Victor Hugo Padilla Jimenez

How do you make Carnitas in a slow cooker or instant pot for convenience?

Making Carnitas in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: The Easy Way

Craving delicious, tender carnitas but short on time? We've got you covered! Whether you’re juggling a busy day or just don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, using a slow cooker or Instant Pot will make preparing carnitas a breeze. Imagine pulling apart tender, juicy pork with minimal effort—sounds too good to be true, right? It’s possible, and we’ll show you how!

The Magic of the Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are a busy cook’s best friend, and they’re perfect for making carnitas! Simply throw your pork into the pot, add seasonings, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Low and slow, the meat becomes incredibly tender, falling apart with just a fork. Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully, leaving you with a mouthwatering meal without much fuss.

Why Instant Pot Is Your Quick Solution

If you don’t have hours to wait but still want those melt-in-your-mouth carnitas, the Instant Pot is here to save the day. In less than an hour, you can get the same tender, flavorful results as the slow cooker—but in a fraction of the time. With the pressure cooking method, your pork gets cooked quickly while still soaking up all the amazing spices and flavors you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3-4 pounds of pork shoulder or butt
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange, juiced
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Slow Cooker Method

To make carnitas in the slow cooker, place your pork in the pot and season generously with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the garlic, onion, and the juice of one orange. Pour in the chicken broth, then cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Once done, shred the meat with two forks, and voilà! You have delicious carnitas ready to serve!

Instant Pot Method

For the Instant Pot, start by searing the pork on all sides using the sauté function to lock in those juicy flavors. Add the garlic, onion, seasonings, orange juice, and chicken broth. Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. After shredding the meat, you can even crisp it up in the Instant Pot by using the sauté function for an extra layer of flavor!

Serving Your Carnitas

Now that you’ve got your tender carnitas, it’s time to enjoy them! Serve them in soft tortillas with toppings like salsa, cilantro, and lime for a perfect taco. Or, make a flavorful carnitas bowl with rice, beans, and guacamole. The possibilities are endless!

Why You’ll Love These Methods

Both methods allow you to enjoy the comforting flavors of carnitas without spending all day cooking. Whether you're in a hurry or looking for something to simmer all day long, using a slow cooker or Instant Pot will give you the convenience you crave with the taste you deserve.