Crispy & Tender Air Fryer Carnitas: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal!

Carnitas, a beloved Mexican dish, are traditionally made by slow-cooking pork until it becomes tender, juicy, and perfectly shredded.

While the classic method involves simmering the pork in a pot or oven for hours, using an air fryer for carnitas offers a quicker, yet equally delicious alternative.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make crispy, tender carnitas in your air fryer, allowing you to enjoy the flavor-packed dish in a fraction of the time.

What Are Carnitas?

Carnitas, which translates to “little meats” in Spanish, are a type of pulled pork that originates from the state of Michoacán in Mexico.

The dish is typically made with pork shoulder, which is slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.

After cooking, the pork is shredded and often crisped up in hot oil or under a broiler.

The seasoning of carnitas is simple yet flavorful, with ingredients like garlic, onions, lime, cumin, and bay leaves adding depth to the rich pork flavor. Carnitas are commonly used as fillings for tacos, burritos, or served alongside rice and beans.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Carnitas?

Using an air fryer for carnitas offers several benefits, particularly for those who are short on time but still want to achieve that crispy, golden texture.

The air fryer circulates hot air around the meat, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender, similar to traditional carnitas, but in much less time.

The air fryer also allows you to reduce the amount of oil typically used in other methods, making the dish slightly lighter while still delivering all the flavor.

This method is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Carnitas

To make delicious air fryer carnitas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs Pork Shoulder (boneless, trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
• 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2-3 Bay Leaves
• 1 Lime (juiced)
• 1/2 cup Orange Juice
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth

These ingredients come together to create the savory, slightly tangy flavor profile typical of carnitas, with the orange juice and lime adding a burst of freshness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Carnitas

Follow these simple steps to make perfectly crispy and tender air fryer carnitas:

1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder

Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. While some fat is necessary for flavor and tenderness, too much can make the carnitas greasy. Cut the pork into large chunks, around 2-3 inch pieces, to ensure even cooking.

2. Season the Pork

In a large bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork chunks, making sure each piece is well-coated. The spices will provide a rich flavor base for the carnitas.

3. Add Liquid Ingredients

To enhance the flavor and keep the pork tender, pour the lime juice, orange juice, and chicken broth over the seasoned pork. The citrus adds brightness, while the broth helps to keep the meat moist during cooking.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the pork will cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

5. Cook the Pork

Place the seasoned pork chunks into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 25 minutes, then open the air fryer and flip the pork pieces. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes or until the pork is golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—aim for around 195°F (90°C) for perfect tenderness.

6. Shred the Pork

Once the pork is cooked and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any remaining fat or bone. The result will be juicy, flavorful pulled pork with crispy bits mixed in.

7. Crisp It Up (Optional)

For extra crispiness, return the shredded pork to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through. This step will give your carnitas that perfect crispy texture.

How to Serve Air Fryer Carnitas

Air fryer carnitas are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:

1. Tacos

Serve the crispy carnitas in soft corn or flour tortillas with your favorite toppings. Some great options include fresh cilantro, diced onions, salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

2. Burritos

Wrap the carnitas in a large flour tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, and any other fillings you like. Add sour cream and guacamole for extra creaminess.

3. Carnitas Bowls

For a lighter option, serve the carnitas over a bed of rice or lettuce, topped with fresh veggies, salsa, and a drizzle of crema or hot sauce.

4. Nachos

Layer the shredded carnitas over tortilla chips, then add cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole for a hearty and delicious nacho dish.

5. Sandwiches

Serve the carnitas on a bun for a flavorful pulled pork sandwich. You can add coleslaw or pickled jalapeños for some extra crunch and spice.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Carnitas

To ensure your air fryer carnitas turn out as flavorful and crispy as possible, consider these helpful tips:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Pork

While pork shoulder is the traditional choice for carnitas, you can also use pork butt. Both cuts are well-marbled and become tender when cooked low and slow. Ensure you trim excess fat but leave enough to keep the meat juicy.

2. Marinate the Pork

For extra flavor, you can marinate the pork overnight in the seasoning mix, citrus juices, and chicken broth. This will allow the flavors to infuse deeper into the meat for a more intense taste.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer

For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the pork in the air fryer basket. Cook the pork in batches if needed, giving each piece enough space for the air to circulate and cook evenly.

4. Rest the Pork Before Shredding

Let the cooked pork rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.

5. Add Extra Crispiness

If you prefer your carnitas extra crispy, return the shredded pork to the air fryer for a final crisp-up after shredding. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Conclusion

Making carnitas in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this flavorful Mexican dish without sacrificing taste or texture. By following the simple steps and tips provided, you’ll be able to create tender, juicy, and crispy carnitas in no time. Whether you serve them in tacos, burritos, or on a plate, air fryer carnitas are sure to become a go-to dish for any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen pork for carnitas?

Yes, you can use frozen pork for carnitas, but it’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook it from frozen, but it may take longer to reach the desired tenderness.

2. Can I make air fryer carnitas without citrus?

While citrus adds a distinct flavor to carnitas, you can omit it if you prefer. You can substitute with a splash of apple cider vinegar or leave it out entirely, but the flavor profile might be slightly different.

3. How do I store leftover carnitas?

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or on the stovetop for the best texture.

4. Can I use other meats for carnitas?

Yes, while pork is the traditional choice, you can also make carnitas with beef, chicken, or even turkey. The cooking time and seasonings may vary depending on the type of meat.

5. How can I make carnitas spicier?

If you like heat, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the seasoning mix. You can also drizzle the carnitas with hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.