Air Fryer Pork Carnitas
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
Equipment
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Air Fryer Pork Carnitas at 400°F for 25 minutes. 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.
You need: 2.5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, Juice of 2 oranges, Juice of 2 limes, Salt and pepper, Corn tortillas, Diced white onion, Fresh cilantro, Lime wedges, Salsa verde, Pickled red onions. This recipe serves 6 with 320 calories per serving.
Air Fryer Pork Carnitas takes 25 minutes total at 400°F. Serve in warm corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, lime, salsa verde, and pickled onions.
This recipe is rated Easy. It serves 6 and takes just 25 minutes at 400°F.
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