Instant Pot Pulled Pork is adapted from the classic recipe you love, but with even less time to get it on the table! If smoky, sweet, and savory pork is your kind of meal, make a big batch to serve in sandwiches, bowls, nachos, and more. Get juicy, tender results with just a few minutes of prep!

side shot of white plate with pulled pork on bun with Cole slaw and chips, with instant pot and basket of buns in background on gray towel

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What’s To Love About This Recipe

This recipe was produced from popular demand! The slow cooker variation is a fan favorite, and you can also get the same delicious results on a faster timeline with the Instant Pot. It turns out just as flavorful and tender!
You only need a handful of ingredients to make a super flavorful pulled pork that’s ready to serve in a variety of meal options. By keeping the base recipe simple, you can dress up the servings with BBQ sauce or however you like.
Make a big batch of pulled pork as the perfect meal prep protein. It’s great for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, bowls, and freezer meals.
You won’t need to think too far in advance for this meal. No marinating is necessary, and you can have it ready in under a couple of hours.
This might be your new go-to option for feeding a crowd or stocking the freezer!

Ingredients Needed

Pork shoulder (boneless) – At the store, pork shoulder can also be labeled pork butt, or you can find either part of the shoulder, including “picnic shoulder” and “Boston butt.” Boneless pork shoulder works well here because it has enough fat and connective tissue to add tasty flavor and keep the meat tender. With the extra juices, the meat doesn’t dry out and is easy to shred later.
Paprika – Paprika adds warmth and a rich color to the meat. Try smoked paprika for an even smokier flavor in your pork.
Brown sugar – Brown sugar balances the savory elements and creates a caramelized effect during slow cooking. It adds a slight glaze to the cooking juices and brings just the right amount of sweetness.
Black pepper – Add another touch of heat with regular ground black pepper.
Cayenne pepper – Cayenne brings the spiciness, which is delicious for serving with BBQ sauce. Try less to begin with if you aren’t sure how much heat you’ll prefer!
Garlic powder and onion powder – These aromatics bring depth to the pork.
Kosher salt – The texture of kosher salt acts as a rub to stick to the meat and draw out the natural flavors.
Apple cider vinegar – A small amount of vinegar helps tenderize the pork and balance the flavors.
Water – Add water to create the steam pressure needed in the Instant Pot.
Optional: Add a splash of liquid smoke or Worcestershire sauce for deeper, richer flavor.

ingredients to include pork shoulder on wooden cutting board surrounded by white bowl of brown sugar, measuring cup with vinegar, glass measuring cup of water, and wooden tray with paprika, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic and onion powder, and kosher salt

How To Make Pulled Pork In The Instant Pot

Cut the pork into 3-4 pieces for even cooking.

wooden cutting board with cut up pork with knife on left side

Mix together all of the dried spices and sugar, and rub the mixture into all sides of the pork.

sheet pan lined with parchment paper with half covered pork with seasoning, with seasoning rub in clear bowl and whisk in background

Place vinegar and water in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add the pork.

overhead shot of black instant pot with seasoned pork inside

Cover, seal, and set to high pressure for 60 minutes.
Allow a natural pressure release until the pin drops, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Remove the pork and shred with two forks or meat shredder claws. Add a little juice from the pot back to the meat if desired and discard the remainder (don’t use too much or else the pork will become soggy).

sheet pan with shredded pork with 2 silver forks

Pro Tips

To shred or “pull” the pork, use these handy meat claws, or a hand mixer on low in a deep bowl.
Searing is an optional step that won’t impact tenderness, but it does add caramelized flavor. In the Instant Pot, it’s easy to sear for a few minutes on sauté mode with olive oil or butter before adding water and vinegar.
Marinating is not required for this recipe since the flavor infuses well during pressure cooking.
Tips for Cooking Time:
- For a 3-4 pound pork shoulder cut into chunks, cook approximately 50-60 minutes on high pressure and allow a full natural release.
- For larger chunks of pork, increase the time; for smaller pieces, decrease the time. Adjust as needed.

closeup of utensil holding pulled pork over instant pot with shredded pork

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pork Cuts:

The best choice will be boneless pork shoulder (also called Boston butt or pork butt).
Another option that can work is a bone-in shoulder, provided the bone is removed after cooking.
Pork loin or tenderloin are not recommended since they are too lean and can dry out.

Seasoning Variations:

Try adding Cajun Seasoning for spicy pulled pork.
Add a brown sugar rub for a sweeter version.
Use dry ranch mix or Homemade Taco Seasoning for a twist.

Liquid Options:

Vary the flavor slightly with apple cider, cola, or root beer for a sweet finish.
Beer or broth with Worcestershire will create a more savory version.
Avoid using only BBQ sauce since it can burn in the Instant Pot.

(If you’re looking for a slower version, try Slow Cooker Pulled Pork here.)

How To Serve Instant Pot Pulled Pork

A pulled pork sandwich and coleslaw is definitely a classic option, but there are lots of other ways to make a meal from this tasty meat! Make a big batch and serve throughout the week with some of these meal ideas:

Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese – Stir in a scoop of meat with your cheesy mac or serve it on top of your bowl.
Pork Nachos – Create a layered spread of tortilla chips, cheddar, pulled pork, and sliced jalapeños.
Pork Burrito Bowls – Dish up a loaded bowl of rice, charro beans, salsa, and avocado. Your topping options are endless!
Loaded Sweet Potatoes – Serve roasted sweet potatoes with a scoop of pork and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce.

overhead view of white plate with open faced bun with pulled pork, Cole slaw and chips, with another white plate containing the same in background, with white bowl of pulled pork, two black forks and gray towel

And if you need even more delicious sides, try these homestyle options!

white plate with pulled pork on bun with chips, black fork in front and bite taken of sandwich

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge:

Store leftover pork with juices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze in small portions with liquid to keep the meat moist. Use within 2-3 months.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat leftover pork in a saucepan over low heat with some of the juices. You can also microwave single servings in intervals, covered with a damp paper towel.

Another option is to reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 300 ℉ until warmed through.