Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
meal prep | Instant Pot | Sheet Pan
Carnitas are one of those dishes that feel like they should take all day. Traditionally they do — slow simmered pork that turns tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful before getting those irresistible crispy edges.
But here’s the smart shortcut: the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting.
These Instant Pot Pork Carnitas start with boneless pork ribs seared right in the pot with spices, onions, garlic, and broth. After 45 minutes under high pressure, the pork is fall-apart tender. Then comes the magic: a quick blast under the broiler with peppers and onions to crisp up the edges and bring everything together.
The result? Juicy shredded pork with smoky flavor and crispy caramelized bits — exactly what great carnitas should be.
Why These Carnitas Work
This is one of those recipes that gives you multiple meals from one cook.
- Tender, juicy pork in under an hour
- Crispy edges from the broiler finish
- Naturally gluten free
- Perfect for tacos, bowls, or burritos
- Ideal for meal prep
- Big flavor with simple ingredients
How to Serve Pork Carnitas
Carnitas Rice Bowl
- Rice
- Pork Carnitas
- Cheese
- Hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro
Carnitas Tacos
- Corn Tortillas
- Pork Carnitas
- Onions
- Cilantro
- Lime
Carnitas Burritos
- Rice
- Beans
- Pork
- Cheese
- Salsa
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How the Carnitas Come Together
Step 1: Sear the Pork
Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to brown the pork ribs with spices, onions, and garlic. This step builds the flavor foundation.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Add broth and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes until the pork becomes incredibly tender.
Step 3: Shred the Pork
Remove the pork and shred it with forks. It should practically fall apart.
Step 4: Crisp Under the Broiler
Spread the shredded pork on a sheet pan with sliced peppers and onions. Broil about 10 minutes until crispy edges form.
Perfect for Meal Prep!
Carnitas are one of the best proteins for weekly meal prep.
- Store well in the fridge for 4 days
- Freezes perfectly
- Reheats quickly
- Works in multiple meals
Make a batch once and turn it into tacos, bowls, salads, or burritos throughout the week.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all of the products that I link and reccommend them because they are high quality products that I trust.
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Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8+ 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
These Instant Pot pork carnitas are juicy, tender, and finished under the broiler for crispy edges. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2+lbs. boneless pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 yellow onion, medium-large 1 inch dice - divided into 2 portions
- 1 cup chicken bone broth
- 2 bell peppers (assorted colors), large diced
- 1/2 cup queso, crumbled or grated
- garnish with limes and scallions and/or cilantro, finely chopped
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to saute on high for 15 minutes. Arrange the boneless ribs at the bottom of the pot – let brown for 15 minutes. Turn over for another 15 minutes. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, sea salt, garlic and 1/2 of the diced onion. Pour in the broth and put the cover on it.
- Change the heat to high pressure for 45 minutes. When the time is up, release the pressure slowly or let it release on it’s own.
- Arrange the bell peppers and remaining 1/2 chopped onion on a baking sheet tray (with sides). When the pork is cool enough to pick apart – remove the larger pieces of fat (discard) and place the pork on the baking sheet tray with the peppers and onions. Pour about 1 cup of the cooking liquid on top.
- Place in your oven on broil for 10+ minutes or until the pork is browned and crispy. Remove from the oven and garnish with queso, scallions and/or cilantro and lime. Enjoy it any way you like.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Hi, I'm Kat.
Thanks for being here.
Hi, I’m Kat — a Colorado-based Personal Chef and the heart behind White Sparrow Food Company. As a business owner, a soccer Mom to two daughters and always being asked “What’s for dinner?” – I get the challenges of everyday life.
Here, I share the same easy, wholesome, gluten free recipes I cook for my clients, made simple for real life at home. All recipes that YOU can make in your kitchen.
Take a look around, get inspired, and stay awhile — I’m so happy you’re here.
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