Easy Instant Pot Carnitas are a tender, juicy, and flavorful take on a traditional Mexican pulled pork dish. These carnitas are seasoned with warm spices, braised in a zesty citrus and beer-infused broth, and finished with a crispy texture. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or rice plates, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can also be made in a slow cooker or oven.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork:

2–3 pounds pork tenderloin, shoulder, or butt (trimmed and cut into large cubes)
1½ tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil

For the Spice Rub:

1½ teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Cooking Liquid:

1 onion, quartered
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cinnamon stick
12 ounces Mexican beer or chicken broth
1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2–2½ medium oranges)
⅓ cup fresh lime juice (from 2–3 small limes)

Directions

Marinate the Pork:
- Mix the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.
- Rub the spices onto the pork pieces and let them marinate for up to 2 hours (optional).
Sear the Pork:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, sear the pork pieces in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Pot:
- Add onions to the pot and sauté for 1–2 minutes, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with beer or broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom.
Cook the Carnitas:
- Return the pork to the pot and add the orange juice, lime juice, cinnamon stick, and oregano.
- Seal the lid, set the valve to the pressure position, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes (16–17 minutes for high altitude).
- Perform a quick release, then shred the pork with two forks.
Crisp the Carnitas:
- Preheat your oven to broil. Spread the shredded pork on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over the pork and broil for 7 minutes. Flip the pork and broil for an additional 5 minutes for extra crispiness.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 serving (out of 6 servings)
Calories: 492 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown:
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 483mg

These Instant Pot Carnitas are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday or meal prep. Pair with tortillas, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings for a restaurant-quality meal made right at home!

The Allure of Carnitas

Carnitas, which translates to “little meats” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish known for its slow-cooked, flavorful pork that’s tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. It’s a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, often enjoyed in tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or simply on its own with fresh tortillas and a squeeze of lime. The beauty of carnitas lies in its contrast of textures—the succulent interior and caramelized exterior—and its rich, savory flavor profile enhanced by aromatic spices and zesty citrus notes.

With the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same depth of flavor and perfect texture in a fraction of the time, making it a game-changer for home cooks.

Why the Instant Pot is Perfect for Carnitas

The Instant Pot is an excellent tool for making carnitas, combining the convenience of pressure cooking with the ability to lock in intense flavors. Here’s why it works so well:

Speed: Traditional carnitas can take hours to cook. The Instant Pot reduces the cooking time to just 15 minutes of high pressure, plus a quick broil for crispiness.
Flavor Concentration: The sealed environment of the Instant Pot ensures that the spices, citrus juices, and cooking liquid deeply penetrate the pork for bold, vibrant flavors.
Versatility: The “Sauté” function allows you to sear the meat directly in the pot, adding depth to the dish without needing extra pans.
Easy Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients That Make Carnitas Stand Out

The magic of carnitas lies in its carefully selected ingredients that work together to create a flavorful, aromatic dish:

Pork: Cuts like pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal for carnitas due to their marbling and fat content, which ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.
Spices: Cumin, oregano, and ground chipotle chile powder bring warmth, earthiness, and a hint of smokiness.
Citrus Juices: Fresh orange and lime juice add brightness and tang, balancing the richness of the pork.
Beer or Broth: Using a Mexican beer or chicken broth enhances the depth of flavor in the cooking liquid.
Cinnamon Stick: A subtle addition of cinnamon infuses the dish with a unique warmth and complexity.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The hallmark of authentic carnitas is the combination of tender meat and crispy edges. Here’s how to achieve that ideal texture:

Pressure Cook First: The Instant Pot ensures the pork is perfectly tender by cooking it under high pressure, breaking down the connective tissue in the meat.
Shred the Pork: Use two forks to pull the pork apart into bite-sized shreds while it’s still hot.
Broil for Crispiness: Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet, drizzle it with some of the cooking liquid for added flavor, and broil until the edges are golden and crispy. Flip the meat for even browning on all sides.

How to Serve Instant Pot Carnitas

Carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some popular serving ideas:

Tacos: Fill warm corn or flour tortillas with carnitas and top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
Burrito Bowls: Layer carnitas over rice, black beans, and your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, and pico de gallo.
Nachos: Use carnitas as a topping for tortilla chips, along with melted cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream.
Quesadillas: Stuff shredded pork and cheese into a tortilla, then cook until crispy for a delicious handheld snack.
Salads: Add carnitas to a bed of mixed greens, corn, tomatoes, and avocado for a hearty salad.
Side Dishes: Serve with traditional Mexican sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, or elote (grilled street corn).

Health Benefits of Instant Pot Carnitas

While carnitas are traditionally considered a rich dish, this recipe offers a healthier take by minimizing added fats and oils. Here are some of the nutritional highlights:

High in Protein: With 27 grams of protein per serving, carnitas are an excellent choice for muscle repair and overall satiety.
Low in Carbohydrates: This recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it suitable for keto or low-carb diets when paired with appropriate sides.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients like orange juice and lime juice provide vitamin C, while the pork offers essential nutrients like iron and zinc.

Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Carnitas

To ensure your carnitas turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

Trim Excess Fat: While some fat is necessary for flavor, removing large chunks of fat prevents the dish from becoming overly greasy.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: If you have the time, let the pork marinate in the spice rub for a few hours before cooking to deepen the flavor.
Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing the pork, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with the cooking liquid. These bits are packed with flavor.
Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling the shredded pork adds a crispy texture that is essential to authentic carnitas.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasoning after cooking to suit your preferences. A little extra salt or lime juice can brighten the flavors.

Why Instant Pot Carnitas Are a Crowd-Pleaser

Instant Pot Carnitas are perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a festive party. The dish is:

Scalable: The recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit the size of your group.
Customizable: Guests can assemble their own tacos or bowls, allowing everyone to tailor their meal to their tastes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Carnitas can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them an excellent option for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Conclusion

Easy Instant Pot Carnitas are a testament to how simple ingredients and modern cooking techniques can deliver incredible flavors. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine while offering a quick and convenient method to prepare it at home. Whether served in tacos, burritos, or rice bowls, these tender, juicy, and crispy carnitas are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try them today and experience the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and smoky flavors in every bite!