Air Fryer Carnitas
This Air Fryer Carnitas recipe offers a fast and flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy, and crispy pulled pork with minimal effort. By cooking pork shoulder in the air fryer, you can achieve the perfect texture in less time compared to traditional methods. Seasoned with a blend of spices, citrus, and broth, these carnitas are versatile and can be served in tacos, burritos, or bowls. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – 1 unit
- Sharp Knife – 1 unit (for trimming and cutting pork)
- Cutting Board: 1 unit
- Large Bowl – 1 unit (for mixing seasoning)
- Tongs or Forks – 1 pair (for flipping and shredding the pork)
- Meat Thermometer (optional) – 1 unit (for checking internal temperature)
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs Pork Shoulder boneless, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2-3 Bay Leaves
- 1 Lime juiced
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into 2-3 inch chunks.
- Season the Pork: In a large bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mix onto the pork chunks, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Add Liquids: Pour lime juice, orange juice, and chicken broth over the seasoned pork, stirring to combine.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pork: Place the seasoned pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 25 minutes. Flip the pork pieces halfway through and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat.
- Crisp it Up (Optional): If you want extra crispiness, return the shredded pork to the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve: Serve your air fryer carnitas in tacos, burritos, bowls, or on nachos.
Notes
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the pork in the seasoning and liquids overnight in the fridge for a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the carnitas for up to 3 months.
- Crispiness: To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer and flip the meat halfway through the cooking process.
- Serving Suggestions: These carnitas are great in tacos with fresh cilantro, onion, salsa, and a squeeze of lime or in burritos with beans and rice.