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Juicy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

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I have been making this recipe year after year and it NEVER disappoints. With just a little upfront effort, the Instant Pot does the rest and cooks the pork to juicy perfection.

Juicy Instant Pot Pulled Pork (Easy, Tender & Flavor-Packed)

If you’re craving fall-apart, flavorful pulled pork without spending all day cooking, this juicy Instant Pot pulled pork is the answer. Tender, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly easy to make, this pressure cooker pulled pork delivers slow-cooked results in a fraction of the time. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture in under two hours — no smoker or slow cooker required.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This Instant Pot pulled pork recipe is all about simplicity and big flavor. The pressure cooker locks in moisture, ensuring the pork stays juicy and tender while absorbing all the seasoning. Whether you’re making sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or salads, this pulled pork is endlessly versatile.

Another major win? It’s incredibly hands-off. Once the pork is seasoned and in the pot, the Instant Pot does all the work for you.

Tender, Juicy Pork Every Time

Using the Instant Pot guarantees consistently tender pork that shreds effortlessly. The high-pressure environment breaks down the connective tissue quickly, giving you that classic pulled pork texture without hours of cooking.

After cooking, the pork can be shredded directly in the pot, allowing it to soak up the flavorful juices. This step is key for achieving truly juicy pulled pork that’s never dry.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Feeding a Crowd

This pressure cooker pulled pork is ideal for meal prep. Make a big batch and use it throughout the week for quick lunches and dinners. It reheats beautifully and stays moist, making it a reliable option for busy schedules.

It’s also great for gatherings. Pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser, and this recipe can easily be doubled if needed. Set it out with buns, toppings, and sauces, and let everyone build their own meal.

Endless Ways to Serve Instant Pot Pulled Pork

One of the best things about juicy Instant Pot pulled pork is how versatile it is. Serve it on sandwiches with coleslaw, stuff it into tacos or wraps, pile it over rice bowls, or use it as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes.

You can keep the flavor classic or add your favorite BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or spices to customize it to your taste.

A Pulled Pork Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat

Flavorful, tender, and unbelievably easy, this juicy Instant Pot pulled pork delivers everything you love about slow-cooked pork — without the wait. Once you see how simple it is to achieve perfect results in the Instant Pot, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning ahead for the week, this pulled pork proves that comfort food can be quick, convenient, and incredibly satisfying.

How To Make Juicy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

The Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder
    Pork shoulder is the ideal cut for pulled pork because it’s well-marbled and becomes tender and juicy when cooked low and slow (or in the Instant Pot). It shreds easily, making it perfect for sandwiches and more.
    Substitutes: Pork butt (very similar cut), pork loin (leaner but can dry out, so watch cooking time), or boneless pork roast.

  • Coconut sugar or brown sugar
    Both add sweetness and help create a flavorful caramelized crust on the pork. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, while brown sugar is classic and readily available.
    Substitutes: White granulated sugar, maple syrup (reduce liquid elsewhere), honey (also reduce liquid), or date sugar.

  • Garlic powder
    Garlic powder adds savory depth and enhances the overall flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
    Substitutes: Fresh minced garlic (use about 3 cloves), garlic salt (reduce added salt), or granulated garlic.

  • Onion powder
    Onion powder contributes mild sweetness and complexity to the spice blend.
    Substitutes: Fresh minced onion, shallot powder, or dried minced onion.

  • Cumin
    Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that’s essential for a smoky, savory pulled pork flavor.
    Substitutes: Ground coriander, chili powder, or smoked paprika for extra smokiness.

  • Paprika
    Paprika provides mild sweetness and vibrant color; smoked paprika can add extra depth.
    Substitutes: Chili powder, cayenne (in smaller amounts), or regular sweet paprika.

  • Cayenne pepper
    Cayenne adds heat and a spicy kick to balance the sweetness and savoriness. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
    Substitutes: Red pepper flakes, hot paprika, or chili powder.

  • Apple cider vinegar
    Apple cider vinegar brightens the dish with acidity and helps tenderize the pork. It’s a classic ingredient in pulled pork recipes.
    Substitutes: White vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice.

  • Chicken broth
    Chicken broth adds moisture and a subtle savory base for cooking the pork, preventing dryness.
    Substitutes: Vegetable broth, beef broth, water (with a pinch of salt), or a light stock.

  • 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce + more for serving
    BBQ sauce brings sweetness, tang, and a smoky finish that’s essential for pulled pork flavor. Choose your favorite style—whether sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy.
    Substitutes: Make your own BBQ sauce, hoisin sauce for an Asian twist, or use a combination of ketchup, vinegar, and spices.

What You Need

  • 1 Pressure Cooker

The Steps

  • Pat dry pork shoulder with paper towel and cut off any excess fat.
  • Toss spices in a large bowl and add the pork shoulder on top. Rub the seasoning all around the pork to ensure it's covered.
  • Hit "sauté" on your Instant Pot and add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, add pork shoulder and sear on all sides (around 3 minutes per side until it is nice and charred).
  • Hit "cancel" and remove pork. Add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pot with a silicone spatula to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
  • In a medium bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce and broth. Stir and add to the Instant Pot. Return the pork shoulder and pressure cook for 50 minutes. When the 50 minutes are done, naturally release for 10 minutes.
  • Remove pork and shred with two forks.
  • Hit "sauté" and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes until liquid thickens. Add back in shredded pork; toss well and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Serve with coleslaw on a bun. Cheese and mayo are optional but I highly recommend it!

Recipe Tips

  • I love serving my pulled pork in buns with a simple coleslaw 
  • If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can use a slow cooker and slow cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. OR you can add the pulled pork to a heavy pot or Dutch oven and bake in the oven at 300 degrees for 3-4 hours. 
  • Leftovers are perfect for lunches, we love making bowls or salads with rice, mixed greens, pickled onions and pulled pork

 

Juicy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 pork shoulder
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Olive oil
  • 1 cup of your favourite BBQ sauce +more for serving
  • 4-5 buns

Instructions

  • Pat dry pork shoulder with paper towel and cut off any excess fat.
  • Toss spices in a large bowl and add the pork shoulder on top. Rub the seasoning all around the pork to ensure it's covered.
  • Hit "sauté" on your Instant Pot and add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, add pork shoulder and sear on all sides (around 3 minutes per side until it is nice and charred).
  • Hit "cancel" and remove pork. Add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pot with a silicone spatula to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
  • In a medium bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce and broth. Stir and add to the Instant Pot. Return the pork shoulder and pressure cook for 50 minutes. When the 50 minutes are done, naturally release for 10 minutes.
  • Remove pork and shred with two forks.
  • Hit "sauté" and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes until liquid thickens. Add back in shredded pork; toss well and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Serve with coleslaw on a bun. Cheese and mayo are optional but I highly recommend it!

Notes

  • I love serving my pulled pork in buns with a simple coleslaw 
  • If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can use a slow cooker and slow cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. OR you can add the pulled pork to a heavy pot or Dutch oven and bake in the oven at 300 degrees for 3-4 hours. 
  • Leftovers are perfect for lunches, we love making bowls or salads with rice, mixed greens, pickled onions and pulled pork

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Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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