Name: Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs pork loin or pork tenderloin, trimmed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 orange, juiced; 1 lime, juiced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth

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Hey y’all! If you’re craving melt-in-your-mouth, savory, and subtly crispy carnitas without the fuss, you’re in for a treat. These Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin) are everything you love about classic Mexican street food—tender, flavorful pork that shreds effortlessly and transforms any taco night, party, or easy dinner into something special. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

Set-it-and-forget-it: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you.

Lean & juicy: Using pork loin or tenderloin keeps these carnitas tender but less fatty than traditional versions.
Versatile: Delicious in tacos, burritos, nachos, or even rice bowls.
Flavor-packed: Aromatic spices and citrus juice infuse every bite.

Perfect for meal prep: Makes a big batch that stores and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

2.5-3 lbs pork loin or pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange, juiced (about 1/3 cup)

1 lime, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Directions for Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

Step 1: Sear the Pork

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin or tenderloin on all sides until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). This locks in juices and adds extra flavor.

Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the diced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the seared pork on top. Sprinkle the cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the pork. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.

Step 4: Shred and Crisp (Optional but Recommended!)

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. For crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet, drizzle with a bit of the cooking liquid, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Notes on Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

Trim the pork loin or tenderloin well for the best texture and to avoid excess grease.
If you prefer a spicier carnitas, add 1 diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Learn more about choosing pork cuts from Pork.org.

Variations on Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

Spicy Chipotle Carnitas: Add 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
Citrus Carnitas: Add additional lime and lemon juice for a more vibrant, tangy flavor.
Herb-Infused Carnitas: Include fresh chopped cilantro and a bay leaf during slow cooking for herbaceous notes.

Required Equipment for Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

6-quart slow cooker
Large skillet
Cutting board & knife

Tongs or two forks for shredding
Baking sheet (for crisping step)

Storage Instructions for Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to retain moisture.

Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations

Serve in warm corn or flour tortillas with diced onion, cilantro, and fresh lime wedges.
Pair with Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal.
Top over nachos, salads, or baked potatoes for creative leftovers!

Pro Tips for Best Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before shredding to keep it juicy.
Use the broiler step for irresistible crispy edges—don’t skip it!
Save extra juices to drizzle over the carnitas or add moisture when reheating. For more slow cooker tips, check out Food Network’s slow cooker guide.

FAQ: Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)

Can I use pork shoulder or butt instead of pork loin/tenderloin?: Absolutely! Pork shoulder is traditional and will be even more tender and flavorful, though higher in fat.
How do I keep the carnitas from drying out?: Don’t overcook, and always store carnitas with extra cooking liquid to keep them moist.
Can I make these carnitas in advance?: Yes! They reheat and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep and leftovers.

Slow Cooker Carnitas (Pork Carnitas with Pork Loin or Tenderloin)