Easy Crockpot Carnitas

Easy Crockpot Carnitas are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal—tender, juicy, and seasoned pork slow-cooked until it’s fall-apart delicious, then crisped to perfection for that signature carnitas texture. These Mexican-inspired pork carnitas are packed with flavor from citrus, garlic, and spices, making them perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or just eating straight out of the pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-tender pork with crispy, caramelized edges
• Hands-off slow cooker method—minimal prep, big flavor
• Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
• Freezer-friendly and endlessly versatile
• Perfect for tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, and more

ingredients

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

• Boneless pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed and cut into chunks
• Orange juice (fresh or bottled)
• Lime juice
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Onion, chopped
• Chicken broth
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Chili powder or smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Bay leaf
• Olive oil (for crisping after cooking)

directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the pork: Trim excess fat from the pork and cut into large chunks for even cooking.
2. Add to slow cooker: Place pork in the crockpot. Add orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, broth, and all seasonings. Stir slightly to combine.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
4. Shred the meat: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Discard bay leaf and large chunks of fat.
5. Crisp the carnitas (optional but recommended): Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add shredded pork in batches, pressing down slightly to crisp. Cook for a few minutes without stirring, then flip and crisp the other side. Spoon a bit of cooking liquid over the pork to keep it juicy.
6. Serve: Enjoy hot in tacos, burritos, rice bowls, salads, or with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 hours (low) or 5–6 hours (high)
Crisping time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: Up to 10 hours (mostly hands-off)

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add chipotle peppers in adobo or jalapeños for heat.
• Citrus swap: Use grapefruit juice or lemon juice for a different twist.
• Carnitas tacos: Serve in corn tortillas with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Add veggies: Serve with sautéed bell peppers or roasted sweet potatoes for added color and flavor.
• Use another cut: Pork loin can work in a pinch, but won’t be as rich or tender.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist and re-crisp the edges.
Freeze for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of pork for carnitas?

Pork shoulder or pork butt is best—it has the right amount of fat for tender, juicy carnitas.

Can I skip the crisping step?

Yes, but crisping adds amazing texture. If you’re short on time, the carnitas are still delicious without it.

Can I use a pressure cooker instead?

Yes—cook in the Instant Pot on high pressure for about 60 minutes with a natural release.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add heat with chili flakes, hot sauce, or spicy peppers.

Can I cook it overnight?

Yes! Cook on low overnight, then shred and crisp in the morning or before serving.

What toppings go well with carnitas tacos?

Diced onion, fresh cilantro, avocado, salsa, pickled red onions, or a squeeze of lime are all great.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely—make up to 3 days ahead and reheat in the skillet just before serving.

What sides go well with carnitas?

Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or chips and guac make perfect pairings.

Can I use beef or chicken instead?

You can! Use beef chuck or boneless chicken thighs, but adjust cook time accordingly.

What’s the best way to reheat for crispy edges?

Reheat in a hot skillet with a little oil and spoon some cooking liquid over the pork to rehydrate and crisp.

Conclusion

Easy Crockpot Carnitas are your ticket to stress-free, flavor-packed meals any day of the week. Whether you’re piling them high on tacos, stuffing them into burritos, or crisping them up for nachos, these juicy, citrusy pork bites deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Make a batch, enjoy the leftovers, and get ready to fall in love with your slow cooker all over again.

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