Air-Fried Carnitas: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air Fryer Carnitas is a quick and easy way to make a delicious Mexican dish. Carnitas, which translates to little meats in Spanish, is typically made by braising or roasting pork until tender and then shredding it. The air fryer helps achieve perfectly cooked carnitas with a juicy inside and crispy edges in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven or on a stove. This method is ideal for busy weeknights and can be served in various ways, such as tacos, burritos, nachos, and more.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Opt for Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt

The traditional choice for carnitas is pork shoulder or pork butt, also known as pork blade roast or pork butt roast. This cut is well-marbled with fat, which contributes to the juiciness and flavour of the dish. It also has a good ratio of meat to fat, making it ideal for slow cooking or braising until tender. Pork shoulder or butt provides the foundation for carnitas, delivering tender and succulent meat perfect for shredding.

Boneless vs Bone-in

You can choose either boneless or bone-in pork shoulder or butt. Boneless is often preferred as it is easier to work with and can be cut into thick strips or chunks. However, bone-in pork shoulder or butt is also a great option, and the meat will easily fall off the bone after cooking.

Alternatives

While pork shoulder or butt is the traditional and recommended choice, you can experiment with other cuts of pork. Leaner cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin can be used if you prefer a leaner dish. Pork belly is another option for a richer, fattier version of carnitas. Keep in mind that different cuts of meat may result in slightly different textures and flavours.

Amount of Meat

Carnitas recipes typically call for 2-3 pounds of pork for a single batch. However, you can adjust the amount of meat depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of servings you need. If you have a larger cut of meat, cut it into smaller chunks as needed.

Quality and Freshness

Always choose fresh, high-quality pork from a reputable source. Look for meat with a good colour and marbling, and avoid any cuts with excess fat or connective tissue. Ensure the pork is thoroughly thawed if frozen and use it within the recommended storage times for the best results.

In summary, selecting the right cut of meat for air fryer carnitas involves choosing pork shoulder or butt, either boneless or bone-in, and opting for fresh, high-quality meat. With the right cut and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and authentic-tasting carnitas.

Marinating the meat

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

The type of meat you choose will impact the flavour and texture of your carnitas. Pork shoulder or pork butt is the traditional choice due to its well-marbled texture, which lends tenderness and flavour to the dish. This cut is also economical and perfect for slow cooking. Alternatively, you can opt for pork loin or tenderloin if you prefer a leaner option, but the meat won't be as juicy and flavourful.

Preparing the Meat for Marinating

Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork and slicing it into equal portions. If you're using a boneless pork shoulder, you may need to cut it into smaller chunks, especially if you have a larger roast. A 2-3 pound roast is typically recommended for this recipe.

Creating the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the spices and other ingredients that will infuse flavour into your meat. The specific ingredients can vary, but here's a general list:

• Spices: Taco seasoning, including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own.
• Citrus: Orange juice adds a tangy, citrusy flavour and helps tenderize the meat. You can also add the zest of an orange for extra zest. Lime juice can also be used for a more complex citrus profile.
• Aromatics: Freshly minced garlic cloves add a robust aroma and depth of flavour. You can also include a large yellow onion, diced, for added flavour and texture.
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbal note to the dish. Dried oregano adds a complementary herbal flavour to the mix.
• Heat: Jalapeño pepper provides a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference. Serrano peppers are another option for a similar effect.
• Seasoning: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for enhancing the overall flavour.

Now, it's time to bring the meat and marinade together. Place the pork chunks into the mixing bowl with the marinade and ensure that the meat is thoroughly coated. You can also do this in a resealable bag, which may be more space-efficient. Once combined, cover the bowl or seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator.

For the best results, it's recommended to marinate the meat for at least 6 hours. However, if you want to maximise the flavour, you can let it sit overnight. This extended marination allows the flavours to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in more flavourful and tender carnitas.

Cooking the meat

Marinating the Pork

Before cooking the pork, it's important to marinate it to infuse it with flavour. Combine the pork with the marinade ingredients, such as orange juice, garlic, onion, spices, and herbs, in a large bowl. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour, but preferably 6 hours or overnight, for the best flavour.

Air Frying the Pork

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the marinated pork pieces in the preheated air fryer basket, creating a foil tray underneath to catch the juices and keep the meat moist. Ensure the pork is in a single layer, and cook in batches if needed. Set the air fryer temperature to 350-400°F (175-200°C) and cook for 30-45 minutes, flipping the pork halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meat and your desired doneness.

Checking the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. Pork is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), but for easier shredding, cook it to at least 170°F (77°C). If you prefer your pork even more tender, you can cook it to 190-200°F (88-93°C).

Resting the Pork

Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and flavourful meat that is easier to handle.

Shredding the meat

To shred the meat, use two forks or meat claws. You can also add more taco seasoning to the shredded meat and mix it all together. This will give your carnitas an extra kick.

If you want to crisp up the shredded pork, you can put it in a skillet with some oil and cook it for about 5 minutes, tossing it occasionally. This will give your carnitas a nice, crispy texture.

And there you have it! Shredded carnitas that are perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more.

Serving the carnitas

Once you've cooked your carnitas in the air fryer, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips and suggestions to make your carnitas taste amazing and look beautiful on the plate.

Resting and Shredding the Meat

After air frying, let the pork rest for about 10 minutes before shredding it. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavourful. To shred the meat, use two forks or meat claws. You can also use your hands if the meat is cool enough to handle. Shred the meat into small pieces, making it perfect for fillings and toppings.

Tacos, Burritos, and Tortas

One of the most popular ways to serve carnitas is as a filling for tacos, burritos, or tortas (Mexican sandwiches). Place the shredded meat in warm, soft corn or flour tortillas. For tacos, top with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can also add salsa or a spicy hot sauce. For burritos, add rice, black beans, shredded cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Roll them up and serve with extra salsa on the side.

For tortas, place the carnitas on a crusty roll or bolillo. Add refried beans, sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, and tomato for a hearty and flavourful sandwich.

Nachos, Rice Bowls, and Salads

Carnitas are also excellent as a topping for nachos, rice bowls, or salads. For nachos, layer crispy tortilla chips with shredded carnitas, melted cheese, jalapeño slices, and diced tomatoes. Bake until the cheese is bubbly, then top with guacamole and sour cream.

For rice bowls, serve the carnitas over a bed of cooked white or cilantro-lime rice. Add black beans, roasted corn, salsa, and a sprinkle of queso fresco or shredded cheddar.

To make a salad, add carnitas to mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. You can also garnish with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Customise with Toppings and Sides

The beauty of carnitas is that you can customise them with various toppings and condiments. Try salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. Traditional sides include rice, black beans, salsa, and tortillas. For a refreshing option, serve with Mexican street corn (elote) or a fresh salad.

Reheating and Storing Leftovers

You can make a large batch of carnitas and enjoy them for several meals. To reheat, place the carnitas in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warm and slightly crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

To store leftovers, let the carnitas cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover carnitas in an airtight container for up to three months.

Frequently asked questions