Air Fryer Pork Carnitas — Are you looking for an easy and delicious weeknight meal? Look no further than air fryer pork carnitas! This dish is quick and easy to make, and it’s sure to please your whole family. Plus, the pork carnitas is healthy and nutritious, so you can feel good about serving them up for dinner. Don’t miss out on this tasty dish – give air fryer pork carnitas a try today!

Is there anything better than a big dish of Pork Carnitas? This classic Mexican dish is made with pork shoulder that is slowly cooked until it is super tender. The best part is the crispy, caramelized bits left on the pan – they are seriously delicious! If you love Pork Carnitas, you need to try this easy recipe – your family will thank you!
What are Carnitas?
Carnitas are a Mexican dish made of pork shoulder that is slow-cooked until tender and falls apart. The meat is shredded and often served with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole. Carnitas can be made in various ways but are usually cooked in lard or bacon fat. They are a popular dish in Mexico and can be found at taquerias.
Today, I made an elementary Air Fryer version, and they were so good! My kids loved them, and I loved that they were done in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pork Carnitas

- Boneless Pork Chops
- Taco Seasoning
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Kosher Salat
- Cooking Spray
- Toppings
How To Make Air Fryer Pork Carnitas

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Mix spices and rub on both sides of your pork chops.
Place pork chops into the fryer basket and cook on the air fry, setting at 380F for 15 minutes. Turn pork chops over and cook for another 15 minutes at 380F.
Remove and shred pork. Serve over warmed tortillas with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Pro Tips:
Taco Seasoning: You can use either homemade or store-bought taco seasoning.
Clean-Up: Looking to eliminate some clean-up time, use a piece of parchment paper or line your basket with silicone air fryer liners. Both help with cleanup!
Flipping: Depending on the air fryer, you may need to flip the pork halfway during the cooking process
Healthier version: if you want to use leaner meat, you can use pork loin, chicken breast, or even turkey breasts. Another great cut of meat to use is a pork butt. The cooking time will increase the thicker the meat is, so remember to use a meat thermometer.
How To Serve Pork Carnitas
Are you looking for an easy, delicious way to serve pork carnitas? Look no further! This recipe is simple to follow and results in tender, flavorful carnitas perfect for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Plus, it’s affordable and a great way to use up leftovers. Give this recipe a try today!

What To Serve With Pork Carnitas
Looking for some ideas on what to serve with pork carnitas? You’re in luck! This post will give you a few different options, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Whether you want something simple or something a little more complex, we’ve got you covered. So read on and start planning your next meal!
Some great side dishes to serve with your pork carnitas are:
- AIR FRYER TURKEY TETRAZZINI
- AIR FRYER ROASTED CAULIFLOWER MASH
- 10 AIR FRYER CORNBREAD RECIPES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER
- AIR FRYER FUNFETTI CAKE
- AIR FRYER WALNUT CAKE
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Air Fryer Pork Carnitas
Description
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless pork chops
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Tortillas for serving and toppings such as lime, sour cream, diced onions, salsa, and cilantro
Instructions
- Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, or line the basket with a silicone liner.
- Mix spices together and rub into both sides of your pork chops
- Place pork chops into the fryer basket and cook on the air fry setting at 380F for 15 minutes. Turn pork chops over and cook for another 15 minutes at 380F.
- Remove and shred pork. Serve over warmed tortillas with your favorite topping.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
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