Go Back
–+ servings
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

Air Fryer Pork Carnitas

4.09 from 12 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

If you love Mexican food, you're going to love air fryer pork carnitas. This dish is simple to make and so delicious. You'll love the flavors of pork, salsa, and lime combined together. Plus, this dish is healthy and low-carb. You can serve it with your favorite toppings for a meal that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try today!

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
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Storing Air Fryer Pork Carnitas:
  1. Refrigeration: Allow the cooked carnitas to cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Air Fryer Pork Carnitas:
  1. Air Fryer (Recommended): Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the refrigerated carnitas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the carnitas halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
  2. Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the carnitas and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and crispy.
  3. Microwave: Place the carnitas in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until they are thoroughly heated.
Freezing Air Fryer Pork Carnitas:
  1. Cooling: Allow the cooked carnitas to cool to room temperature.
  2. Portioning: Divide the carnitas into meal-sized portions. Place each portion in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  3. Labeling: Label the containers or bags with the date of freezing to help keep track of freshness.
  4. Freezing: Store the carnitas in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Carnitas:
  1. Thawing: To thaw frozen carnitas, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight.
  2. Reheating: Follow one of the reheating methods mentioned above (air fryer, stovetop, or microwave) to heat the thawed carnitas until they are hot and crispy.
Remember to only reheat the portion you plan to consume to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, which can affect the texture and flavor. Properly stored and reheated, your Air Fryer Pork Carnitas can be enjoyed with minimal effort whenever you crave them.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 0.4gProtein: 37gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 229mgPotassium: 645mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.04gVitamin A: 132IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg