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A sheet pan with shredded Instant Pot Carnitas meat surrounded by tortillas, cilantro, limes, red onions, and cojita cheese.
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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Carnitas {Tender + Crispy}

This Instant Pot Carnitas meat is so tender - crisp it up with a few minutes under the broiler. Serve in tacos, burritos, or meal prep bowls!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: carnitas, instant pot carnitas
Servings: 8
Calories: 267kcal
Author: Taylor Stinson

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 4 lbs pork shoulder
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp dried coriander
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 large limes)
  • 1 cup Coca-Cola
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  • Turn the Instant Pot on to saute mode and add the oil. When the oil is heated and shimmering, add the pork shoulder. Brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set aside.
  • Add in a little more oil if the Instant Pot has gone dry. Pour in the garlic and jalapeno. Cook until fragrant and slightly softened, about 1 minute.
  • Add the cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, and cinnamon and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Turn off the Instant Pot.
  • Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and Coca-Cola. Deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden cooking utensil.
  • Place the bay leaves and pork into the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. After the 60 minutes is up, allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes. Open the vent to release any excess pressure.
  • Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred with two forks on a baking sheet.
  • Optional step: Preheat the broiler to high. Pour 1⁄4 cup of the liquid in the Instant Pot over the shredded pork and broil for 4-5 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned.

Notes

If your pork is too large to fit into your Instant Pot, you can cut it into 2-4 smaller chunks and brown in batches.
Store-bought orange juice or lime juice can be substituted for fresh, preferably with no added sugars.
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days then reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400° F.
Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight glass container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge then reheat in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 691mg | Potassium: 562mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 3mg