Nothing beats the rich aroma of slowvcooked pork, infused with citrus and a blend of warm spices. This Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe transforms a simple cut of pork into tender, juicy shreds with irresistibly crispy edges just like the carnitas you’d find at an authentic Mexican taqueria.
Whether you’re piling it into warm tortillas, serving it over rice, or enjoying it straight from the pan, this dish delivers bold, mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these carnitas will elevate your taco nights with restaurant quality taste right from your own kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt (trimmed of fat and cut into chunks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
Directions:
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Season the pork chunks with salt and pepper. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a slow cooker.
- Prepare the Base: Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and jalapeño (if using) to the slow cooker, surrounding the pork.
- Add Liquids & Spices: Pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice over the pork. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir gently.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork tender.
- Shred & Crisp: Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet, drizzle with some cooking juices, and broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy carnitas to a serving dish and drizzle with more cooking juices. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 2068 kcal (per batch) | Servings: 8
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas: A Flavorful and Effortless Mexican Classic
Mexican cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors, bold spices, and slow cooked meats that create unforgettable dining experiences. One such dish that stands out is Carnitas, a tender, juicy, and crispy pork dish traditionally cooked for hours to achieve its signature texture and taste.
If you’re looking for an easy, foolproof way to enjoy authentic Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas, this recipe offers the perfect balance of convenience and traditional flavor. Using a slow cooker, the pork is infused with fragrant spices and citrus juices, making it incredibly tender. A quick broil at the end ensures that you get those irresistibly crispy edges, just like the ones served in Mexican taquerias.
Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner, hosting a taco party, or meal prepping for the week, slow cooker carnitas are a versatile and satisfying option that will leave everyone wanting more.
What Are Carnitas?
Carnitas, which translates to “little meats” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the state of Michoacán. The dish consists of slow-cooked pork, typically made using pork shoulder or pork butt, cooked in its own fat until it becomes tender and easy to shred. Traditionally, carnitas are cooked in lard in large copper pots, allowing the meat to develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior while remaining juicy inside.
While the authentic method involves frying in lard, many home cooks prefer healthier and more convenient cooking methods, such as slow cooking and oven broiling. This alternative method preserves the rich flavors while reducing excess oil, making it a great option for modern kitchens.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Carnitas?
The slow cooker is one of the best ways to prepare carnitas because it allows the pork to cook low and slow, breaking down the tough fibers and infusing the meat with deep, aromatic flavors. Unlike stovetop or oven cooking, a slow cooker requires minimal attention, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
Here’s why using a slow cooker for carnitas is a game changer:
- Effortless Cooking: Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
- Enhanced Flavor: The extended cooking time allows the pork to absorb the flavors of garlic, onions, citrus juices, and spices, creating a deliciously well seasoned dish.
- Tender and Juicy Texture: The gentle heat ensures that the pork remains incredibly tender, making it easy to shred.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Slow cooker carnitas can be made in large batches, stored in the fridge or freezer, and reheated for future meals.
The final step broiling the shredded pork in the oven mimics the traditional frying method, giving the carnitas their signature crispy edges. This step is essential for achieving the authentic texture that makes carnitas so irresistible.
The Secret to Flavorful Carnitas
The beauty of carnitas lies in their deep, rich flavors that come from the combination of spices, citrus juices, and slow-cooked pork fat. To achieve restaurant quality carnitas at home, consider these key factors:
1. Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
For the juiciest carnitas, opt for pork shoulder (also called pork butt). This cut has a perfect balance of fat and lean meat, ensuring that the carnitas stay moist and tender throughout the slow cooking process. Leaner cuts like pork loin or tenderloin may dry out, so they are not recommended for this dish.
2. Using Fresh Citrus Juices
One of the defining flavors of carnitas is the bright, zesty notes from fresh orange and lime juice. The acidity of the citrus juices helps tenderize the pork while adding a subtle sweetness and tangy depth. Freshly squeezed juice is always best, as it has a more vibrant and natural taste compared to bottled alternatives.
3. Balancing the Spice Blend
Carnitas are seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and bay leaves. These spices create a bold and earthy profile that enhances the natural richness of the pork. Generously seasoning the meat is essential to achieving that deep, layered flavor.
4. Achieving the Perfect Crispy Texture
While slow cooking makes the pork tender, the final broiling step is what sets crispy carnitas apart. Once the pork is shredded, spreading it onto a baking sheet and broiling it for a few minutes creates those deliciously crispy, golden-brown edges that mimic the traditional frying method. Adding a drizzle of the reserved cooking juices before broiling ensures that the meat stays moist while crisping up beautifully.
How to Serve Carnitas
One of the best things about carnitas is their versatility. Whether you’re serving them in tacos, burritos, nachos, or rice bowls, they add a rich, savory element to any meal. Here are some classic serving ideas:
1. Traditional Street-Style Tacos
The most popular way to enjoy carnitas is in warm corn tortillas with simple toppings such as:
- Diced onions and fresh cilantro for a fresh, herby contrast
- Sliced avocado or guacamole for creaminess
- Pico de gallo or salsa verde for a tangy kick
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors
2. Carnitas Burrito or Burrito Bowl
For a heartier meal, wrap the carnitas in a flour tortilla with:
- Rice and beans
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Grilled peppers and onions
Alternatively, skip the tortilla and serve everything in a bowl for a low-carb option.
3. Loaded Carnitas Nachos
Layer crispy tortilla chips with carnitas, melted cheese, jalapeños, black beans, and sour cream for the ultimate party snack.
4. Carnitas Quesadilla
Sandwich the shredded pork between two tortillas with melted cheese, then grill until golden and crispy. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
5. Mexican-Inspired Breakfast
Use carnitas as a topping for chilaquiles, breakfast tacos, or a hearty plate of scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes.
Storing and Reheating Carnitas
One of the best things about slow cooker carnitas is that they store well and can be easily reheated. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place shredded carnitas in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of the reserved cooking juices to keep them moist. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas offer the perfect combination of rich, slow-cooked tenderness and crispy, caramelized edges. This recipe simplifies the process, using a slow cooker to develop deep flavors before finishing with a quick broil for an authentic texture. Whether served in tacos, burritos, or nachos, these carnitas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
By using fresh citrus juices, a balanced spice blend, and the right cut of pork, you can recreate restaurant-quality carnitas with minimal effort. Plus, their versatility makes them perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or festive gatherings.
So, the next time you’re craving Mexican flavors, give these Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas a try you won’t be disappointed!