Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas Recipe

Carnitas is one of my favorite foods, but I rarely order it in a restaurant anymore because the version I make at home is so much better and so easy. This Instant Pot carnitas version is my new love! Some links in this post are affiliate links that earn me a commission if you purchase through them.

I love carnitas, only partly because it’s so versatile. When I make it, I generally end up picking at it straight from the tray because it tastes that good.

This makes the best tacos and burritos, and I often enjoy it over rice with just a little cilantro for something simple.

If I want to get fancier, I’ll make a carnitas burrito bowl with black beans, tomatoes, corn, cheese, and more. But it tastes plenty good just with a little warm rice.

I used to make carnitas in my crock pot, and that tastes great, too. My challenge is the time because I inevitably forget to start dinner “on time” in the crock pot. Eight hours and I aren’t the best of friends.

Fortunately, my Instant Pot saves me more nights than I can count, whether it’s making a quick chicken curry a perfect Wisconsin cheese soup or my son’s favorite mashed potatoes.

Instant Pot carnitas still takes some time, but it’s so much faster than the crock pot. By the time it finishes cooking, it’s beyond tender. I literally shred it with my meat claws (SUCH a fun tool!) just gently pushing the meat as it falls apart.

I choose to crisp it up in my oven because I love the texture of crispy carnitas, but feel free to skip that step if you enjoy yours less crispy. No matter what, you have that base flavor and oh so tender carnitas I hope you’ll love as much as we do!

This is a perfect dish to make for a crowd or to bring to a party, as it’s so allergy friendly. This Instant Pot carnitas recipe is gluten free and dairy free, as well as free of the Big 8 allergens. That’s always a win for me!

How to Make Instant Pot Carnitas

In a bowl, mix together the cumin, salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Mince your garlic, and set it aside.

Turn your Instant Pot to saute and let it heat up.

Trim your boneless pork roast to remove extra fat. Cut into three inch long sections against the grain. Rub all sections with the spices.

Add oil to your Instant Pot. Add two pieces of meat a time to sear the outsides. Let cook three to four minutes, then flip and repeat to create a good sear. Repeat with remaining meat chunks.

Turn off your Instant Pot and remove the meat. Pour chicken stock into the Instant Pot and use a flat wooden spoon to scrape up any crusty bits that stick after you sauteed the meat. Add minced garlic to the pot.

Return the meat to your Instant Pot. Squeeze your orange and limes into the pot and add the peels.

Close the Instant Pot lid, and set the vent to seal. Cook for 45 minutes and let it do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Carefully release any remaining steam and open the lid.

Remove the meat from the Instant Pot and place on a jelly roll pan. With the tongs you used to remove the meat, gently push on all the pieces as they fall apart to shred them.

Turn your oven to broil. Carefully pour a half cup or so of the remaining cooking liquid over your carnitas. Place the Instant Pot carnitas under your broiler for 3-4 minutes.

Remove and stir to bring the bottom pieces to the top. Repeat. Your carnitas should be beautifully crispy throughout after the second broil.

Serve immediately in tacos, over rice, in burritos, etc.

Have you ever made Instant Pot Carnitas? What’s your favorite recipe?

Need more great Instant Pot recipes? Check out some of my favorites:

• French onion soup
• Mashed potatoes
• Corn chowder
• Spanish rice (one of my most popular recipes!)
• Creamy chickpea tomato soup (with adaptation to make on stovetop)
• Easy peasy tomato soup
• Homemade chicken stock
• Updated (healthier) honey bourbon chicken
• Chicken curry
• Pulled pork
• Broccoli cheddar soup
• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Lentil Soup
• Risotto with peas and lemon

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