Easy Pressure Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe

If you’re ready for a flavorful, versatile meal that takes very little prep to cook, try these Pressure Cooker Pork Carnitas. This recipe is easy to make gluten-free, feeds a crowd, and can be used for tacos, burritos, and nachos.

This juicy, tender pork cooks up quickly and is so easy to make in the pressure cooker. We love to serve this with street tacos, topped with cilantro and red onions. Then, pair it alongside restaurant-style salsa, and it’s probably my favorite meal!

What you’ll love about Pressure Cooker Pork Carnitas:

• Quick and Easy in the Pressure Cooker!
• Family Friendly
• Versatile to make a variety of ways!
• Freezer Friendly
• Restaurant Style

Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Pork Carnitas:

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt
• Olive Oil
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• White Onion 
• Garlic Clove
• Lemon
• Lime
• Chili Powder
• Crushed Oregano
• Cumin
• Jalapenos 
• Toppings – Corn Salsa, Corn Tortillas, Sour Cream, Cilantro, Shredded Cheese, Salsa

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Begin by brushing the pot of the pressure cooker with Olive Oil.
2. Cut the pork to fit; I did about 4 large pieces.
3. Set the Pressure Cooker to ‘saute’ on high and sear the meat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
4. Cancel or Clear the ‘saute’ function and change it to ‘pressure’.
5. Leave the meat in the pot after searing it.
6. Add 1/2 cup of water.
7. Top evenly with salt and pepper.
8. Evenly pour the diced onion over the pork.
9. Evenly crush the garlic over the pork.
10. Cut the lemon and lime in half and squeeze the juice from 1/2 of each over the pork.
11. Evenly add the chili powder, oregano, and cumin.
12. Place jalapenos right on top.
13. Use the pressure cooker lid and secure it in place, and move the nozzle to ‘seal’.
14. Cook using the pressure cooker function on high for 45 minutes.
15. Once the timer goes off, let it naturally release (do nothing) for 20 minutes.
16. After 20 minutes, set the nozzle to ‘vent’.
17. Carefully remove the lid and the pork.
18. Shred and serve on top of the corn tortillas with corn salsa and other toppings of your choice.

Tips for the BEST Pressure Cooker Pork Carnitas:

• Lemon and Lime are a MUST for flavor!
• Crisp it in the pressure cooker pot before cooking or in the skillet.
• Easy to freeze, store portions in a freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Serve a variety of ways, such as in rice bowls, street tacos, or even stuffed in baked potatoes.
• Use a pork shoulder or pork butt; these have the best amounts of fat to make the meat nice and juicy.

How to store leftover carnitas?

Once fully cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat for 1-2 minutes on a microwave-safe plate.

Leftovers can also be stored in a freezer-safe storage bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of broth or water on medium-high heat.

Pressure Cooker Pork Carnitas taste like they came straight from the restaurant and are full of tasty flavor. This is a great, easy meal that feeds the family plus even more. Freezing The leftovers is a great time-saving tip to have another meal a few months later.