Spicy Air-Fried Pork Carnitas
Spicy Air-Fried Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
For the Pork Carnitas
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, boneless, skinless, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
For Serving (Optional)
- 8 corn tortillas, warmed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 4 lime wedges
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder cubes with the orange juice, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure all pork pieces are evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes.
⏱️ 15 min
- 2
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, if desired, to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 2 min•🌡️ 375
- 3
Add the marinated pork to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the pork in batches. Reserve any remaining marinade.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Air fry for 15 minutes, then flip the pork pieces and continue to air fry for another 10 minutes. The pork should be starting to brown.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 375
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved marinade (if any) and the chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the pork in the air fryer basket. This will help keep the pork moist and tender.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Continue to air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork, and the edges are crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
⏱️ 15 min•🌡️ 375
- 7
Remove the pork from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately with warm corn tortillas and your favorite toppings like diced red onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa verde.
⏱️ 8 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Spicy Air-Fried Pork Carnitas
Ingredients
For the Pork Carnitas
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, boneless, skinless, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
For Serving (Optional)
- 8 corn tortillas, warmed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 4 lime wedges
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder cubes with the orange juice, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure all pork pieces are evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes.
⏱️ 15 min - 2
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, if desired, to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 2 min•🌡️ 375 - 3
Add the marinated pork to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the pork in batches. Reserve any remaining marinade.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Air fry for 15 minutes, then flip the pork pieces and continue to air fry for another 10 minutes. The pork should be starting to brown.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 375 - 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved marinade (if any) and the chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the pork in the air fryer basket. This will help keep the pork moist and tender.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Continue to air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork, and the edges are crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
⏱️ 15 min•🌡️ 375 - 7
Remove the pork from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately with warm corn tortillas and your favorite toppings like diced red onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa verde.
⏱️ 8 min