Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Introduction

The beauty of Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork is how it transforms a tough cut of pork into meltingly tender, juicy shreds with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a laid-back gathering, this recipe guarantees savory, smoky, and slightly sweet bites perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own. The Instant Pot not only saves time but also lets you enjoy barbecue-style pulled pork any day of the week—no grill or smoker needed.

Why This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Stands Out

A winning balance of spice, sweetness, and smoke sets this pulled pork apart. The magic lies in pressure cooking: the pork shoulder cooks in under two hours, soaking up a flavorful blend of seasonings and finishing impossibly moist. Serve the shredded pork on soft buns, pile it onto nachos, or layer it in tacos for a dish that’s endlessly versatile and always crowd-pleasing.

Flavorful Spice Blend and Quick Prep

Start by mixing an aromatic dry rub of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and more. Trimming and cutting the pork before seasoning ensures every bite is flavor-packed. Want prepping veggies to go even faster? Give your onions or slaw a quick chop using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to achieve uniform pieces in seconds.

Hands-Off Cooking With the Instant Pot

Let the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart do the heavy lifting: pressure cooking breaks down the meat’s fibers, producing fork-tender pulled pork with rich flavor throughout. After cooking, the pork shreds effortlessly. For perfectly even strands, a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen makes shredding fast and easy, especially when prepping big batches.

Easy Serving, Saucing, and Storage

Pile your pulled pork onto toasted buns lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy clean-up and rustic presentation. Drizzle with your favorite barbecue sauce and add classic slaw or pickles. Have leftovers? Store extra portions in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy reheating during the week—pulled pork is just as delicious the next day.

Nutritional Information & Serving Size

This recipe makes about 10–12 hearty servings. Each portion (about 1/3 pound of pork without sauce or bun) contains roughly 325 calories, depending on cut and trimming. Add sauces and toppings as desired.

Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork (Recap)

This recipe delivers big, smoky barbecue taste with weeknight-easy prep. The Instant Pot streamlines the process, so you can enjoy succulent, flavorful pulled pork that will satisfy—and impress—any crowd.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cut pork shoulder into 4 large chunks for faster, even cooking. Pat dry and coat all sides with spice rub.
3. On a large cutting surface like Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3, chop onion—speed this up with the Mueller Pro-Series Vegetable Chopper if you wish.
4. Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and add oil. Sear the pork chunks in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer browned pork to a plate.
5. Add chopped onion to the pot, sauté for 2–3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth (or apple juice) to deglaze, scraping up browned bits.
6. Return seared pork to the pot. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 60 minutes. When done, let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
7. Remove pork to a board and shred using forks or the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid, then toss some of the liquid with the shredded pork to keep it juicy.
8. Serve hot on buns, topped with your favorite barbecue sauce and sides.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes (plus 15-minute natural release)

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes