Delicious Pulled Pork

by Tony · March 4, 2026

Easy Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot

If you’re a fan of savory, melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s expertly pulled but dread the hours of slow cooking, then you’re in for a treat. With the Instant Pot, making pulled pork has never been quicker or easier. This handy kitchen gadget cuts down cooking time drastically without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a crowd. In this post, we’ll guide you through a simple yet tasty recipe that will surely become a staple in your household.

Gather Your Ingredients

First, you’ll need a pork shoulder roast, also known as a pork butt. This cut is well-marbled with fat, which ensures tender, juicy meat. If you prefer, you can use other cuts like pork loin or tenderloin, but be aware these may be leaner and may require adjustments to cooking times. Whether you use shoulder or loin, the key to perfect pulled pork is keeping the meat moist and shreddable.

Ingredients:

3-4 pounds pork shoulder roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
1 cup chicken broth or apple juice
1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce (optional)

Preparation

Begin by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasoning adhere better. Mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated. For true flavor in your pulled pork, make sure the spice blend is generously applied to every part of the roast.

Sautéing

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork for about 3 minutes on each side. This process not only locks in the juices but also adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the meat. Searing is an important step towards amazing pulled pork results.

Pressure Cooking

Cancel the sauté setting and pour the chicken broth or apple juice into the pot, gently scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze it. Place the pork back in, ensure it’s nestled snugly in the liquid to help it cook evenly. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure. Cook for 60-120 minutes depending on the size of your pork. Typically, larger cuts require more time. The longer the pressure, the easier it will be to pull apart and achieve classic pulled pork texture.

Natural Release
Once the timer beeps, allow the Instant Pot to depressurize naturally for about 15 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure manually. This step is key as it ensures the pork remains tender. With natural release, your pulled pork will melt in your mouth.

Shredding

Carefully remove the pork from the pot and place it on a cutting board or large mixing bowl. It should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks. If it’s still firm, return it for another 10 minutes under high pressure. Once shredded, mix in the barbecue sauce if using. After shredding, you’ll notice that the pork becomes classic pulled pork, ready for serving

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pork, pulled and seasoned, on a soft brioche bun topped with coleslaw for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It’s also excellent as a taco filling, on top of nachos, or even served over a bed of rice for a gluten-free option.

Final Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the pork overnight with the spice rub.
Try experimenting with different barbecue sauces for a variety of flavor profiles.
Leftovers can be frozen and reheated for a quick meal solution on busy days.
This Instant Pot recipe brings the authentic taste of pulled pork to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Enjoy the convenience of the Instant Pot and relish every bite of this delicious dish!