Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Name: Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs pork butt or shoulder, trimmed and cut into large pieces; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; ¾ cup water or chicken broth; 2 cups bbq sauce, divided; ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon liquid smoke, optional; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1 teaspoon cumin

By:

Sarah

Published:

August 6, 2026

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There’s something special about a plate piled high with tender, juicy pulled pork. The kind that falls apart at the gentlest touch, infused with smoky flavor and sweet barbecue sauce. Instant Pot pulled pork captures this delight beautifully—in less time than traditional methods. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving comfort food, this recipe is your ticket to a satisfying meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

I still remember the first time I tried making pulled pork in my Instant Pot. I was skeptical—could it really compare to the slow-cooked versions I adored? But, as I pulled apart the succulent meat and tossed it with BBQ sauce, I was convinced. This method saves time without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 90 minutes, including prep time, this dish is a go-to for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: Infused with a blend of spices and rich BBQ sauce, each bite is bursting with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it piled high on a bun with coleslaw for a presentation that impresses.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or alongside your favorite sides—ideal for any meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for different diets; just swap the sauce for a homemade or sugar-free version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 lbs pork butt or shoulder: Known for its flavor and tenderness, this cut is perfect for shredding.
2 tablespoons avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point and neutral taste, great for searing. You can substitute with olive oil if desired.
¾ cup water or chicken broth: Adds moisture during cooking; broth enhances flavor.
2 cups BBQ sauce, divided: Your favorite kind will work here—whether sweet, spicy, or tangy.
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar: Balances sweetness and adds depth; can substitute with white vinegar if needed.
½ teaspoon liquid smoke, optional: Gives that campfire flavor without needing a grill.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the meat.
1 tablespoon garlic powder: For a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the pork.
1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds savory depth; fresh onions can also be sautéed if you prefer.
1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Provides a wonderful smoky flavor; use regular paprika if you like it mild.
2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all flavors in the dish.
2 teaspoons black pepper: Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
1 teaspoon ground mustard: Introduces a slight tang; feel free to adjust to taste.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthiness; it’s optional but enhances the complexity.

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Prepare the Spice Rub: In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, and 1 teaspoon cumin. Rub this mixture all over the pork pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Sear the Pork: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons avocado oil. Once hot, add a few pieces of the meat at a time, searing them on all sides for about 4–5 minutes until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure a good sear. Transfer the seared meat to a plate and repeat the process until all pieces are browned.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour a splash of the ¾ cup water or chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This not only enhances flavor but also prevents a burn notice. Add the rest of the broth, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar, and the optional liquid smoke; stir to combine. Return the seared pork to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
Pressure Cook the Meat: Lock the lid into place and set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Shred and Serve: Carefully drain some of the cooking liquid from the pot based on how juicy you prefer your pulled pork. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat. Mix in the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce and stir until well combined. Serve on buns, in tacos, or by itself with your favorite sides.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pot when searing the meat to achieve that delicious crust.
Make sure to scrape up those brown bits after searing; they add incredible flavor.
If your pulled pork seems dry, mix in more BBQ sauce or a little bit of the reserved liquid.
For make-ahead convenience, you can cook the pork a day in advance and store it in the fridge—just reheat before serving.
Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor combination.

Pulled pork is one of those dishes that embodies the heart of American comfort food. It’s smoky, savory, and so incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a big game day party or just treating your family to a flavorful weeknight dinner, I hope this Instant Pot Pulled Pork makes its way onto your table. Don’t hesitate to make it your own, perhaps by adding your favorite spices or sauces. It’s all about enjoying the process and savoring each bite. Happy cooking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, while pork butt or shoulder is ideal, you can also use pork loin. However, keep in mind that it’s leaner and may not yield as tender a result, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

What kind of BBQ sauce is best?

The best BBQ sauce is the one you love! You can go with a sweet sauce, a tangy vinegar-based option, or even a spicy variety to suit your taste.

How do I know when the pork is done?

The pork should easily shred with a fork and should have an internal temperature of at least 190°F for optimal tenderness. If it doesn’t shred easily, it may need more cooking time.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add chopped onions, peppers, or carrots to the pot. Just remember that they may pick up the strong flavor of the spices, resulting in a deliciously complex taste throughout the dish.