15 Best Instant Pot Carnitas

What should I make for dinner tonight? This might just be the number one question that we ask ourselves almost daily over here.

Then you have come to the right place, we have rounded up 15 best instant pot carnitas that we have shared over the years.

Plus, there is such a variety of flavours in these recipes, so you are sure to find something for you. Most of these recipes are quick and easy ones made especially for busy weeknights.

15 Best Instant Pot Carnitas

Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas

1 hr

Boneless pork roast, pineapple salsa, mojo sauce, fresh orange juice, avocado oil

4.8246

Gimme Some Oven

The BEST Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

1 hr 20 min

Pork shoulder, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, white corn tortillas, red pepper flakes

4.2464

Platings + Pairings

Instant Pot Carnitas

1 hr 30 min

Boston butt, brown rice, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, queso fresco

4.912

Well Plated by Erin

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

1 hr 35 min

Boneless pork shoulder, fresh orange juice, corn tortillas, mexican beer, olive oil

5.059

Lemon Blossoms

Instant Pot Carnitas

1 hr 45 min

Pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chili powder

5.07

Kristine’s Kitchen

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Electric pressure cooker, boston butt, corn tortillas, black pepper, morton kosher

4.6119

Bon Appetit

Instant Pot Carnitas

1 hr 50 min

Boneless pork shoulder, sour cream, orange juice, hot sauce, pickled red onion

4.717

Delish.com

Instant Pot Carnitas (Crispy Mexican Pulled Pork)

1 hr 25 min

Pork shoulder, soy sauce, corn tortillas, pico de gallo, lime

5.0135

Amy + Jacky

Carnitas – Pressure Cooker

1 hr 35 min

Pork butt roast, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, black pepper

4.9398

Allrecipes

Best Pork Carnitas

1 hr 50 min

Pork shoulder, orange juice, corn tortillas, avocado, lime

5.031

Instant Pot Recipes

Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas

1 hr 10 min

Lb pork shoulder, fresh orange juice, chicken broth, avocado oil, lime juice

4.415

What Molly Made

Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe

1 hr 45 min

Pound pork shoulder, orange, mexican beer, lime, bay leaves

5.06

Little Sunny Kitchen

Instant Pot Mexican Pulled Pork

2 hr 15 min

Pulled pork, boneless pork shoulder, pineapple juice, brown sugar, spice rub

5.013

Simply Recipes

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

2 hr 15 min

Lb pork shoulder, orange juice, jalapeno, lime juice, garlic

4.624

– The Bettered Blondie

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

1 hr 10 min

Pork shoulder roast, dry rub, fresh orange juice, chili, chicken broth

4.573

Momma Lew

11 Related Question Answers About Best Instant Pot Carnitas

What setting should Instant Pot be on for carnitas?

To Make The Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas:

Click the “Sauté” setting on the Instant Pot. Add the oil, followed by half of the pork, and sear — turning every 45-60 seconds or so — until the pork is browned on all sides.

How long does it take to make carnitas in the Instant Pot?

Add the pork, then pour in the remaining broth and the orange juice mixture. Turn the pork pieces to combine the ingredients and coat the pork evenly on all sides. Close and seal the Instant Pot. Cook on HIGH pressure for 45 minutes.

Can you overcook carnitas in Instant Pot?

If you just bought a new instant pot, these tender pork carnitas are an easy recipe to start off with. You really cannot overcook pork, it just becomes easier to shred.

What is the best meat to use for carnitas?

Is pork shoulder the same as pork butt?

Pork butt is a cut of meat that comes from the shoulder of the pig and has a high fat content, while pork shoulder also comes from the shoulder but has more muscle.

What does carnitas translate to in English?

Carnitas — which means “little meats” in Spanish — is a Mexican pork dish. An inexpensive, heavily marbled cut of pork, such as boneless Boston butt, pork shoulder or picnic ham, is braised or simmered for several hours with seasonings and lard until it is so tender that is can be shredded.

Can you use pork shoulder picnic for carnitas?

Pork shoulder (also called “picnic shoulder” or “picnic roast” in the US) is the most common meat to use for carnitas. It is typically well-marbled with fat and often includes some good surface fat as well.

Are carnitas healthy?

Skip the chorizo, fried fish, and carnitas (fried pork or beef), which are higher in unhealthy saturated fat.

What do you serve with carnitas?

To Serve Carnitas

Include bowls of shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo and shredded cheese. Pork carnitas are savory and filling, so look for side dishes that are fresh, light, and somewhat acidic or sweet.

Can pork sirloin roast be used for Carnitas?

Easy Carnitas Recipe FAQ

What is this? It’s also one of the most inexpensive cuts, making it a budget-friendly option for many families. I personally like to use a boneless sirloin roast – it’s not as fatty as the shoulder, but it’s not as lean as tenderloin. It has just the right balance of texture and flavor!

How do you heat Trader Joe’s Carnitas?

Since these Carnitas are already fully cooked, you can technically take them right out of the package and serve them, but who wants cold pork? So, as instructed, I removed them from the package and placed them in a microwave safe dish to heat them for about 2 minutes in total.