This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe makes tender shredded pork from a pork butt or pork shoulder roast in the electric pressure cooker in about 2 hours! Use the tender meat for pulled pork sandwiches, carnitas, nachos or over mashed potatoes for an easy dinner the whole family will love!
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I made pulled pork in the Instant Pot from a pork butt for the first time on New Year's Day a few years ago, and it was seriously the best pulled pork ever!
Actually, it's one of the best Instant Pot recipes ever!
You guys, I'm talking about fork-tender pork that just melts in your mouth in only 2 hours. Yes, two hours in the electric pressure cooker-- a fraction of the time it takes in the slow cooker!
Whenever I make a pork roast for pulled pork, I like to keep the seasonings as simple as possible. This way, I can make just about anything with the leftover pork.
I usually serve BBQ sauce and homemade coleslaw on the side for pulled pork sandwiches on brioche buns. Then, I add different spices to leftover pork for carnitas tacos and pulled pork nachos or leftover pork chili verde.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients for this easy pulled pork Instant Pot recipe. You can find them in your grocery store or online:
- Pork butt -- We usually cook a 6 to 8 pound pork roast
- Water -- or Coke, Dr. Pepper, or some dark soda, broth or beer
- Sea salt
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Ground black pepper
- Yellow or white onion -- use onion powder or dried minced onions in the rub if you don't have a whole onion.
- Garlic cloves
- Barbecue sauce -- add your favorite BBQ sauce after pressure cooking
Best Cut of Pork for Pulled Pork
The most popular cut of meat for pulled pork is a pork butt roast or Boston Butt roast. Butt roasts are well marbled and fattier, which adds tons of flavor.
It's also sometimes called pork shoulder roast, although a true pork shoulder is a slightly different cut and usually sold with the skin on.
You can use a bone-in pork butt roast or a boneless pork shoulder roast. I've used both cuts of pork and I didn't notice any difference in flavor.
How to Season Pork Shoulder
Make a simple dry rub to season the pork butt or pork shoulder before pressure cooking. Just mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika together in a small bowl.
How to make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot
First, I like to cut the pork roast into smaller pieces before cooking it in the Instant Pot. We usually cut the roast into 3 large chunks.
This is optional, but it helps the roast to cook evenly and fit better in the pot.
Next, season the meat all over with the homemade dry rub from the spices. We like to rub the spices into the meat so that it's well coated before pressure cooking.
Then, place the cut-up roast into the bottom of the pot. Add the onion and some garlic cloves along with a little water, soda pop, broth or beer.
I have made Instant Pot pulled pork with Dr. Pepper and Coke in the Instant Pot, and these sodas make the meat insanely tender!
How Long to Cook Pulled Pork in Instant Pot
So, How long do you cook pulled pork in the Instant Pot? This, friends, is the $64,000 question! And honestly, you will get so many different answers.
Since we're dealing with a thick cut of meat, you need to cook it long enough to break down the fat and connective tissues to make it as tender as possible.
Generally, the cook time for pulled pork Instant Pot is 15 minutes per pound. But, larger cuts of pork or bone-in pork roasts take more time.
I find the best Instant Pot pulled pork cooking time to be 90 minutes high pressure followed by a natural release. It's the perfect time for making pulled pork in the Instant Pot.
Cook time may vary if you have a very large roast or don't cut it up. I have cooked a 6 pound, 7 pound, 8 pound, 9 pound and 11 pound pork roast for the same amount of time, 90 minutes, and the meat was perfectly tender.
You can cook Instant pot pulled pork from frozen pork roast. It will just take longer to reach pressure.
And when the time is up, the meat is fork tender and perfectly shreddable, which is exactly what you want for pulled pork!
You can drain the cooking liquids before shredding the pork or simply shake off the excess liquid when serving.
Variations
Make Instant Pot carnitas by using different flavors, such as a Mexican spice mixture, chili powder, and lime juice. Any leftover meat can be baked in the oven and served with shredded cheese and tortilla chips for delicious pork nachos!
If you want to add your favorite BBQ sauce while cooking the roast, don't just stir the sauce into the shredded pork--add it to the top of the meat and let it sit.
If you mix the BBQ sauce in, the sugars in the sauce might burn during cooking. You can also add some brown sugar for a richer BBQ taste!
A favorite way to add some extra flavor to the pork is to use a dark soda, such as Dr. Pepper, Coke, or root beer, to the Instant Pot instead of water.
Using these sodas also helps the pork tenderize, due to their acidity. Beef broth or chicken broth or apple cider vinegar, or apple juice works as well.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep for about 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze leftover pulled pork for up to 6 months. This pork freezes and reheats quite well!
Leftover pulled pork also reheats well in the microwave. Pulled pork leftovers make great sandwiches, tacos, and nachos, but you could just eat the tasty meat on its own!
Cooking Tips
Tips for the BEST Instant Pot pulled pork!
Make an easy dry rub before cooking for best flavor. You can add BBQ sauce after cooking.
Cut a large cut of pork into smaller pieces for even cooking. You don't have to sear the meat. I never sear pork before cooking, and they turn out tender and flavorful every time.
Use a liquid other than water for more flavor.
Always do a natural pressure release for pork roast or any roast for at least 15 minutes in the Instant Pot.
FAQ
If the pork is tough after pressure cooking, it hasn't cooked long enough. The easiest way to fix this is to cook the pork shoulder longer. Just place the meat back into the pressure cooker and cook for 15 minutes longer or until tender enough to pull apart easily. It's difficult to overcook a pork shoulder in the Instant Pot.
Yes, you can. However, if the roast is large and you can't cut it into smaller pieces, the pressure cooker may take longer to reach pressure and the roast may take longer to cook.
Recipe
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 6-pound pork shoulder roast (pork butt)
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups water coke, dr pepper or broth
- 1 yellow or white onion cut into large pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
Instructions
- Cut roast into 3 large pieces, and season with sea salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper
- Add water, then add roast, onion and garlic
- Cover, move valve to sealing position, and hit PRESSURE COOK for 90 minutes
- Allow natural release, and when pin drops, open lid, shred with forks, and serve
Video
Notes
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
This perfect, easy Instant Pot pulled pork is one of our family favorites! I hope you enjoy this great recipe as much as we do! BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are perfect for game day!
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Happy Cooking,
Recipe first published in 2018 and updated in 2023
Erika says
This is currently in my IP and the aroma is flowing through the house.. I may need to eat a bowl of cereal to hold me over since the smell has made me so hungry 🤣! However I was wondering if you had any suggestions for freezing the leftovers/reheating?
Dee says
I usually freeze smaller portions, and the pork reheats well in the microwave or on the stove -- depends on what you want to make with it. We use leftovers for carnitas tacos or pulled pork nachos. Hope you like it! 🙂
Susan M Williams says
Sounds easy as I am new to any pressure cooking. Going to use a 6.8 butt in a 6 qt, will cut to fit. And I see only 1/2 cup water for 6 qt. My question is do you drain the juices before you pull apart?
Dee says
I take the pork out and shred it on a large platter for serving. If you want to serve it in the pot, you can drain the juices if you want.
kaitlyn says
Can you do this with a pork loin?
Dee says
I have not tried a pork loin in the IP, but I know it doesn't take long at all to cook.
Lauren Singer says
put mine in!! Yikes! I didn't cut it in chunks! will that be a problem??!!
Dee says
How much does it weigh? It might be fine, and if it's shreddable, no problem. If not, you can always try to cut it then and put it back for maybe 30 minutes until it's tender.
John says
90 minutes for unthawed pork shoulder. This rub was easy to make and simple. Fell off the fork. This will be the only rub I use from now on
Dee says
Thank you so much, John! Happy to hear this!
Kent K says
Don’t limit yourself!!! ALWAYS explore!!!
Steve says
John, do you mean thawed or unthawed (frozen)?
Just checking!
Laura says
If my pork is still slightly frozen is that okay? Would cook time change?
Dee says
Are you able to cut it into smaller pieces? If so, it should still be the same. If not, it will probably just take longer to reach pressure. If it still seems tough, you can always add more time at the end.
Lwl says
Do you place the meat on the steamer? Or directly in the water?
Dee says
I put the pork in the water. No need for the trivet since you're shredding the meat after cooking.
Nicole says
Absolutely amazing! My husband, three boys and I LOVE, like really LOVE this pulled pork! It’s the best that I’ve tried and we’re hooked! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe❤️
Dee says
Thank you so much for the compliment! So happy you all like it!
Dominique says
I wasn’t sure on which button to press so I pressed the meat/stew button and put it on an 1hour and a half. Is that okay?
Dee says
I use pressure cook/manual, but meat/stew should be fine.
Danielle says
If I'm cooking only a 3 lb pork butt do I still cook it for 90 min or decrease time? Thanks.
Dee says
I have the best luck with 90 minutes, but you could try cooking it for less time and see what happens. You can always add more time if it's not tender enough for pulled pork.
Marianne says
Can I cook a 6 lb bone in roast in a 6 qt ip if I cut up the roast?
Dee says
Yes -- as long as it fits. Decrease the water to 1/2 cup for a 6 quart. 🙂
Thomas Spiro says
Don’t use water, put a can of cherry coke in there
Or can of Verners
Dee says
I know a lot of people add soda/pop, but I think the flavor is best when you keep it natural -- just water or broth.
Leah says
Hello, I am about to make your recipe in the insta pot. A 6 lbs. Boston butt what pressure do I cook it at? High?
Thanks!
Dee says
Yes, I always use high pressure. 🙂
Lena says
I have a 10lb pork shoulder and I’m trying to figure out how long to cook it in the instant pot using your recipe. Any idea?
Dee says
You would still cook it for 90 minutes. 🙂
Pam says
If it’s bone in can I still cook a 9lb for 90min in the insta pot?
Dee says
Yes! I've cooked bone-in roasts before, but I do cut them into large pieces first, and it works great every time.
Joan And Jon Lauer lauer says
Do you brown it first in sauté mode?
Dee says
No. I just added the roast to the pot and cooked.
Jb says
I no longer go to the trouble of browning. I just use Kitchen Bouquet...brush it on. It gives the meat rich color and flavor so meat doesn't look grey. You can still use your other seasonings .
B says
I have an 8 lb pork shoulder with the bone in, do I have to remove the bone?
Dee says
I don't remove the bone, but I do cut the roast up into smaller sections and remove the bone after it's done cooking. I just think this guarantees that the roast cooks evenly and is tender enough to pull apart.
Luke says
I know you leave the fat on, but my pork shoulder cake with the skin on, should I remove the skin or leave it?
Dee says
You can remove the skin or leave it on -- It'll add more flavor, and you can make crackling after the roast is cooked!
Tracie says
Can I use a center cut pork roast?
Dee says
I've never tried this cut in the IP -- just my Crock-Pot.
Courtney Ellis says
How long does it take to release pressure naturally for this recipe? Thank you!
Dee says
It takes around 20 minutes or so for a natural release. 🙂
Deborah says
Made this last night and loved it! It was so simple, and is definitely a new family favorite!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Deborah! I'm so glad your family liked it!
Mary says
Can I use pork loin??
Dee says
I haven't tried pulled pork with pork loin in the Instant Pot, so I can't say for sure how it would turn out.
Erin says
I got my Instant Pot yesterday, so this was the first recipe I tried. It was delicious, and I’ll definitely be making it again!
Dee says
So happy to hear this, Erin. Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
James says
Made this one last night! Another new family favorite!
Dee says
Thank you so much, James. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it!