4.6 from 30 votes
Air Fryer Carnitas Recipe
Pork is marinated and air fried for tender, juicy pork with crispy edges, in this air fryer pork carnitas recipe!
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Marinate Time
6 hrs
Total Time
7 hrs
Servings:
6
Calories:
382 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American, Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 pound pork shoulder boneless; see notes
- 1 orange
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 jalapeño
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For serving
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 12 yellow corn tortillas
- 1 red onion diced
- Your favorite toppings
Instructions
- Juice the orange and dice the jalapeno and cilantro.
- Add the pork, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to a medium bowl or resealable bag.
- Add the oil, juice from the orange, jalapeño, and cilantro to the mixing bowl. Mix and put the meat in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight.
- Make a tray from foil to hold the meat in the air fryer basket. Put the pork on the tray and pour the marinade from the bowl over the top. Air fry at 350°f for 45 minutes, turning the pork over after 30 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Pork is safe to eat after 145 degrees F, but it will be easier to shred if it reaches at least 170 degrees F.
- Remove the meat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Then shred the meat. Add the remaining taco seasoning to the shredded meat and mix.
- Serve on a warm tortilla with added diced red onion and cilantro or your favorite toppings.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Boneless pork shoulder can be as large as 5-8 pounds, and this recipe is only for a 2-3 pound roast. So cut the meat as needed.
- Don't skip the marinade.
- Use foil to help keep the meat moist and reduce the cleanup time.
- Cook the pork to at least 170 degrees F, so it is easy to shred. Keep it under 200 degrees F, or it will not be as juicy.
- Boneless pork shoulder can be as large as 5-8 pounds, and this recipe is only for a 2-3 pound roast. So cut the meat as needed.
- Don't skip the marinade.
- Use foil to help keep the meat moist and reduce the cleanup time.
- Cook the pork to at least 170 degrees F, so it is easy to shred. Keep it under 200 degrees F, or it will not be as juicy.
Nutrition Information
Calories
382kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
27g
(9%)
Protein
37g
(74%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
(18%)
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Trans Fat
0.1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
91mg
(30%)
Sodium
627mg
(26%)
Potassium
718mg
(15%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
233IU
(5%)
Vitamin C
15mg
(17%)
Calcium
63mg
(6%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 382
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 382kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 627mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 718mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 233IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 63mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.