Easy 30-Minute Instant Pot Carnitas
Real talk: it’s 5:30 PM. The kids are hovering in the kitchen, someone is crying over long division, and the chicken you meant to defrost is still a solid block of ice. I’ve been there approximately 4,000 times. On nights like this, when you need Instant Pot Carnitas, the goal isn’t a three-course meal; it’s getting everyone fed without losing your sanity.
That is exactly why these 30-minute Instant Pot Carnitas exist. Traditionally, carnitas are a “weekend project”—we’re talking hours of slow-simmering in lard. But we’ve got soccer practice at 6:00 PM, so we’re using my favorite family friendly instant pot recipes to get those quick weeknight pork tacos on the table in the time it takes to fold a load of laundry.
The “Micro-Cube” Secret for 30 Minute Carnitas
The real magic here is in how we prep the meat. Traditional recipes call for big chunks of pork, which take forever to break down. By cutting the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes, we increase the surface area. This allows the high pressure and the acidity of the citrus to tenderize the meat in just 15 minutes. It’s the ultimate busy parent’s secret weapon.
My Sunday Secret for Pork Carnitas Meal Prep
If you want to make Tuesday Lily very happy, do a little pork carnitas meal prep on Sunday night. I like to cube the pork and toss it in the dry rub, then store it in a gallon-sized freezer bag. When Tuesday rolls around, it’s a “dump and go” situation. No raw meat on the counters during the 5 PM rush? That’s a massive win in my book.
The “Crisp-it” Finish
While the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting of making the meat tender, the oven broiler is what makes it carnitas. Don’t skip the 5 minutes under the broiler! It gives you those iconic crispy, caramelized edges that everyone fights over for the best carnitas experience. I use a slotted spoon to move the meat to the tray so it stays crispy rather than soggy.
The Picky-Eater Strategy: Easy Mexican Dinner for Kids
My middle child would live on plain pasta if I let her. But she actually asks for thirds of this pork. Why? Because we serve it Taco Bar Style. This really is the perfect easy Mexican dinner for kids.
I put the crispy pork in the middle of the table with bowls of:
- Mild shredded cheese
- Sour cream (or “white dip” as my kids call it)
- Store-bought mild salsa
- Simple avocado slices
When kids feel like they have control over what goes into their taco, they are much more likely to actually eat it.
Lily’s Tip: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this pork is incredible the next morning tossed into some scrambled eggs or served over a bag of tortilla chips for an “Emergency Nacho Night.”
Remember, perfect is the enemy of fed. If the tortillas are cold and you’re eating standing up, but everyone’s tummy is full? You won the day.
Easy 30-Minute Instant Pot Carnitas
Ingredients
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss the pork cubes with the spice rub until evenly coated.
Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' and add the olive oil. Brown the pork in two batches (don't crowd the pot!) for about 2 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set aside.
Pour the orange juice and lime juice into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious brown bits from the bottom (this prevents the 'Burn' notice!).
Add the pork back into the pot with any accumulated juices. Lock the lid.
Set to 'Manual/High Pressure' for 15 minutes. While that cooks, preheat your oven broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil.
When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release for the remaining steam.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to your prepared baking sheet. Shred it slightly with two forks, then spread it out in a single layer.
Drizzle about 1/4 cup of the liquid from the pot over the meat. Broil for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.
Serve immediately with tortillas and your favorite toppings.