Instant Pot Pulled Pork {So Juicy!}

When you are hosting a gathering, recipes that (a) feed a crowd, (b) are budget-friendly, (c) show from-scratch effort but (d) are easy to make is like searching for a comfortable pair of jeans: way harder than it should be. Instant Pot Pulled Pork is the perfect fit!

Fall-apart tender pork in a lightly sweet-and-smoky homemade barbecue sauce, this pressure cooker recipe is ideal anytime you need a big-batch meal, much like my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.

Be it a gathering of guests with multiple tastes (I have yet to meet someone who, in their heart of hearts, does not like BBQ), dietary restrictions (that friend who doesn’t eat carbs can skip the bun), or you happen to have a pulled-pork loving husband who delights in eating it three nights in a row, Instant Pot pulled pork hits the spot.

It’s also incredibly freezer friendly.

Even for a small household, you can make the full amount, then portion and freeze the leftovers. Future you is already grateful.

When it comes to cooking pulled pork (or really any type of meat for a gathering—these Instant Pot Ribs are a favorite among my friends), I love using the Instant Pot.

The pressure cooker keeps the meat moist, you can use it to keep the pork warm, and guests can help themselves directly (Italian Beef works in much the same way).

Real-Deal Instant Pot Pulled Pork

I am serious in my focus on upping the nutritional value of recipes without compromising flavor or blowing your budget (a reason my cookbook, which has my best recipes yet, has more than 2,500 5-star reviews and counting!).

That’s why instead of making a 3-ingredient Instant Pot pulled pork Sweet Baby Ray’s (or using any other bottled barbecue sauce that’s loaded with high fructose corn syrup), I used simple ingredients that I bet you have in your pantry right now.

My other healthy swap for this recipe is to use pork loin, instead of the pork butt/pork shoulder that is typically used for pulled pork.

Using pork loin cuts down on Instant Pot pulled pork calories, while still tasting saucy and moist.
If you prefer, like connoisseurs of Instant Pot Carnitas do, you can use pork butt/shoulder.

A Note on Cooking Liquids

My favorite cooking liquid for pulled pork is beef broth.

I prefer using broth instead of Instant pot pulled pork with Dr. Pepper, Coke, or other sodas. While pop is popular, as with bottled sauces, it makes the pork much higher in sugar than is needed.
Instead, I rub the pork liberally with spices. Once it’s shredded, I reduce its cooking juices to create a sauce, then sweeten it to taste with pure maple syrup and molasses. The flavor is better, and it’s better for you too!
I do not recommend bottled barbecue sauce as a cooking liquid for Instant Pot pulled pork, as thick, sugary, tomato-based products can trigger a “BURN” warning (the worst!).

How to Make Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

The list of spices here might look long, but they are basic ones that would be in most well-stocked spice cabinets (think onion powder and garlic powder).

I based the ingredients for the pulled pork sauce on my homemade Barbecue Sauce.

It’s easy to make and once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to the bottled stuff again.

Slow Cooker Method

Is pulled pork better in Instant Pot or slow cooker? That’s for you to decide! For an alternative cooking method using a crockpot, try this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, or give dinner a Tex-Mex twist with crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas.

The Ingredients

Pork. This affordable meat is ideal for serving a crowd. Once it’s shredded and sauced, you can use it for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more.

Ingredient Note

When it comes to making pulled pork, you know you need a large piece of meat, but the options can be confusing. Here’s the low down:

Pork Shoulder/Pork Butt. Although the two cuts are slightly different, for all intents and purposes, you can use them the same way (and your grocery store likely only labels them one way or the other; you may also see it called pork shoulder roast). This is a tough, heavily marbled cut of pork that benefits from long cook times and does well in the pressure cooker. It is the fattiest cut, and thus many would argue the best cut of meat for pulled pork. If I REALLY want to go all-in, this is the cut I use.
Pork Loin. This is a leaner cut. It still has adequate fat to come out satisfyingly juicy and moist (just not *as* moist as pork shoulder/butt). When I am making Instant Pot pulled pork, this is the cut I use most often. It is delicious and I appreciate that it’s a little lighter. You may also see it called center loin pork roast or a pork center rib roast.
Pork Tenderloin. NOT the same as pork loin. This is the leanest cut of them all. I do not recommend pork tenderloin for pulled pork, as it is too dry when shredded. Instead, try my succulent Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin or Stuffed Pork Tenderloin.

Pork Rub. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper create our smoky and richly-flavored pork spice rub.
Beef Broth. Gone are the days of wondering how much water you should put into your Instant Pot for pork, we’re using flavorful beef broth instead. It imparts deep flavor into the pork. For a 6-quart Instant Pot, you need at least 1 cup of liquid.
Tomato Sauce + Paste. Important flavor builders for our homemade barbecue sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar. Adds that beloved tanginess to the sauce and helps tenderize the pork.
Maple Syrup + Molasses. Both maple syrup and molasses give the barbecue sauce its sweetness and help it thicken. With a slight smokiness, molasses takes this sauce to the next level. You could also use brown sugar and molasss if you prefer.
Worcestershire. Adds complexity and umami goodness.
Sauce Spices. A blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper adds depth to the barbecue sauce. The mixture has an array of savory notes and adds a hint of spice without being too spicy.

The Directions

Cut the pork into a few large pieces, removing any large pieces of fat. Stir the pork rub together, then rub the the spice mixture all over on the chunked pork.

Brown the largest pork piece in the Instant Pot. Remove the pork.

Repeat with the remaining pork. Deglaze the pot to remove any stuck on bits, then add the rest of the broth and onion.
Return the pork to the pot. Using a HIGH setting, 40 minutes is how long you cook pork in the Instant Pot (using pork loin). If you’re using pork shoulder/butt, you’ll cook on HIGH for 1 hour. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
Transfer the pork and onions to a bowl. Turn the Instant Pot to saute and reduce the cooking juices.

Shred the pork, then stir it and the onions into the Instant Pot. Serve as desired and ENJOY!

How Long to Cook Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot

The amount of time you need to cook pork in the Instant Pot will vary based on the cut.

Pork Loin. For a 4-to-5-pound pork loin, pressure cook for 40 minutes on high, then let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
Pork Shoulder/Butt. For a 4-to-5-pound pork shoulder or pork butt, cook the pork for 1 hour on high pressure, then let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
Pork Tenderloin. I do not recommend this cut for pulled pork, as it will be too dry. See more in the ingredients section below.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Classic sammie? Pulled pork hash? Instant Pot pulled pork onions combo? You have tasty options!

Sandwich. A pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw (especially this Healthy Coleslaw) is a classic, can’t-miss option!
Salad. Make your favorite salad extra hearty and flavorful by adding some pulled pork. Or, pair with a fresh Fruit Salad for a delicious meal.
Quesadilla. Take a note from these Pulled Pork Quesadillas and turn your pork into a scrumptious new meal with tortillas and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Hash. Adding this pulled pork to a hash would be delicious (especially the Sweets ‘n’ Beets Hash from The Well Plated Cookbook).
Tacos. Give pulled pork a creative new spin by serving it taco style (like in these Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork Tacos and Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Pulled Pork Tacos).

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate pork in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
To Freeze. Freeze pulled pork in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Plan Tip

Cut the pork and chop the onion up to 1 day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Grilling

Grilled Sweet Potato Fries

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Side Dishes

Easy Baked Beans

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Salads

Healthy Potato Salad

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Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Instant Pot. Perfect for making pulled pork whenever the craving strikes!
Whisk. This small-sized whisk won’t splatter sauce everywhere.
Measuring Spoons. These double-sided measuring spoons are ideal for recipes like this one.

The Best Instant Pot

This high-quality Instant Pot is incredibly easy to use and clean. It will shave cooking time off of so many of your favorite recipes (including Instant Pot pulled pork time!).

Get on AMazon

Who else is feeling saucy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Overcook Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?

While it is possible to overcook pulled pork in the Instant Pot, it’s very unlikely if you are using pork shoulder or butt. The pork should get more tender the longer it cooks. If using pork loin, which is leaner, you can overcook it.

Can I Use a Quick Release instead of Slow Release?

No matter which cut of pork you use, DO NOT release the pressure right away. The slow release will keep the meat tender. An immediate release can be why your Instant Pot pulled pork is tough. It will cause the meat to seize and toughen.

What Can I Do with Leftover Pulled Pork?

Utilize leftover pulled pork on pizza, in a pasta dish, or piled onto Crock Pot Baked Potatoes. It would also be tasty tucked into an Air Fryer Grilled Cheese.

Can I Use Chicken for this Recipe?

I don’t recommend swapping in chicken, as the cook time is different. However, my Pulled Chicken Sandwich is a perfect alternative.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Video

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