Air Fryer Pork Carnitas

Air Fryer Pork Carnitas — If you have been looking for a perfect way to cook carnitas or something new for dinner, look no further than this delicious recipe!  

Perfectly roasted pork bursting with flavor and served with your favorite toppings makes for a fantastic dinner that the whole family will love

What Are Pork Carnitas?

Pork carnitas are a popular Mexican dish made from braised or slow-cooked pork traditionally seasoned with various spices, herbs, and citrus flavors. The name “carnitas” translates to “little meats” in Spanish, and it refers to small pieces or shreds of tender, succulent pork that is typically served as a filling for tacos, burritos, or tortas (sandwiches).

Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt is often used due to its marbling and tenderness to make pork carnitas. The meat is seasoned with garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and orange juice, which impart a rich and savory flavor. It is then slow-cooked until the pork becomes tender and develops crispy, caramelized edges.

Pork carnitas are incredibly versatile and can be customized with various toppings and condiments, including salsa, guacamole, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. They are a beloved part of Mexican cuisine and a favorite choice for street tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

Air Fryer Pork Carnitas Recipe

​Prepare for a culinary journey south of the border with our mouthwatering Air Fryer Pork Carnitas recipe. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll show you how to transform ordinary pork into a fiesta of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly tender and crispy carnitas that are perfect for filling tacos and burritos or savoring on their own. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!

This classic Mexican dish makes for a fantastic dinner for Taco Tuesday or busy weeknights! If you have not made this recipe in the pressure cooker, try my perfect Instant Pot Carnitas meat recipe.

Ingredients You Will Need To Make Air Fryer Pork Carnitas

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make flavorful Air Fryer Pork Carnitas: succulent pork shoulder, aromatic garlic cloves, zesty orange juice, earthy ground cumin, fragrant dried oregano, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the rich, savory flavors.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.​

• Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, provides the foundation for this dish, delivering tender and succulent meat perfect for shredding. You can also use boneless pork butt or pork loin.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves add a delightful aroma and savory depth of flavor to the carnitas.
• Orange Juice: Zesty orange juice serves as a bright and citrusy marinade, infusing the pork with a tangy and refreshing twist.
• Ground Cumin: Ground cumin contributes an earthy and warm spice to the marinade, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
• Dried Oregano: Fragrant dried oregano complements the flavors with its herbal notes, adding depth to the seasoning mix.
• Bay Leaves: Bay leaves lend their unique aroma and a subtle hint of woodsy flavor to the marinade, imparting a distinct taste to the carnitas.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: A pinch of salt and pepper is used to season the meat and marinade, balancing and enhancing the savory and citrusy elements.

These ingredients create the perfect combination of Air Fryer Pork Carnitas flavors, resulting in tender, flavorful, and crisped-to-perfection carnitas.

How To Make Air Fryer Pork Carnitas

With a few simple steps, you can make this crispy carnitas recipe. 

Marinate the Pork:

In a large bowl, place pork shoulder chunks, minced garlic, orange juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Mix everything well to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the marinade.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pork for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, for the best flavor.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Air Fry The Pork

Place the marinated pork pieces in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.

Cook the pork in batches if needed. Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and set the cook time for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the pork pieces halfway through.

Cook until the pork is well-browned, crispy on the edges, and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Shred the Carnitas

Once the pork is cooked, please remove it from the air fryer and rest for a few minutes.

Using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces. You can also crisp up some of the shreds by returning them to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes if desired.

Serving

Serve the Air Fryer Pork Carnitas in warm tortillas as tacos, taco salad, in burritos, or as a topping for nachos.

Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped onions, cilantro, salsa, guacamole, or lime wedges.

Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Pork Carnitas with all the delicious flavors and crispy textures you crave. It’s a delightful Mexican-inspired dish made with the convenience of your air fryer!

​Pro Tips For Air Fryer Carnitas

To ensure your Air Fryer Pork Carnitas turn out perfectly every time, consider these pro tips:

• Choose the Right Cut: Opt for pork shoulder or pork butt for the best results. These well-marbled cuts provide the tenderness and flavor that make carnitas exceptional.
• Marinate Longer: While marinating for at least an hour is good, marinating the pork overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in more flavorful carnitas.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers a robust and vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged garlic.
• Sear for Extra Flavor: If your air fryer has a sear or sauté function, brown the marinated pork briefly before air frying. Add a teaspoon of olive oil; this step enhances the flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure the pork is in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing for proper airflow. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Shake or Turn: During the air frying process, shake the basket or turn the pork pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Crisp to Perfection: To achieve the crispy edges characteristic of carnitas, you can return the shredded pork to the air fryer for a few minutes after shredding. This step is optional but adds extra texture.
• Use Corn Tortillas: Authentic carnitas are often served with corn tortillas, which provide a delicious contrast to the tender pork. Warm them up before serving.
• Customize Toppings: Customize your Air Fryer Pork Carnitas with your favorite toppings, such as diced onions, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, garlic powder, fresh cilantro, salsa, or a squeeze of lime, to add extra flavor and freshness.
• Double Batch: If you have a large air fryer, make a double batch of carnitas and freeze the extras for quick and convenient later meals.

Following these pro tips, you’ll master the art of making Air Fryer Pork Carnitas that are flavorful, tender, and crispy, just like those in your favorite Mexican restaurant.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving suggestions for your Air Fryer Pork Carnitas to create a delicious and complete meal:

• Tacos: Serve the carnitas as taco fillings in warm, soft corn tortillas. Top with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add a dollop of salsa or a spicy hot sauce for extra flavor.
• Burritos/Burrito Bowls: Create hearty burritos by wrapping the carnitas in large flour tortillas and rice, black beans, shredded cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Roll them up and serve with extra salsa.
• Tortas: Make traditional Mexican tortas by placing the carnitas on a crusty roll or bolillo. Add refried beans, sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, and tomato for a satisfying sandwich.
• Nachos: Create a crowd-pleasing plate of nachos by layering crispy tortilla chips with shredded carnitas, melted cheese, jalapeño slices, and diced tomatoes. Bake until the cheese is bubbly, then top with guacamole and sour cream.
• Rice Bowls: Serve the carnitas over a cooked white or cilantro-lime rice bed. Top with black beans, roasted corn, salsa, and a sprinkle of queso fresco or shredded cheddar.
• Salads: Add carnitas to a crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
• Quesadillas: Create quesadillas by placing carnitas and shredded cheese between two flour tortillas. Warm the tortilla in the air fryer.
• Pulled Pork Sandwich: Add your meat for a delicious carnitas sandwich.
• Enchiladas: Make flavorful enchiladas by rolling the carnitas in corn tortillas, placing them in a baking dish, and covering them with enchilada sauce and shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly and garnish with cilantro.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Serve your carnitas alongside grilled Mexican street corn. Slather corn on the cob with mayonnaise, sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese and add a pinch of chili powder.
• Sides: Offer traditional Mexican sides like refried beans, Spanish or Mexican rice, or a refreshing coleslaw to complement the rich flavors of the carnitas.

Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions to create various delicious meals with your Air Fryer Pork Carnitas. Enjoy the flavorful journey of Mexican cuisine!

Can I use a different cut of pork for carnitas?

While pork shoulder or pork butt is the traditional choice due to its tenderness and flavor, you can experiment with other cuts. Just be aware that leaner cuts may have slightly different textures and flavors.

Can I use store-bought marinade for convenience?

Yes, you can use store-bought marinade if you’re short on time. However, making your marinade allows for more customization and fresher flavors.

Can I cook the pork from frozen in the air fryer?

Cooking frozen pork in the air fryer is not recommended, as it may not cook evenly. Thaw the pork thoroughly in the refrigerator before marinating and air frying.

How do I prevent the pork from drying out in the air fryer?

Marinating the pork and avoiding overcooking is critical. Be sure to monitor the internal temperature of the pork to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C), as overcooking can lead to dryness.

Can I make Air Fryer Pork Carnitas in advance and reheat them?

Yes, you can make them in advance and reheat them in the air fryer or microwave. Reheat until they are hot and slightly crispy for the best results.

What sides go well with pork carnitas?*

Traditional sides include rice, black beans, guacamole, salsa, and tortillas. You can also serve them with Mexican-inspired sides like Mexican street corn (elote) or a fresh salad.

​How to store leftover carnitas

Let the carnitas cool to room temperature, and then place them into an air container. The pork chunks will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. 

Can I freeze leftover carnitas?

Yes, you can freeze leftover carnitas in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw and reheat them in the air fryer or oven when you can enjoy them again.

Can I make smaller or larger batches of Air Fryer Pork Carnitas?

Yes, you can adjust the batch size based on your needs. Just ensure the pork is in a single layer in the air fryer basket and adjust cooking times accordingly.

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