Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

Slow Cooker Carnitas are a Mexican classic made effortlessly by slow-cooking seasoned pork until tender, then crisping it for that perfect blend of juicy and crispy. Ideal for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads, this recipe is bursting with citrusy, spiced flavor and is a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set-it-and-forget-it ease using a slow cooker
• Incredibly tender and flavorful with crispy edges
• Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or meal prep
• Freezer-friendly and great for batch cooking
• Authentic flavor with minimal effort

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork shoulder (4–5 lbs), boneless, excess fat trimmed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 large onion, quartered
• ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

Directions

1. Season the pork
   Mix chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
2. Assemble in slow cooker
   Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Add garlic, onion, orange juice, and lime juice.
3. Slow cook
   Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily pulls apart.
4. Shred the pork
   Remove the pork and shred it with two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices.
5. Crisp (optional but recommended)
   Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet. Broil for 5–10 minutes, or until the edges are browned and crispy. Toss once halfway through for even crisping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo
• Beer-braised: Replace part of the citrus juice with Mexican beer
• Smoky: Add smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke
• Herby: Add bay leaves or fresh cilantro stems during cooking
• Sweet twist: Include a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical note

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet or oven until heated through, adding some of the reserved cooking juices for moisture

FAQs

Can I use pork butt instead of shoulder?

Yes, pork butt is also great for carnitas and offers the same tender, flavorful results.

Do I need to sear the pork before slow cooking?

Not necessary for flavor, but you can sear it first if you prefer deeper browning.

Is broiling essential?

Not required, but broiling adds the classic crispy carnitas texture that makes this dish shine.

Can I use an Instant Pot instead?

Yes. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with natural release for tender carnitas.

What should I serve with carnitas?

Tacos, rice, black beans, pickled onions, avocado, and lime wedges are all great options.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Carnitas taste even better the next day and are perfect for meal prep.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, if your slow cooker can accommodate the volume. You may need to increase cooking time slightly.

Can I use bottled citrus juice?

Fresh juice is recommended for best flavor, but bottled can be used if needed.

What’s the best cut of pork for carnitas?

Pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal due to their fat content and tenderness.

How do I keep the pork moist when reheating?

Reheat with some of the reserved juices to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Carnitas are a flavorful, fuss-free way to enjoy a beloved Mexican dish at home. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you get tender, juicy pork with deliciously crispy edges—perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or any meal that needs a bold, savory upgrade. A must-have recipe for any home cook.

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