost completely evaporated and the edges of the pork begin to crisp up and turn golden brown. For an even crispier finish, you can also spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until deeply golden and crunchy.

Once your carnitas have reached your desired level of crispiness, they are ready to serve with your favorite garnishes and sides. Enjoy!

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Carnitas

One of the best things about Instant Pot Carnitas is their incredible versatility. While they’re a star on taco night, don’t limit yourself! Here are some fantastic ideas to make the most of your delicious shredded pork:

• Tacos: The classic choice! Load up corn tortillas, soft flour tortillas, or even crunchy hard shell tacos. Don’t forget your favorite toppings like fresh pico de gallo, crumbled cotija cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. For a lighter option, try lettuce wraps!
• Quesadillas: A guaranteed kid-pleaser and adult favorite! My kids absolutely adore quesadillas, and adding this flavorful pork carnitas makes them incredibly satisfying and packed with protein. Simply layer shredded pork with your favorite cheese (Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend works wonders) between two tortillas, then grill until golden and gooey.
• Rice Bowls / Burrito Bowls: Personally, I can’t get enough of a well-made burrito bowl. Start with a base of fluffy brown rice or Mexican rice, then pile on your carnitas, fresh salsa, thinly sliced jalapeños, creamy guacamole, black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a customizable and hearty meal!
• Burritos: If you prefer to wrap it all up, burritos are an excellent choice for using carnitas meat. Combine your shredded pork with rice, beans, cheese, and salsa in a large flour tortilla for a portable and satisfying meal.
• Nachos: Take your nacho game to the next level by adding this tender, crispy pork. Heap tortilla chips with carnitas, melted cheese, black beans, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho fixings. Check out these Beef Nachos for more inspiration on amazing topping combinations.
• Salads: For a lighter meal, add a generous scoop of warm carnitas to a fresh bed of greens with corn, black beans, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing.
• Sandwiches or Sliders: Pile carnitas onto a toasted bun with some coleslaw or pickled onions for a delicious pulled pork-style sandwich.
• Enchiladas: Roll the carnitas into corn or flour tortillas with cheese and your favorite enchilada sauce, then bake until bubbly.
• Breakfast Burritos: Mix carnitas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa for an incredible breakfast or brunch option.

Absolutely! If you enjoy a kick, you can easily adjust the heat. Consider adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the Instant Pot with the liquids before pressure cooking. For a smoky heat, a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce works wonders. You can also simply increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub. Serve with a spicy salsa or hot sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

While you technically don’t *have* to sear the pork, it is a highly recommended step that significantly enhances the flavor and color of your carnitas. Searing creates a delicious caramelized crust on the outside of the meat through the Maillard reaction, which adds a deep, savory complexity that you wouldn’t get otherwise. If you skip searing for time or convenience, your carnitas will still be tender and flavorful, but they might lack that extra layer of richness. You can still achieve a wonderful crispy texture by broiling the shredded pork after cooking, as described below.

Achieving that signature crispy texture is crucial for authentic carnitas! The primary method in this recipe is to add the shredded pork back into the Instant Pot with some of the cooking liquid and cook it on the Sauté-Normal function for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the edges crisp up. For an even crispier result, or if you’re making a larger batch, you can spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet or a casserole dish and broil it in the oven for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden brown and crunchy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Yes, absolutely! While pork chops work great for a quicker version, traditional carnitas are often made with pork shoulder (also known as pork butt). If using boneless pork shoulder, cut it into 2-3 inch chunks before seasoning and searing. For a 2-3 lb pork shoulder, pressure cook for 35-45 minutes with a 10-15 minute natural release. The cooking liquid might need to be adjusted slightly to ensure proper liquid levels in the Instant Pot.

Yes, carnitas are an excellent make-ahead meal! You can cook and shred the pork completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the pork in a skillet or under the broiler to get it nice and crispy again. Having cooked carnitas ready to go makes weeknight meals a breeze!