Ultimate Carnitas Crockpot Recipe (Crispy Tender Pork)
Ultimate Crockpot Carnitas delivers fall-apart tender pork shoulder with crispy edges, bursting with authentic Mexican flavors from a simple citrus-spice marinade. This dump-and-go slow cooker recipe takes just 5 minutes to prep, cooks hands-free for 8-10 hours, and finishes with a quick broil for that irresistible crunch perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
- Prep Time: PT5M
- Cook Time: PT9H
- Total Time: PT9H5M
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
4–5 lb boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 4 large chunks
1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 large yellow onion, quartered
6 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1/4 cup vegetable oil or lard (key for crisping)
Instructions
1. Pat pork dry.
2. Mix cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub generously over pork chunks.
3. Add onion quarters, smashed garlic, and bay leaves to bottom of 6-7 quart slow cooker. Place pork on top.
4. Pour orange juice, lime juice, and oil evenly over pork.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, until pork shreds easily with a fork (internal temp 195-205°F).
6. Transfer pork to a foil-lined baking sheet, discarding bay leaves. Shred with two forks.
7. Skim 1 cup fat from crockpot juices. Drizzle shredded pork with juices.
8. Broil on high rack 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway, until edges crisp and golden.
Notes
Pro Tip: For stovetop crisp, heat 2 tbsp oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high; add shredded pork in batches, 2-3 minutes per side.
Make-Ahead: Cook fully up to 2 days ahead; store in juices, crisp before serving.
Freezing: Portion in freezer bags with juices; thaw overnight, reheat in skillet. Keeps 3 months.
Serves 10 (about 6oz per person).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4oz
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg