Go Back
+ servings
Print Recipe
4.89 from 9 votes

Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas

Instant Pot Carnitas are tender, crispy, and delicious, made in less than an hour in your electric pressure cooker! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 103kcal
Author: Eden Westbrook

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon lard or regular olive oil
  • 1 4-pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch chunks
  • 1 large yellow onion rough chop
  • 6 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup mojo criollo or ½ cup fresh orange juice and ½ cup lime juice

Instructions

  • Dump all ingredients, except the mojo criollo/orange and lime juice) into your Instant Pot. Stir together to cover all the meat in the spices, then pour in the mojo juice.
  • Make sure your sealing ring is in place (safety first!) on your lid. Lock the lid onto the Instant Pot and set steam release knob to 'sealing' position.
  • Press the 'manual' button' and set Instant Pot on high pressure for 30 minutes. Remember, it'll take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to full pressure, then the display will show your timer.
  • When the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes, then carefully turn steam release knob to 'venting' to remove any pressure before removing the lid.
  • Turn on oven broiler to High heat.
  • On a large baking sheet, shred the pork. Spoon a generous amount of the fat and liquid from the Instant Pot evenly over the pork. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the pork begins to brown and crisp up. Carefully remove from oven, spoon another generous amount of the fat and liquid from the Instant Pot, then toss well with tongs. Broil again for another 3-5 minutes to ensure all the pork gets some nice crispy bits.
  • Serve immediately.
  • Keeps in an air-tight container for 3 days or freeze in a freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to 3 months!

Notes

Recipe for mojo criollo here.
Serve with all your favorite toppings in tacos, burritos, burrito bowls etc.
Sides Suggestions:
Refried Beans
Corn Salsa
Fresh Restaurant Salsa
Guacamole
Queso Fresco
Cilantro

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 410mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g