Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches are the kind of fall-apart-tender, BBQ-soaked dinner you’d swear simmered all day — except your pressure cooker gets you there in under two hours. With a simple dry rub, your favorite barbecue sauce, and a budget-friendly pork shoulder, this is one of the easiest weeknight meals you can make.

The first time I made these was after a long day of back-to-back hockey games. I set everything up before I left the house, and walking back in to a hot, ready-to-shred dinner I didn’t have to fuss over made me an Instant Pot believer for life. The pork comes out rich, deeply flavored, and juicy — exactly what you want piled high on a soft, toasted bun.

If you love hands-off pressure cooker dinners, also try my Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork and Instant Pot Teriyaki Pulled Pork for two more easy spins on the same idea.

What Is Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork is one of the most comforting dinners you can make for your family. It gets its name because you literally pull — or shred — the cooked meat apart with two forks before serving.

It’s traditionally piled onto a bun as a sandwich, but it’s just as good in plenty of other ways. A few of my favorites are pulled pork salads, pulled pork quesadillas, and loaded pulled pork baked potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pulled Pork

• It’s genuinely easy. A handful of ingredients and the Instant Pot does the work — and the leftovers are even better.
• Big BBQ flavor. A quick dry rub plus your favorite sauce gives it that slow-smoked taste.
• Fall-apart tender. Pressure cooking breaks down the pork shoulder beautifully.
• Budget-friendly. Pork shoulder is one of the most affordable cuts at the store.
• Kid-approved. Who doesn’t love a sandwich smothered in BBQ sauce?
• Great for a crowd. Easy to double for game day, potlucks, and parties.

Ingredients Needed

This simple recipe is fuss-free and full of flavor. Here’s everything you need:

• Canola oil — for searing; any neutral oil works.
• Pork shoulder (Boston butt) — boneless, the ideal cut for tender, shreddable pulled pork.
• Brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper — a quick all-purpose dry rub that builds deep flavor.
• Beef or chicken broth — adds moisture and helps the pot come to pressure.
• BBQ sauce — use your favorite; it’s the dominant flavor, so pick a good one.
• Hearty hamburger or brioche buns — sturdy enough to hold all that saucy pork.

How To Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Step One: Season the Pork

Cut the pork shoulder into 3–4 large chunks (this speeds up cooking and helps it brown). In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then rub it all over the pork.

Step Two: Sear the Meat

Press Sauté and heat the canola oil. Once it’s shimmering, brown the pork on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Searing builds an extra layer of flavor — don’t skip it.

Step Three: Pressure Cook

Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Lock the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and select Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 60 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.

Step Four: Shred and Sauce

Transfer the pork to a bowl and shred it with two forks — it should pull apart easily. Stir in the BBQ sauce until the pork is well coated.

Step Five: Serve

Pile the pulled pork onto toasted buns. Add a scoop of coleslaw on top for crunch, or serve it over rice for a bun-free option.

What Is the Best Pork for Pulled Pork?

The best cut is pork shoulder, often labeled Boston butt. It has just enough marbling to stay juicy and tender under pressure, and it shreds beautifully.

Avoid pork loin or tenderloin here — they’re too lean and turn dry and stringy when cooked this long. If you can only find a bone-in shoulder, that works too; just measure the inside of your Instant Pot first and cut the roast to fit if needed.

Why Do You Sear the Meat First?

Searing creates a browned, caramelized crust that adds a rich, roasted depth of flavor you can’t get any other way. The best part: you can sear right in the Instant Pot using the Sauté function, so there’s no extra pan to wash.

How Do You Reheat Pulled Pork?

Reheat pulled pork gently to keep it moist. On the stovetop, warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or extra BBQ sauce, stirring often. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, so it doesn’t dry out or overcook.

Can You Freeze Pulled Pork?

Yes — it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Let the pork cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make-Ahead Tips

This is a perfect meal-prep dinner. Cook it as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat with a little extra sauce and you’ve got an easy lunch or dinner ready for a busy week.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork

• Season generously. The dry rub is what gives the pork its slow-cooked flavor — don’t be shy with it.
• Pick a great BBQ sauce. It’s the dominant flavor, so choose one you love.
• Add coleslaw on top. It adds freshness and crunch that balances the rich pork.
• Use sturdy buns. A hearty brioche or kaiser roll holds up to all that saucy filling.
• Reduce the sauce for extra flavor. After shredding, simmer the cooking liquid on Sauté for a few minutes to concentrate it before mixing it back in.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Round out the meal with one of these easy sides:

• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Diced Potatoes
• Loaded Air Fryer Chili Cheese Fries
• Air Fryer Tater Tots

More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

• Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
• Instant Pot Teriyaki Pulled Pork
• Browse all of my Instant Pot recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bone-in pork roast? Yes. A bone-in shoulder works great and is often even more flavorful. Just make sure it fits inside your Instant Pot, or cut it to size.

Do I have to sear the pork first? You can skip it to save time, but searing adds a noticeable layer of flavor. I recommend it whenever you have a few extra minutes.

How long does pulled pork take in the Instant Pot? Plan on about 60 minutes of pressure cooking plus 15 minutes of natural release, with roughly 20 minutes of prep, searing, and coming to pressure. Start to finish, it’s under two hours.

Can I make this into sliders? Absolutely. Spoon the pork onto small slider buns for parties, game day, or smaller portions for kids.

What if my pork isn’t shredding easily? If it resists shredding, it needs more time. Return it to the pot and pressure cook for another 10–15 minutes — pork shoulder gets more tender the longer it cooks.