Air Fryer Pork Carnitas is made with pork shoulder, olive oil, cumin, chili powder; air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes to serve 6. 320 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Toss pork chunks with olive oil, all spices, citrus juices, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Air fry at 360°F for 15 minutes, then increase to 400°F for 8-10 more minutes.
- 3
Remove and shred with two forks. Toss shredded pork with pan juices.
- 4
Return shredded pork to air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until edges are crispy and charred.
- 5
Serve in warm corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, lime, salsa verde, and pickled onions.
Tip: The secret is the double-cook: first to cook through, then shred and crisp. The second round at high heat creates those irresistible charred edges. Orange juice is traditional in carnitas and adds subtle sweetness.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 25 minutes vs ~45 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🍖Circulating hot air renders fat and seals in juices for a crispier outside and tender inside.
- ⚡Uses significantly less energy than heating a full-size oven for a single batch.
How did it turn out?
Share your result and inspire others
More Pork
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs feature a rack of ribs with a brown sugar dry rub and BBQ-honey glaze; air fry at 380°F for 30 minutes until fall-off-the-bone tender and caramelized.
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin features pork tenderloin, Dijon mustard, rosemary, and thyme; air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes until juicy with a crispy herb crust.
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are made with bone-in pork chops, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning; air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes until juicy with a golden crust.
Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers features Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and olive oil; air fry at 400°F for 16 minutes until sausage is browned and peppers are charred.
Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Air Fryer Bacon features thick-cut bacon slices; air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes until perfectly flat and evenly crispy with no grease splatter.
Air Fryer Ham Steak
Air Fryer Ham Steak is made with ham steak, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey; air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes until caramelized and golden.