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Try this authentic Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe for a meal that is so tasty while being very easy to prepare. From tacos and burritos to salads and more, this crispy pork will be delicious however you decide to serve it.

Shredded Pork Carnitas on a plate with fresh lime on the side
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This pork is cooked to perfection. It is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside for an amazing dinner idea. The house smelled amazing from the pork carnitas slow cooking all day. This is the best meal!

Made the slow cooker pork carnitas and the cilantro lime rice last night. It was delicious!! Not sure if I’m going to make pulled pork sandwiches or enchiladas with the leftovers but I love having choices for a 2nd meal. Thanks for your great recipes!

-Debra J

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Crockpot Pork Carnitas is a delicious blend of seasoning then added to pork shoulder and then slow cooked all day. The pork is then shredded and baked to get a crispy texture. If you want a faster version, try Instant Pot Pork Carnitas.

We love to serve pork carnitas crock pot on tortillas and the entire family goes crazy over these tacos.  Grab some from the store or make the Best Flour Tortilla Recipe. This shredded pork perfect for a weeknight meal and even better to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed - pork shoulder, onion, garlic, oregano, chili powder, cumin, pepper, salt, limes, orange juice

Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.

How to Make Pork Carnitas in a Slow Cooker

Seasoned pork shoulder on a plate

Step 1 – Combine Seasoning – In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, chili powder, cumin, black pepper and salt.  Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the season mixture on all sides of the pork. 

Placing the pork shoulder in the slow cooker topped with chopped onions

Step 2 – Place pork in Crock Pot – Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a crock pot. Add in the remaining ingredients.  Cover and cook or low or high. Shred the pork.

Shredded cooked pork on a baking sheet lined with foil

Step 3 – Place shredded pork on baking sheet – Place the pork on a foil covered baking sheet.

Shredded pork on a baking sheet topped with fresh lime

Step 4 – Broil Shredded Pork – Broil for 5-6 minutes or until the pork begins to brown and gets crispy. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy! 

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A plate of shredded, crispy slow cooker pork carnitas garnished with chopped cilantro, served with lime wedges on the side.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

5 from 34 votes
Try authentic Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe for a meal that is tasty and easy. From tacos and burritos to salads and more, this pork is sure to impress.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine Mexican
Course Main Course
Calories 322
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, chili powder, cumin, black pepper and salt.  Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the season mixture on all sides of the pork.  
  • Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a crock pot. Add in the diced onions, minced garlic and the juice from the limes and oranges.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is easy to shred. Shred the pork.
  • Preheat the broiler.
  • Place the pork on a foil covered baking sheet.
  • Broil for 5-6 minutes or until the pork begins to brown and gets crispy.
  • Serve immediately while warm and enjoy! 

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  
You can use a pork butt instead of a pork shoulder in this recipe if you prefer.  

Recipe Tips

  • Squeeze Fresh Lime – I use this to squeeze my limes.  It makes it so easy and we use it for lots of recipes. We use it for all sorts of recipes and it save a ton of time. We love fresh lime juice so it gets lots of use.
  • Boil Meat – To get that crispy edges on the meal, we like to broil the meat. You can also pan fry the meat to create a crispy texture.
  • Use Different Seasoning – For added flavor, mix in some onion powder or garlic powder. Feel free to add in vegetables for added flavor. Bell Peppers are a great addition to these pork.
  • Change the Meat – You can use pork or chicken with this recipe. Pork and Chicken shred very easily and can be also be used in many different ways.
  • Instant Pot – You can make Pork Carnitas in the instant pot if you prefer. Using the instant pot has been a game changer for my family.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 322kcal, Carbohydrates 9g, Protein 52g, Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0.03g, Cholesterol 136mg, Sodium 722mg, Potassium 997mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 397IU, Vitamin C 24mg, Calcium 59mg, Iron 3mg

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How to Serve Pork Carnitas

The ideas are endless with this delicious shredded pork. I love that the kids think they are eating a new meal when really it is the same shredded pork. I actually hope we have leftovers so I can turn this meat into more wonderful meals.

These are favorite ways to use this Shredded Beef:

  • Tacos – Serve on tortillas and with your favorite taco toppings. I like to get the small tortilla to make street tacos. If you use tortillas, they are extra tasty pan fried to get them crispy and delicious.
  • Taco Salad – Make a taco salad with your favorite topping to create a low carb option.
  • Burrito – Add some refried beans and shredded pork for a delicious burrito.
  • Enchilada – Roll the shredded pork up in a flour or corn tortilla and place in a baking dish. Then top with cheese and enchilada sauce to create a delicious enchilada.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

This fall apart tender pulled pork is delicious served as it is or with some sides. I like serving with rice and beans the first night and then with leftovers turn them into burritos.

  • Easy Spanish Rice Recipe  – This spanish rice recipe is one of my favorites. It is easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether we serve the pork by itself or in burritos, I always like making this side.
  • Delicious Cilantro Lime Rice  – The combination of the Cilantro and Lime adds so much flavor to white rice. We love adding it to our burrito bowls or as a side to our favorite taco recipe.
  • Crock Pot Refried Beans – Make homemade refried beans is so easy, thanks to this easy recipe. Save time and money and make your refried beans in the slow cooker.

We also love to set out different topping such as sour cream, onion, tomato, guacamole and more.

Pork Carnitas Tacos

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Shred Pork

Once the pork has slow cooked all day, it should be ready to be shredded. If you are going to shred with forks, remove from the slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder on a plate and shred with two forks.
My favorite way to shred pork is with a hand held mixer. I simple shred the pork in the crock pot and then you can remove it from the slow cooker to broil.

How do I get Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas?

If you are wondering how you will get that crispiness on the outside, it is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Once the meat is ready, shred it and put under the broiler for just a few minutes. The pork will get brown and crispy and be perfect.
Another way to create a crispy texture is to pan fry the shredded pork. Place the pork in a skillet and pan fry until golden. Make sure to add in some juices from the slow cooker as it adds flavor and locks in moisture.

How to Store Leftovers

Place your leftover pork carnitas in a air tight container in the fridge. If stored properly these leftovers will last about 3-5 days. If you like to meal prep for the week, make this pork carnitas to use it many different ways throughout the week.

How to Freeze

Freezing your leftover Pork Carnitas is easy to do. If you like to meal plan like I do, I like to double the batch and freeze the ingredients in a freezer bag. Once the pork has cooled to room temperature, place in a freezer safe container.
Make sure to freeze the leftover beef with the juices. When you are ready to thaw and reheat, place in the slow cooker again.
You can also freeze the seasoning with my uncooked beef. This way you can take the freezer bag and place in the slow cooker when I am ready to prepare. Makes for a quick recipe to prepare in the morning.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie Barnard — a professional food blogger with over 14 years of experience helping busy families make dinner fast, easy, and affordable.

At Eating on a Dime, I share simple, budget-friendly recipes that are tested in my own kitchen and approved by my 8 kids. With millions of readers each month, I’m here to help you cook real food for real families — without the stress.

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5 from 34 votes (33 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Lynne says:

    When do you add the orange juice?

    Reply
    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      Add the orange juice and lime juice over the pork in the crock pot before cooking.

      Reply
  2. Debra Jeffery says:

    Made the slow cooker pork carnitas and the cilantro lime rice last night. It was delicious!! Not sure if I’m going to make pulled pork sandwiches or enchiladas with the leftovers but I love having choices for a 2nd meal. Thanks for your great recipes!

    Reply
    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      I’m so glad you liked it! Yes both of those will be amazing for leftovers.

      Reply
  3. Holly says:

    Can you make this using a 4lb pork loin instead? Would the cooking time change? Thanks

    Reply
    1. Carrie says:

      Yes you can use a 4 lb pork loin and the cooking time would be the same. Thank you.

      Reply
  4. Darrell says:

    5 stars
    Hey . Carrie , Would like to see if you can pork broth & stock see what you can come up with. Your recipes are great every one says there sooooo good have tried pretty much allof them yum . Thanks , Darrell

    Reply