Pulled Pork In Instant Pot Slow Cooker

The most popular recipe on my entire site, The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, is now converted for the pressure cooker! If you love the original then make sure to try out the quick and easy Amazing Instant Pot Pulled Pork!

Instant Pot pulled pork on a hamburger bun with BBQ sauce

One of the most asked questions I get is how to convert slow cooker recipes for the pressure cooker and vice versa. So over the last few months I've been working on testing them out so that I can provide you the information you need to get a delicious meal on the table. Whether you prefer the Instant Pot or the slow cooker, my goal is to provide you simple to make recipes using wholesome ingredients that you will love making and serving to friends or family. This Amazing Instant Pot Pulled Pork is a slightly modified version of the original slow cooker version and turns out amazingly tender in the pressure cooker. I made this multiple times during the holiday season for parties and dinners and it was a hit every time.

cooked pulled pork in juices in the Instant Pot

What kind of pork do you use for pulled pork sandwiches?

I get the question about subbing different types of pork all the time and for sure, people have success with many different cuts of meat. That being said, for pulled pork sandwiches I recommend using only pork shoulder, also known as pork butt.

The reason for this is the collagen and connective tissues in the pork butt that will make for much better pulled pork. A pork loin tends to get overcooked and doesn't shred as well.

How do you shred (or pull) pork?

Another important thing to note about shredding the meat.
For it to shred easily, the internal temp of the pork should reach 205 degrees F.
At a lower temperature, it may be fully cooked, but won't shred easily and you will end up frustrated.
So while it may seem counterintuitive, it's important to cook this pork shoulder well in order to "pull" it.
To do the work, you can use a couple of forks, meat shredder claws, or your stand mixer.

instant pot pulled pork on bun on white plate

How long does it take to cook pulled pork in a pressure cooker?

The general rule of thumb for a roast is that it will take around 40-60 minutes. We are going to use a 3-4 pound roast and since we want it nice and tender, I suggest 60 minutes.

When you cut the meat into smaller pieces, you can reduce the cooking time. But though trial and error, I've found cutting the pork into about 4 pieces and sticking with a 50-60 minute cooking time is best for amazingly tender and flavorful pulled pork.

What can I make besides sandwiches?

While pulled pork sandwiches are obviously amazing, there are so many things you can make with pulled pork!

tacos
nachos
mac and cheese

Or really, anything you can dream up!

Instant Pot pulled pork on a hamburger bun with BBQ sauce

Amazing Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins

Total Time 1 hr 40 mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 180 kcal

4 pound pork shoulder
2 tablespoons paprika try smoked paprika for more of that smoked flavor
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¾ cup water

Cut pork into 3-4 pieces
Mix together all of the dried spices and rub into all sides of the pork
Place vinegar and water in bottom of Instant Pot and add pork
Cover, seal and set to high pressure for 60 minutes
Allow natural pressure release until pin drops then release any remaining pressure
Remove pork and shred
Add back a little of the juice from pot if desired and discard the remainder (don't use too much or pork will become soggy)

Feel free to use bone-in or boneless pork shoulder.

For slow cooker version, click here.

Calories: 180 kcal Carbohydrates: 3 g Protein: 21 g Fat: 8 g Saturated Fat: 2 g Cholesterol: 74 mg Sodium: 319 mg Potassium: 421 mg Sugar: 2 g Vitamin A: 780 IU Vitamin C: 1.1 mg Calcium: 21 mg Iron: 1.7 mg

Important nutritional disclaimer

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