Slow Cooker Carnitas (Loin Roast or Shoulder)

Tacos on a wood board and white table with carnitas and toppings.

Slow Cooker Carnitas (Loin Roast or Shoulder)

This slow cooker carnitas recipe is super easy to prepare and yields wildly delicious, succulent results everytime. Serve the carnitas warm as a filling for tacos, burritos or in bowls for an easy weeknight dinner win!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Diet Gluten Free

Keyword Carnitas, Crockpot, Pork, Slow Cooker

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Broiling Time 15

Total Time 5 25

Servings servings

Calories 209

Author Robyn Conley Downs

Equipment

Ingredients

1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon mild chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon kosher salt
2 pounds pork loin roast (or pork shoulder)
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
¼ cup fresh orange juice

Optional Toppings

Fresh Tomato Salsa
Easy Guacamole
Tortillas, avocado, queso fresco, pickled jalapeno, lime wedges, thinly sliced cabbage

Instructions

In a small bowl, stir together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and salt.
Rub the spice mixture on all sides of the pork. Place the pork in a 6-quart slow cooker, then pour in the lime and orange juice, turning the pork to coat.
Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours, or low for 8-9 hours, or until the pork shreds very easily with a fork.
Remove the pork from the slow cooker. Shred with two forks, then add back to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with any remaining juices.
Place the shredded pork on a foil lined, rimmed baking sheet. Broil on high for 10-15 minutes, stirring once, or until the edges of the pork begin to crisp and brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Serve warm as a filling for tacos, burritos or in bowls.

Notes

Cook Time: All slow cookers are different, so you may need to adjust the time up or down depending on your particular model.
Crispy Carnitas from the Slow Cooker: Whatever you do, do not skip the broiling step! Trust me, it's worth the extra few minutes. It’s how you get that nice crispy texture & extra flavor.
Nutrition Information: I calculated the nutrition using pork loin roast without additional toppings.

Nutrition