Instant Pot Pulled Pork is incredibly easy to make and always yields meat that’s so tender it really just falls apart! The pressure cooker prevents the pork from drying out and it also makes the cooking process quick and oh so simple. This foolproof recipe takes just one hour from the Instant Pot to the table!

Tongs are lifting a small portion of pulled pork from the instant pot.


Instant Pot Pulled Pork

I don’t know if making homemade pulled pork has ever been this quick and easy! While the slow cooker also yields tender and delicious results, I don’t love having to wait hours for my dinner to cook.

When I don’t have that kind of time, I plug in the Instant Pot! The prep time is just about 15 minutes and it cooks to perfection in a fraction of the time.

When you cook pork in the Instant Pot, it really seals in the moisture in the best way. It’s a pretty big no-no to serve dried out pulled pork, and you’re going to be able to tell it’s dry no matter how much sauce you slather it with.

Avoid that entirely with this easy cooking method! Lock in that moisture and cook your pork in no time at all for the ultimate easy dinner.

It’s not just weeknight family dinners that this recipe is perfect for, either. I make it for parties, potlucks, and everything in-between! It’s a low-stress pork recipe that I love whipping up just before I head out the door or have guests come over. It’s the ultimate crowd pleaser as well. After all, who doesn’t love tender, flavorful, and filling pulled pork sandwiched between two buns?!

Start with Every Day Ingredients

  • Pork – Lean pork loin or pork tenderloin works well in the instant pot because the pressure cooking keeps the pork juicy. You can use a Boston butt, pork roast or pork shoulder, as well, just be sure to sear the pork to render some of the excess fat and seal in the juices.
  • Seasonings – A dry rub seasoning will infuse the pork with flavor. I like to use smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, kosher salt and black pepper. You can experiment with your favorite seasonings to make this dish your very own. Sometimes I add a tablespoon of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness.
  • Barbecue Sauce – I like to use my own barbecue sauce recipe for pulled pork but your favorite bbq sauce works just as well and saves a lot of time.
  • Vinegar – Apple Cider Vinegar lends both sweetness and tartness to the pork. You can use champagne vinegar or red wine vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.

For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.

The ingredients for pulled pork are placed on a white surface.

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Here’s a quick look at how to make the BEST pulled pork in the Instant Pot! For more detailed instructions, scroll all the way to the bottom of this post.

  1. Prepare the pork. Mix all of the spices in a large bowl. Pour water into the electric pressure cooker and place the meat in there as well. Top it with apple cider vinegar, then rub the pork loin with the spice mix.
  2. Cook it. Lock the lid on the Instant Pot. Then, turn the steam release valve to sealing and set it to high pressure cook for 35 minutes.
  3. Release the pressure. Once the time’s up, let the Instant Pot natural release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release of the remaining pressure.
  4. Shred it. Remove the pork from the pressure cooker and shred it with two forks in a separate bowl. Stir in the BBQ sauce and scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Return the pork pieces to the pot with the cooking liquid and stir until warmed through on the lowest setting.

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I love the versatility of this Instant Pot because it’s a multi cooker with an easy to use pressure cook function. Cost effective and cuts cooking time down for so many things like soups, stews and roasts.

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Tongs are removing pork from the instant pot.

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork

In this easy recipe, pork loin is the meat I like to use. It’s a leaner cut of meat with noticeably less fat than other cuts. If you’d like, you can also substitute the pork loin with pork shoulder or boneless pork butt (these two cuts of meat are well known for pulled pork recipes). Simply sear the meat on all sides and adjust the cooking time to one hour with a 15 minute natural release.

How To Serve Pulled Pork

There are SO many delicious ways to enjoy this shredded pork. My favorite is two sandwich it between two buns just like you would a burger to make the best pulled pork sandwich! I like to enjoy mine with some pickles and sliced white onions as well.

For sides, you can complete your BBQ plate with classic recipes like Corn on the Cob, Southern Coleslaw and BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon!

How to Store Leftovers

In an airtight container in the fridge, your leftover pulled pork will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 6 months. To freeze it, place the meat in a freezer-safe bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. To thaw it, remove the meat from the freezer and defrost it at room temperature for 10 hours or in the fridge for 24 hours. Reheat the pulled pork in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat with a tablespoon of water mixed with two tablespoons of BBQ sauce to give some moisture back to it.

Several pulled pork sandwiches are presented on a serving plate with pickles, fries, and coleslaw.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

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Several pulled pork sandwiches are presented on a serving plate with pickles, fries, and coleslaw.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

This easy pulled pork recipe is tender, fall apart, juicy and full of flavor. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight meal or a larger group of guests, this pressure cooker pulled pork is the best and easiest meal to throw together.
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups barbecue sauce
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3-5 pounds pork loin

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, mix all the spices, and set aside.
  • Pour the water into the Instant Pot and lay the pork loin in the water, pour the apple cider vinegar over the meat.
  • Rub the spices into the pork loin.
  • Lock the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the steam release valve to sealing, and set it to pressure cook for 35 minutes.
  • When the cooking time is complete, leave the Instant Pot to release for 10 minutes naturally, then do a quick release.
  • Remove the pork from the Instant Pot, place it in a bowl, shred it with two forks, and stir in the barbecue sauce. Return to the Instant Pot, select the lowest setting and stir until reheated.
  • Serve on the bun, or bread, of your choice.
Author: Kellie