This Crispy Crockpot Pork Carnitas recipe is prepped in less than 10 minutes, then the slow cooker does the rest of the work! The pork simmers all day until it's perfectly tender and juicy. Finish these carnitas off under the broiler to carmelize the sauce and make them extra crispy.
Why You'll Love These Crockpot Pork Carnitas
These Carnitas, aka Mexican style pulled pork, are made from slow cooked pork that has been seasoned with spices, cooked low and slow until falling apart, then crisped under the broiler right before serving.
- Made in the slow cooker with minimal prep
- Tender on the inside, crispy on the outside
- Naturally gluten free
- Perfect for tacos, bowls, nachos, and salads
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
Carnitas might sound like a special-occasion meal, but this easy crockpot version is totally doable on a busy weeknight, or even better, hands-off on the weekend.
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make This Crockpot Carnita Recipe?
The key to these flavorful carnitas is the sweet braising liquid and the combination of dried spices in the rub.
Ingredients you'll need:
- Boneless Pork Shoulder. also can be called "pork butt" or "Boston Butt" if you're confused in the store! Pork shoulder is the best cut for carnitas because it has enough fat to stay juicy while slow cooking.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves
- Orange Juice & Fresh Lime Juice
- Water or Broth
For the dry rub you'll need:
- salt
- paprika
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Onion Powder
- Ground Pepper
Looking for more recipes to make in the crockpot? I think you'll love this Loaded Potato Soup (Gluten Free and Dairy Free) and this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
How to Make These Crispy Crockpot Carnitas
Step 1: Prep the Pork. I do not trim the fat off the pork in this recipe. While many people do, and it's totally your preferance, I can't help but hear my grandmother saying "the flavor is in the fat". SO, the fat stays on while cooking, and then when it comes time to shred the pork, the fat can be easily discarded while shredding.
Start by combining the dried spices and give the pork a good rub.
Step 2: Slow Cook. Place the meat in the crockpot and pour the juices over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours(or low 5-6 hours) until the meat pulls apart easily.
If you have some time, I suggest shredding the meat and then putting it back into the slow cooker to absorb the juices for the last ½ hour to hour of cooking.
Step 3: Shred the Meat. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Reserve some of the cooking liquid to keep the meat juicy.
Step 4: Crisp It Up. Place the pulled pork onto a foil lined baking sheet. Pour one cup of the cooking liquid over the pork then place under the broiler for 5-7 minutes until browned and crisp on top.
This final step is what turns regular slow cooker pork into true crispy pork carnitas.
Best Ways to Serve Pork Carnitas
- Soft Gluten-Free Tortillas
- Hard taco shells
- Sandwiches
- Burritos or a Burrito Bowl
- Quesadillas
- Nachos
- Salads
They're perfect for casual dinners, game day spreads, or build-your-own taco bars.
Meal Prep & Storage
These slow cooker pork carnitas are ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to bring back the crispy texture.
You can also freeze cooked carnitas for up to 3 months, making this a great make-ahead recipe.
Did you try this carnita recipe? Be sure to leave a comment below and tag me on instagram @thrivingglutenfree so I can see how it turned out!
Let's eat!
Crispy Crockpot Pork Carnitas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 4-5lb Pork Shoulder boneless
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- ⅓ cup Orange Juice or juice from 1 navel orange
- 1 Lime about ¼ cup juiced
- ½ cup Water or Broth
Dry Rub
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 3 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 teaspoon Cumin
- 2 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Pepper
Optional for Garnish
- Fresh Chopped Cilantro
Instructions
- Mix the dry rub ingredients together in a small bowl then rub onto the pork.
- Add the seasoned pork to the slow cooker and add the liquid ingredients pouring over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high 5-6 hours until the meat falls apart easily.
- Shred the pork with two forks.
To Crisp in the Oven
- Preheat broiler to high heat. Spread shredded pork evenly across a baking sheet. Pour about 1 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker over the pork.
- Broil 5-7 minutes or until meat becomes golden and crispy.
Nicole Lackey says
I made this EASY PEASY recipe last night and my kids (16, 19 picky eaters!) said it’s the best meal I’ve ever made hands down. My daughter’s boyfriend is part Columbian and he said this is the closest he’s had to authentic food his family makes in years. And it’s a crock pot so what’s not to love! MAKE THIS MEAL! You won’t regret it. Great job AGAIIN, Deb!
Thriving Gluten Free says
That's amazing! So happy you all enjoyed it!
Ashly says
Hello,
What brand of spices do you buy from Costco that’s gf? I always have a hard time finding gf spices.
Thanks
Ashly