This easy crispy slow cooker carnitas recipe brings the taste of Mexico right to your kitchen! Tender pork is seasoned perfectly and slow-cooked until it’s bursting with flavor.
What I love most is that you can crisp it up at the end for that delicious crunchy texture. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or just munching on by itself. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is ideal for carnitas as it’s tender and flavorful. If you can’t find pork shoulder, try using pork loin or even chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor. If oranges are not available, you can substitute it with pineapple juice for a different sweet note.
Onion and Garlic: These two add vital depth to the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, use shallots instead of onion, or reduce garlic if you’re not a fan.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional but feel free to use flour tortillas if you like them better, especially for soft tacos.
How to Get the Perfect Crispy Texture?
The key to achieving that crispy texture for your carnitas starts with the broiling step. After slow-cooking, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and make sure it’s in a thin layer. This helps it crisp up evenly without steaming.
- Set your oven broiler to high and keep an eye on the pork to prevent burning. You want that golden brown on the edges.
- Don’t skip the tossing step! This ensures that every bite gets a chance to crisp up.
- Broil in batches if necessary; overcrowding on the baking sheet can lead to uneven browning.
Easy Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
- Toppings: diced white onion, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy slow cooker carnitas recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time and 8-10 hours of cooking on low (or 4-5 hours on high). After cooking, make sure to broil the pork for about 10-12 minutes to get that crispy texture. Total time including prep and cooking is approximately 8-10 hours, but it mostly cooks hands-off, letting you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, oregano, and cumin. Rub this seasoning all over the pork chunks to ensure they’re well coated and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned pork pieces into the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, chicken broth, and bay leaves. This mixture is what makes the pork so tender and packed with flavor!
3. Slow Cook the Pork:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork should be very tender and easily shred with a fork when it’s done.
4. Shred the Pork:
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat, making sure to discard any excess fat and the bay leaves.
5. Broil for Crispiness:
Preheat your oven broiler to high. Spread the shredded pork in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil it for 5-7 minutes until the edges turn crispy and browned. Watch it closely to prevent burning! Toss the pork lightly and broil for another 3-5 minutes for extra crispiness if you like.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the pork is broiling, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. This makes them soft and ready to fill!
7. Assemble Your Tacos:
Fill each warm tortilla with a generous amount of the crispy carnitas. Add toppings like diced onion, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tacos immediately and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of your homemade crispy carnitas!
This easy method gives you succulent, flavorful pulled pork with a delightful crispy finish, perfect for any tacos or Mexican-inspired dishes you crave!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with pork loin or even chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly with different cuts.
Is There a Way to Make This Spicier?
Yes! You can add sliced jalapeños or even chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy kick. If you like it really hot, consider adding some cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the carnitas a day or two in advance, then just reheat and crisp them up under the broiler before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
