Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas Recipe

Tender, juicy pork with irresistibly crisp edges—meet the Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas that will make every taco night a true celebration. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends alike. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get all the succulent flavor and fiery crunch of classic carnitas in a fraction of the time it usually takes, with minimal fuss and cleanup. Whether you’re piling them into tacos, topping off salads, or building over-the-top burritos, these carnitas are guaranteed to win hearts (and possibly start a new family tradition).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup is refreshingly straightforward—here’s a quick rundown of the star players and why they matter:

• Boneless Pork Roast: Opt for a lean cut with excess fat trimmed but enough marbling to stay juicy—you want rich flavor without greasiness.
• Fine Sea Salt & Freshly-Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and building a savory crust during searing.
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Prevents sticking during the initial sear and adds a layer of flavor.
• Mojo Sauce: The real secret weapon. This is a punchy blend of fresh citrus juices, garlic, beer (or chicken stock—totally up to you), cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, which infuses the pork with that signature tangy, herby backbone.
  • Beer or Chicken Stock: For depth and moisture. Beer brings a subtle maltiness; chicken stock keeps it clean and classic.
  • Fresh Orange & Lime Juice: All about that bright, citrusy lift.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds depth and that unmistakable aromatic kick.
  • Ground Cumin & Dried Oregano: Earthy, slightly smoky, and utterly essential for authentic flavor.
• Serving Essentials: Chopped fresh cilantro, diced onion (white or red), and your choice of salsa. Pineapple salsa is highly recommended for sweetness and zing.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible—don’t be afraid to make it your own:

• No Instant Pot?: Use a slow cooker—just cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until tender.
• Swap the Pork: Try beef chuck roast or chicken thighs if you’re craving a change.
• Mojo Remix: Amp up the garlic for a bolder flavor, or add a bit of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky vibe.
• Make It Spicy: Add extra jalapeño or a chipotle pepper in adobo to the mojo sauce.
• Toppings Galore: Go beyond the classic cilantro and onion—try pickled red onions, cotija cheese, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a fun twist.

How to Make Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas

Yes, it’s truly this easy. Here’s a simple play-by-play:

Step 1: Mix Up the Mojo Sauce

Combine beer (or stock), minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until everything is dancing together nicely.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Pork

Cut the pork into generous 2-inch chunks. Season all sides with salt and pepper—be generous! Heat the oil in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” setting, add half the pork, and brown every side. Repeat with the remaining pork. This quick step is vital for flavor and those golden edges.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Pour the mojo sauce into the Instant Pot over the browned pork. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes (this keeps the meat super tender).

Step 4: Shred and Crisp

Remove the lid, then shred the pork directly in the pot—it should fall apart effortlessly. Move the pork to a baking sheet with a slotted spoon, spooning over about a third of the flavorful juices. Broil for 4–5 minutes until the edges start to get crispy. Toss with more juices, broil again for maximum crispness, then give the carnitas a final toss with any remaining liquid.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Pile the carnitas into warm tortillas, sprinkle with cilantro and onion, and spoon on that fresh pineapple salsa, or add all your favorite toppings.

How to Serve

• Classic Tacos: Stuff warm corn or flour tortillas with carnitas, top with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Burritos & Bowls: Roll carnitas up with rice, beans, cheese, and veggies, or serve over a big bowl of your favorite grains.
• Salads: Top a hearty salad with carnitas and a spicy vinaigrette.
• Breakfast: Stir into scrambled eggs, layer on breakfast tostadas, or stuff into breakfast burritos.
• Pairings: Serve with Mexican street corn, refried beans, a simple green salad, or a citrusy slaw for perfect balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and are nearly as crispy and juicy as day one.

Freezing

Freeze carnitas in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Pop carnitas back under the broiler for a few minutes to bring back that irresistible crispiness, or reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of the reserved juices. The microwave works too, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas offer serious flavor and unbeatable ease, making them the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner or a festive feast. Once you’ve tasted the shimmering citrus notes and that glorious crunch, you’ll be looking for new excuses to serve them again and again. Ready to fall in love with your Instant Pot all over again? Go on—give these carnitas a try tonight, and let them steal the show at your table!

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