Instant Pot Pulled Pork is the fastest way I’ve found to get juicy, fall-apart tender pork. Made with a brown sugar and smoked paprika spice rub, a splash of liquid smoke, and lots of tangy BBQ sauce, it’s perfectly sweet and smoky every time.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tastes Like It Cooked Low And Slow All Day!
I first made this recipe for my husband’s birthday party when we had 20 people coming and I forgot to start my crockpot pulled pork early in morning. It was such a hit that I’ve been making it on repeat ever since! I always coat the pork in a homemade spice blend and then cook it with a cup of BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Then when I shred it, I toss back in some of the remaining liquid with another cup of bbq sauce. That two-step saucing method gives every shred of meat flavor on the inside AND outside. It’s a small trick, but it’s the difference between good pulled pork and the kind people ask you to make again.
— ♥︎ Jess —
How To Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Visit the recipe card below for the ingredient amounts and full directions.
1
SEASON THE PORK
Cut the pork into large chunks (in about 2-inch cubes) and season it well. I love the flavor from my homemade spice rub, but any bbq rub mix you like will do the job.
2
SEAR IN BATCHES
Heat oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode and brown the pork a few pieces at a time. Then add the broth and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom to prevent getting the dreaded burn notice.
3
PRESSURE COOK
Add the pork back in and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then release the rest.
4
SHRED AND SAUCE
Pull the pork apart with two forks, then stir it back into the pot with the remaining cup of BBQ sauce.
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Jessica’s Recipe Tips
- Don’t trim off all the fat! The fat renders down during the pressure cook and melts into the meat, keeping every bite juicy and flavorful. I remove any extra fat after cooking as I shred it.
- A splash of liquid smoke is a must. While the liquid smoke is optional, I never skip it! Just half a teaspoon gives the pork that slow-smoked flavor people swear came off a backyard smoker.
- Sear the meat in batches. Crowding the meat into the instant pot will steam the meat instead of browning it. I usually sear it all in about 3 batches. The finished flavor is definitely worth the few extra minutes it takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pork butt (also called Boston butt) or pork shoulder are the best cuts. Both have plenty of marbling, which breaks down during pressure cooking and gives you that tender, shreddable texture. Avoid pork loin and tenderloin, they’re too lean and will turn out dry.
Yes, I promise it’s worth it. Searing adds a ton of flavor to the finished dish. You can skip it in a pinch, but the pulled pork won’t have nearly the same depth.
Absolutely, pulled pork honestly tastes even better the next day! Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator with a little of the cooking liquid so it stays moist. Then heat it back up in the instant pot (or in a crockpot) stirring often until it’s good and hot. Then use the “keep warm” setting so guests can help themselves anytime.
Pulled pork is super versatile! My favorite way is piled onto a soft brioche bun with crunchy coleslaw (like this slightly spicy mango slaw) and pickle (I love this easy refrigerator pickles) on top or on the side. You can also make pulled pork tacos or serve it southern style with mac and cheese and collard greens. You really can’t go wrong.
“This Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe is insanely flavorful and also tasted great reheated. It was a huge hit in my house! I first served it on buns with lots of pickles and then we had the leftovers served over a sweet potato for an easy lunch. I had to add a little more oil while I seared the meat, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly.” — Victoria, home cook with a love for comfort food.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork butt or shoulder, trimmed and cut into large pieces
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¾ cup water or chicken broth
- 2 cups bbq sauce, divided
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
Spice Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon cumin
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Instructions
- Combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, mustard, and cumin to make the spice rub. Coat the meat with the rub on all sides.
- Heat the oil in the instant pot on sauté mode. Add a few pieces of meat at a time, searing on all sides, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Continue until all the meat has been browned, adding a little extra oil as you go, if needed. If you add too much meat at once, it will steam instead of getting a good sear.
- Add a splash of the water or chicken broth and scrape up any crispy bits stuck to the bottom of the instant pot with a wooden spoon or spatula. Then add the rest of the water/chicken broth, 1 cup of bbq sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using). Stir to combine and then add back in all the seared meat.
- Place the lid on the pot and set the seal. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release on its own for 20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Drain some or most of the remaining liquid (depending on how juicy you like it) after the meat has cooked. Then use two forks and shred the meat, removing any large fat pieces that didn't dissolve. Add the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce and toss to combine, then serve as desired.
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Notes
Nutrition
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More Instant Pot Favorites To Try
- Instant Pot Hamburger Helper – Packed with ground beef, pasta, and all that cheesy goodness to keep you coming back for seconds.
- Instant Pot Charro Beans – Homemade pinto beans loaded with flavor from bacon, chorizo, smoked sausage, and more.
- Instant Pot Cochinita Pibil – Tender pulled pork with rich earthy flavors and hints of citrus and herbs.
- Instant Pot Carnitas – Cooked in a tangy tomatillo salsa and citrusy marinade, this juicy pork is made easy with 5 ingredients.
- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings – An easy and comforting meal packed with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.
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