Instant Pot Pork Carnitas (Paleo, Whole30)

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These instant pot pork carnitas are paleo and Whole30 compliant. They are tender and juicy and crispy in all the right places. The perfect addition to your weekday dinner lineup! Enjoy them in a burrito, atop a salad, or straight of the pan!

An overview shot of instant pot carnitas in tacos next to onions, limes, and sour cream on a wood backrgound

These Instant Pot Carnitas are one of our favorites! Prior to this recipe I would sear a pork butt and pressure cook with just chicken bone broth before splitting the pork to make half carnitas and half BBQ pulled pork. Still amazing, BUT a couple weeks ago I was trying to clean out our fridge of all the things that were nearly empty before our once a month costco trip and an delicious thing happened.

These carnitas are pressure cooked to perfection with a spicy, sweet, and tangy juice and then shredded and broiled to get the perfect golden crisp. Serve them however you please!

If you don’t have an instant pot no worries! Crock pot instructions are included below.

Ingredients Needed

4-5lb pork butt or shoulder - I love me some butcher box
Avocado Oil - This will be used for searing the pork. I prefer avocado oil because of it’s high smoke point.
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Coconut Aminos
Chicken Bone Broth or Chicken Broth
Fresh Limes - These will be used both for juicing and garnishing
Garlic
Cumin
Cayenne Pepper
Paprika
Salt & Pepper

An overview shot of pork next to seasonings for carnitas

An overview shot of pork carnitas on a pan topped with limes and cilantro

How to make pork carnitas

Combine paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
Remove any extra fat from pork and cut into approx 8 pieces, 2-3 inches wide. Pat them dry with a paper towel and rub the spice mix evenly over each piece of pork.
Set the instant pot to “saute” setting and add the oil. When hot, add the pork pieces and sear on each side. This will have to be done in two batches.
While the pork is searing, combine orange juice, coconut aminos, chicken bone broth, lime juice, garlic, cumin and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl.
When the pork has finished searing, remove it from the instant pot. Add the juice to the instant pot and using a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape off the brown bits on the bottom of the pot.
Turn off the instant pot, and add the pork back in with the juice. Set to “pressure cook” for 35 minutes and make sure the valve is in the sealed position.
Once finished, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing and removing the pork to shred (Do NOT discard juice).
Spread shredded pork evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle a ¼ cup of reserved juice over the pork and place in the oven to broil for 5 minutes - keep a close eye on it at this point as it can go from crisp to burnt quickly!
Remove, top with desired toppings and enjoy!

An overview shot of three plates of tortillas topped with carnitas next to onions, avocado, and limes on a wood background

Tips & Tricks

Can I make this recipe in the crockpot?

Yes! These carnitas can easily be made in a crock pot, you just have to plan ahead a bit more. Simply sear the meat (just as the directions state above) in a frying pan. Then add the pork and juice to the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours before shredding and broiling.

Do I have to sear the pork?

While you don’t technically have to sear meat prior to slow cooking or pressure cooking, I definitely wouldn’t skip this step! Searing allows the meat to caramelize and gives it a delicious, rich flavor! Intensified even more by broiling it. YUM!

How do I reheat carnitas?

This recipe makes a lot, which is great for leftovers and meal prep! I like to store these in an airtight container with a little bit of the reserved juice. This ensures that your carnitas don’t dry out when reheating… because who wants dry carnitas?!
Heat a little bit of oil in a pan and “fry” up your leftover carnitas (and juice) just until warm.

How should I serve carnitas?

Serve these guys however you’d like! To keep things whole 30 compliant, I usually like making a salad with them or a whole 30 complaint naked burrito bowl with cauliflower rice, some roasted bell pepper, and avacado. While my hubby likes to go all out with a loaded carnitas burrito and my kids eat them straight off the pan.