Air-Fryer Carnitas: The Perfect Quick Cooking Method

Carnitas is a delicious dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy meal to prepare, although it's recommended that the pork marinates for at least six hours or overnight for the best flavour. The air fryer should be set to cook at 350-375 degrees for around 45 minutes, flipping the pork halfway through. The result is tender shredded pork that can be served on tacos, nachos, burritos, rice bowls or salads.

Marinade the pork overnight for the best flavour

For the best flavour, it's recommended to marinade the pork overnight before cooking it in the air fryer. You can use a marinade of orange juice, cinnamon and water, or a different marinade of your choice.

After marinating, pat the pork dry and place it in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to cook at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the roast over and cook for the remaining 15 minutes. When the cook time is up, remove the meat from the air fryer basket and shred it with a fork. Warm the tortillas according to the package instructions, then fill each tortilla with pork.

Cook at 350-375 degrees for 45 minutes

Cooking carnitas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. To make carnitas in an air fryer, it is recommended that you cook at 350-375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Firstly, it is important to note that the pork should marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best flavour. You can prepare the pork with the marinade the night before you plan to cook it.

When you are ready to cook, set the air fryer to 350 or 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 45 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the roast over and cook for the remaining 15 minutes. When the cook time is up, remove the meat from the air fryer basket and shred it with a fork.

You can serve your tender shredded pork on tacos, nachos, burritos, rice bowls, or as a topping for a salad.

Flip the pork halfway through

Cooking carnitas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. It is important to note that the pork should be marinated for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best flavour.

When cooking carnitas in an air fryer, it is important to flip the pork halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and helps to create a crispy exterior. Depending on the recipe, the cooking time for carnitas in an air fryer can vary from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. For example, one recipe recommends setting the air fryer to cook at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the roast over and cook for the remaining 15 minutes. Another recipe suggests cooking the pork at 375°F for 45 minutes, flipping the pork pieces halfway through, and stirring the contents of the basket until evenly mixed.

Flipping the pork halfway through the cooking process is a crucial step in achieving the desired level of doneness and texture. It ensures that the meat cooks evenly on all sides and helps to prevent overcooking or burning. By flipping the pork, you can also check on the progress of the cooking and ensure that it is on track to reach the desired level of doneness.

Additionally, flipping the pork allows for even distribution of the marinade or any other ingredients added to the air fryer. This helps to infuse flavour into the meat and create a more cohesive dish. Whether you are cooking carnitas for tacos, nachos, or any other dish, flipping the pork halfway through ensures a more consistent and tasty end result.

In summary, flipping the pork halfway through the cooking process is an essential step when preparing carnitas in an air fryer. It ensures even cooking, helps create a crispy exterior, and allows for the even distribution of flavours. By following this simple step, you can achieve delicious and tender shredded pork that is perfect for tacos, nachos, or any other desired dish.

Rest for 10 minutes before shredding

Cooking carnitas in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. It's important to note that while the cooking time is relatively short, the pork should be marinated for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best flavour.

Once you're ready to cook, set your air fryer to 350-375°F and cook for 45 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the roast over and cook for the remaining 15 minutes.

When the cook time is up, remove the meat from the air fryer basket and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before shredding. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.

After resting, use a fork to shred the meat. You want it to be tender but not falling apart. If you're using tortillas, warm them according to the package instructions, then fill each tortilla with the shredded pork. You can also serve your carnitas on tacos or nachos, or as a topping for a rice bowl or salad.

Serve with tortillas, salsa, and salad

Carnitas are a delicious, quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The key to getting the best flavour is to marinate the pork for at least six hours or overnight. When you're ready to cook, pour the remaining marinade over the pork and place it in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350-375°F and cook for 45 minutes, flipping the pork halfway through.

When the timer goes off, remove the pork from the air fryer and shred it with a fork. Warm your tortillas according to the package instructions, then fill each one with the shredded pork. Serve with salsa and salad. You could also add some cilantro and onion, and turn your carnitas into a taco, burrito, rice bowl or salad topping.

If you want to make your carnitas extra crispy, you can hit 'broil' on your air fryer for the last 8 minutes of cooking.

Frequently asked questions