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Air Fryer Pork Carnitas
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High ProteinGluten-FreeMexican
Pork

Air Fryer Pork Carnitas

4.7(4)
25 min
Time
400°F
Temp
320 cal
Cal
6
Serves

Ingredients

Pork
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
Serving
Corn tortillas
Diced white onion
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Salsa verde
Pickled red onions

Equipment

  • Air Fryer Parchment Liners

Steps

  1. 1

    Toss pork chunks with olive oil, all spices, citrus juices, salt, and pepper.

  2. 2

    Air fry at 360°F for 15 minutes, then increase to 400°F for 8-10 more minutes.

  3. 3

    Remove and shred with two forks. Toss shredded pork with pan juices.

  4. 4

    Return shredded pork to air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until edges are crispy and charred.

  5. 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.

🎉

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