Easy Pork Carnitas

Introduction

Easy Pork Carnitas deliver irresistibly juicy, tender, and crisp-edged pork right from your kitchen—without the need for a day spent over the stove. Thanks to simple prep and straightforward technique, this is the weeknight taco filling or crowd-pleasing party dish that’s as approachable as it is flavorful.

Perfect for busy home cooks, this version focuses on classic, citrus-kissed flavors with a satisfyingly crispy finish. Make it once and it’ll become your go-to for taco nights, burrito bowls, and nachos.

Why These Easy Pork Carnitas Stand Out

The beauty of these carnitas lies in their balance of melt-in-your-mouth pork and perfectly caramelized crispy bits. The spice blend, fresh citrus, and no-fuss braising ensure robust flavor in every bite. Versatile and meal-prep friendly, the leftovers reheat beautifully, making your week ahead more delicious.

The Essential Prep for Tender Carnitas

Start with a well-trimmed pork shoulder—its marbling ensures the rich, succulent texture carnitas are famous for. For easy, uniform onion and pepper dicing, reach for the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. This tool saves considerable time and guarantees even cooking of your aromatic base.

When zesting and juicing limes and oranges, use a fine grater or juicer to extract maximum flavor and acidity; this not only seasons the meat, but also helps break it down into shreds as it cooks.

Crisping Your Carnitas—the Secret Step

After the pork is fall-apart tender, the secret to unforgettable carnitas is the crisping step. While a traditional method uses a skillet, utilizing the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 allows you to achieve authentically crisp edges in minutes, with less mess and fat. Simply spread shredded pork in the air fryer basket—optionally lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup—and air fry until just golden.

Serving & Storing Your Pork Carnitas

Pile your crisped carnitas into warm tortillas, over fluffy rice, or atop crisp greens. Shred the pork in seconds with a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for perfectly even texture—ideal for taco fillings or burrito bowls.

To keep leftovers fresh and easy to grab for quick meals, portion into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers and refrigerate. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 8 hearty servings, each offering approximately 300–350 calories, depending on portion size and serving style. Enjoy as a protein-packed centerpiece or as part of a balanced taco spread.

Easy Pork Carnitas (Recap)

With its deeply savory, citrus-forward flavor and iconic crispy edges, these easy pork carnitas will win everyone over—whether tucked in a tortilla or served atop a salad. The hands-off cooking and batch potential make it a reliable, delicious choice for busy families and meal preppers alike.

Instructions

1. Prep your vegetables using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for fast, even dicing. Place pork, onion, garlic, and jalapeño in a large slow-cooker or Instant Pot.
2. Add lime and orange juice, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chicken broth. Stir to coat pork evenly.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours (or use Instant Pot Duo: 60 minutes on manual pressure, natural release for 15 minutes) until pork is fork tender.
4. Shred the pork directly in the pot using the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist or two forks; mix into its juices.
5. For crispy carnitas, transfer shredded pork to the basket of the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, using a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup. Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through, until edges are browned and crispy.
6. Serve hot, garnished with diced onions, cilantro, extra lime wedges, and salsa in tacos, burritos, or bowls.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4–8 hours (slow cooker/pressure cooker method) + 8 minutes crisping

Total Time: Just over 5 hours (slow cooker method, or as little as 1.5 hours with pressure cooking and air fryer finish)