Instant Pot Carnitas

Made with only a handful of ingredients, this recipe for Instant Pot Carnitas results in tender, fall-apart pork that is bursting with flavor! 

Replicate the authentic flavor of Mexican Carnitas without all the work and added lard. These Instant Pot Carnitas may not be authentic, but they are just as delicious and incredibly easy to make.

Carnitas the Easy Way

According to Wikipedia, Carnitas are made by braising or simmering pork in oil or preferably lard until tender. 

You guys, I have been doing this carnitas thing all wrong! I do NOT simmer my pork roast in lard or oil!

But guess what? My recipe for Instant Pot Mexican Pork still tastes a LOT like traditional carnitas--tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Just minus the lard and the HOURS of work!

So while this recipe may not be traditional, it is easy and delicious--and everyone loves these Instant Pot Carnitas!

Key Ingredients

• Pork: This recipe for Instant Pot Carnitas can be made with either pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork loin. For the best flavor and results, I recommend using a Pork butt also known as a Boston Butt, as it is a tender roast that shreds easily. Pork Loin is a great substitute if you need the recipe to be lower in fat.
• Orange Juice: Use pulp-free 100% orange juice. The orange juice adds incredible flavor to the pork, don't omit it!
• Beer: Select a light and pale lager like Corona or Coors Light. Or omit the beer and use chicken stock instead.  

Step By Step Instructions

• Hit the saute function on the instant pot and add in 1 tablespoon oil of oil into the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
• Allow the pressure cooker to heat for 2-3 minutes, or until your Instant Pot reads Hot.
• While the instant pot is heating, cut the pork roast into 2-3 inch chunks.
• Once the pressure cook is heated, add the meat to the inner pot along with the salt, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
• Turn the Instant Pot off.

• Add in the beer and orange juice and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.

• Set cook time for 30 minutes on high pressure for pork loin and for 40 minutes for pork butt or pork shoulder. 
• After the cooking time has elapsed on the instant pot, let the pressure release naturally. This is an extremely important step if you want to achieve tender pressure cooker meat.
• Once pressure has released, open Instant Pot.
• To shred the pork, remove the pork chunks to a large mixing bowl, and shred with 2 forks, or a hand-held kitchen mixer. You can also shred in the instant pot, just be mindful of the hot liquid. 

How to Crisp up the Pork

To add a more authentic texture to the Instant Pot Carnitas, take a few minutes to crisp up the meat once it has been shredded.

• Turn your broiler on your oven to high.
• Spread the shredded pork loin on a large rimmed baking sheet, along with ½ cup of the cooking juices.
• Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the juice has begun to evaporate and the meat begins to brown.
• At this point, you can flip the meat, add an additional ½ cup cooking liquid, and repeat the process on the remaining side, or you can serve as is.

Ways to Serve Carnita Meat

Instant Pot Carnita Meat can be served in endless ways.

• Serve the shredded pork on homemade tortillas topped with avocado, and cabbage for simple pork tacos.
• Serve the carnitas meat over Instant Pot Baked Potatoes or Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes and then top with cheese for a Mexican-style stuffed potato.
• Use the pork in a Burrito Bowl, on served on top of Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice.
• Replace the chicken with the Instant Pot Carnitas in  Mexican Cobb Salad, or in the filling of Chicken Enchiladas.
• Instead of taco meat, top a Mexican Pizza with the shredded Mexican pork and bake as directed.
• I love making a simple slaw by mixing together  ¼ cup of sour cream and Greek yogurt together with the juice of 1 lime, a handful of chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir 3 cups of cabbage into the mixture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving with the shredded pork. 

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container for 4 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the leftover meat in 1-2 cup portions for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer-safe container. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving as desired.

More Instant Pot Pork Recipes

• Instant Pot Pork Chops
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork
• Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
• Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut

If you tried this recipe for Instant Pot Carnitas, I would love for you to leave a comment and rating below. 

This post was originally published in 2018 but was updated in 2021 with a new video and tips.