This is one of my favorite recipes, who doesn’t love this Carnitas Burrito Bowl recipe, which is inspired by Chipotle, but now you can make it at your house, perfect for meal prep, and cooked perfectly in your air fryer! Amazingly easy, and truly tasty!
Serve with my recipe for homemade air fryer salsa or air fryer queso, this will soon be the hit at your next meal!
This is one of my favorite recipes for meal prepping, and as the fall approaches, this is one recipe to keep in your back pocket. My college aged son, Jason, meal preps this on Sunday and he can get 1-2 meals out of it (depending on how hungry he is!) and he saves a lot of money!
Serve with your favorite toppings, add some Homemade Chipotle Corn Salsa , and serve with a plate of smoking hot Mexican Rice, for a perfect air fryer meal!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Meal Prep: Perfect for meal prep, whether for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe has you covered.
- Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, perfect for using what’s on sale or what’s in season!
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: Those picky eaters can create their own creation!
- Fast & Easy! What’s better!
Ingredients Needed
- Pork Shoulder: Perfect for a meaty base of the burrito bowl.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavor of the pork.
- Black Pepper: For some added heat.
- Oregano: Perfect to bring out the Mexican flavors of the pork.
- Ground Cumin: A perfect warm and smoky spice for enhancing the pork’s flavor.
- Garlic: Perfect for the garlic lovers!
- Onion: Adds a depth of flavor
- Jalapeno: Adds a spicy kick to your dish.
- Orange Juice and Lime Juice: Perfect for marinating.
- Serving: Serve with rice, shredded lettuce, beans, cheese, vegetables, Pico de Gallo or guacamole.
How To Make Carnitas Burrito Bowls
Step One: In a large mixing bowl, add the pork bites, with the salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, minced garlic, diced onions and diced jalapenos. Mix well, and then slowly pour the lime and orange juice in the mixture, cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
Step Two: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F, or 190 degrees C, preheating with give you a nice crust on the meat.
Step Three: Place the marinated meat in the air fryer basket in a single layer, set the cook time for 20-25 minutes. About halfway during the cooking process, flip the meat, remove when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
How To Assemble A Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Base: Place a layer of Instant Pot Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe on the bottom of the burrito bowl, then add your shredded lettuce on top.
Toppings: Add the shredded or cubed carnitas, on top of the lettuce, add your tomatoes, vegetables, black beans and any of your favorite toppings. Add on your Chipotle Corn Salsa, homemade guacamole, air fryer salsa verde, or air fryer salsa.
Carnitas Burrito Bowl Recipe Tips
- For the Best Carnitas Burrito Bowl use Instant Pot Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe, Air Fryer Mexican Rice, or even Air Fryer Fried Cauliflower Rice, as they all make great options.
- Meat: Use either leftover carnitas or freshly cooked carnitas you can always reheat the meat before assembling the bowls.
- Toppings: Use lettuce, corn guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or even lime juice.
- Meal Prep: For best results store the elements of the burrito bowl in separate containers.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- Storing: Let the meat cool to room temperature, and then place into an air tight container. Placed in the refrigerator, the meat will last for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the room temperature carnitas, to a freezer bag, or freezer safe container. Place into your freezer and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheating in the microwave or a small skillet.
Carnitas Burrito Bowl Recipe Faqs
Can I make this bowl ahead of time! Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep, let the meat cool to room temperature, before storing, and place into an air tight container. This meat will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can I use a different meat besides pork? Yes, you can use shredded chicken, shredded beef barbacoa, or even diced steak or tofu, they all make amazing substitutes.
What kind of rice works best? Use cilantro lime rice, Spanish Rice or even brown rice for a healthier option For a low-carb or keto friendly option, use cauliflower rice.
How spicy is this recipe? It’s a mild flavor, or even more spice, use more jalapenos, or add a couple of dashes or hot sauce into the marinade.
More Easy Chipotle Copycat Recipes
Chipotle Corn Salsa Copycat Recipe
Instant Pot Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
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Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Description
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 teaspoons salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Toppings: Rice, shredded lettuce, black beans, Pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded cheese, etc.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the pork bites, with the salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, minced garlic, diced onions and diced jalapenos. Mix well, and then slowly pour the lime and orange juice in the mixture, cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F, or 190 degrees C, preheating with give you a nice crust on the meat.
- Place the marinated meat in the air fryer basket in a single layer, set the cook time for 20-25 minutes. About halfway during the cooking process, flip the meat, remove when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
- Place a layer of Instant Pot Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe on the bottom of the burrito bowl, then add your shredded lettuce on top.
- Add the shredded or cubed carnitas, on top of the lettuce, add your tomatoes, vegetables, black beans and any of your favorite toppings. Add on your Chipotle Corn Salsa, homemade guacamole, air fryer salsa verde, or air fryer salsa.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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