Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This Instant Pot pulled pork recipe makes pulled pork that is ready in less than an hour!

Get juicy, tender results when you cook pulled pork in an Instant Pot with seasonings, onion, and root beer! Drizzle with your fave BBQ sauce for the perfect bite.

Perfect for pulled pork sandwiches or to scoop over coleslaw or even on top of mac and cheese!

Instant Pot Pulled Pork with sauce on top

An Instant Pot Makes Great Pulled Pork!

An Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker and it’s both safe and easy to use.
Pork needs to cook low and slow (and usually takes a long time!). Cooking it in a pressure cooker is fast, it’s ready in less than an hour!
Instant pot pulled pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender and has a great slow-cooked flavor in less time than slow cooker pulled pork.
Prep ahead and reheat or pull the pork and keep it warm in the Instant Pot so your guests can serve themselves.

We’ve got you covered with everything you’ll need for serving from coleslaw to homemade buns and a side of potato salad!

ingredients to make Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork

Pork – The best cut of meat is either a boneless shoulder roast or butt roast. Othe cuts of meat to look for are blade roast, pork butt, or boston butt. We prefer more marbled pork roast over pork loin for both flavor and texture.

Frozen pork can be used as long as it is cut before freezing. Skip the searing in step 2 and add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Seasoning – Pre-made pork rub will work in a pinch, but the easy pork rub in the recipe is next-level and uses spices you likely have on hand!

Liquid – You’ll need a bit of liquid to create pressure. We love the subtle flavor of root beer adds (and it slightly sweetens the pork as it cooks). Dr. Pepper or cola will work too! Don’t have soda? Use chicken broth, water, or apple juice in place.

BBQ Sauce – Pick your favorite or make homemade barbecue sauce. If not using homemade, we love Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork in the instant pot

Instant Pot Pulled Pork on a plate with a fork

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Season & brown big 2-inch chunks of pork in oil in the Instant Pot. Remove and set aside.
Add water and scrape the brown bits from the pot. Add root beer and garlic.
Return pork to the Instant Pot, seal, and pressure cook on HIGH (per recipe below). Natural release for 15 minutes.
Remove and shred the meat. Add ½ cup of juices from the Instant Pot and stir in the BBQ sauce. Drizzle with extra bbq sauce if desired.

Avoid the Burn Notice

Ensure you scrape all of the little brown bits off of the bottom of the pot to avoid getting a burn notice.

Add a little bit of liquid and use a spatula or wooden spoon to get all of the bits!

close up of Instant Pot Pulled Pork sandwich

Serving Suggestions

Serve pulled pork on hamburger buns, brioche buns, or hoagie rolls. PRO TIP: Toast the rolls cut-side up under the broiler with garlic butter.

Pulled pork can also be spooned over mac and cheese or rice.

PRO TIP: Toast the rolls cut-side up under the broiler with garlic butter.

Add some creamy coleslaw, some pickled red onions, quick pickled jalapenos, and some bread and butter pickles.

Don’t forget a picnic-perfect pasta salad and a pitcher of tangy lemonade!

Storing Leftover Pulled Pork

Keep leftover pulled pork in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve as sandwiches again, or make a wrap with coleslaw for an energizing workday lunch!

Freeze portions for up to 4 months in zippered bags labeled with the date.

Perfect Sides for Pulled Pork

Did you love this Instant Pot Pulled Pork? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!

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Juicy, succulent heaps of pulled pork piled on a bun or plate is the ultimate meal for a summer picnic or potluck!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Natural Release 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Cut pork into large cubes, about 4″ each and season with pork rub.
Turn Instant Pot onto sear and add oil. Brown pork in batches until browned (or in a pan).
Add water to the bottom of the Instant Pot and be sure to scrape all of the brown bits off (to avoid a burn notice). Add root beer and garlic.
Add pork and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes (according to your product manual). Natural release for 15 minutes.
Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and using two forks, shred the meat. Add ¼ cup juices from the Instant Pot (discard remaining juices). Stir in BBQ sauce.
Serve on toasted rolls with coleslaw.

Pork Rub

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder
1/2 teaspoon each salt, black pepper

Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

4.95 from 20 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Entree, Main Course, Pork

Cuisine American

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