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Tender and fall apart Instant Pot Pulled Pork is so easy, flavorful and delicious! If you're a sandwich lover, this will be your next go-to recipe!
When I say this recipe is easy, I totally mean it! There is no extra browning needed and hardly any cooking effort necessary. It turns out so juicy and tender it basically falls apart on its own, and it is so flavorful you can eat it as is or toss it with your favorite bbq sauce.

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder roast
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1-½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1-½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1-¼ cup water
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
These are all staple seasonings that most of you probably already have in your pantry or spice drawer. Another reason this recipe is so easy and flavorful!
What to do to make Instant Pot Easy Pulled Pork
First combine the brown sugar and all the spices in a small bowl and mix together well. Then add the water and vinegar into the instant pot.
Next, you need to rub the spices all over the roast. You can do this with your hands, or if your roast will fit do it in a zip top bag. I place my roast in the bag, dump the spices in the bag and shake to coat the roast. It works like a charm and your hands stay clean.
Now gently place the roast in the instant pot and put the lid on. Make sure the valve is set to sealing.
Turn the instant pot on high pressure and set the timer for 60 minutes. Once the pressure cooker has worked its magic, it will need to do a natural pressure release. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
Once the pressure has completely released and the valve stem has dropped, you can remove the lid. Take the pork out and place it on a sheet pan or cutting board. The roast is going to fall apart as you take it out. That is a good thing!!! Shred the roast with 2 forks.
Depending on the size of your roast you can place it back into the instant pot with all the juices or only use some of the juices. I usually use about half of the juices and discard the rest.
Now serve this delicious pulled pork on your favorite bun, in a salad or use it for tacos! You can add bbq sauce, taco seasonings, sweet and sour, whichever you are in the mood for! On most occasions we like it plain or with bbq sauce at our house.
Can I use a frozen pork roast?
Absolutely! I often forget to take things out of the freezer to thaw. Ha! To make this recipe from frozen, increase the cook time 40 minutes and do a natural pressure release.
Can I make pulled pork in a crockpot?
Yes! Do the exact same thing above, except place the roast in your crockpot and set it on low for 8 hours. Turns out great!
Here are more instant pot recipes you might like:
- Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
- Drip Beef Sandwiches
- Mac N Cheese
- Mashed Potatoes
- Salsa Chicken Nachos
- Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese
- Shredded Chicken Breasts
- Beef Tips and Gravy
Here are some recipes you might like to serve with your Pulled Pork!
Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower
Let me know what you think about the Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe in the comments below. You can also follow me on Social Media to see what other crazy things my family and I are doing!
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Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder roast
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1-½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1-½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-¼ cups water
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine brown sugar and all the spices.
- In the instant pot, pour the water and vinegar in.
- Rub the spice mix all over the roast, or place the roast and spice mix in a zip top bag and shake to coat.
- Gently place the roast in the instant pot and secure the lid on.
- Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cooker for 60 minutes on high pressure. Let the pressure cooker do a natural release, takes about 15-20 minutes after the cooking time.
- Once the valve stem has dropped, remove the lid, remove the roast and shred with 2 forks.
- Place the roast back in with the juices or in a bowl with only half the juices.
- Enjoy!
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