Instant Pot Pulled Pork: A Family Favorite in No Time!

Posted on April 23, 2026

This Instant Pot Pulled Pork comes together in about 90 minutes yes, you read that right! It’s all done in one pot, making it a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love.

Ingredient Breakdown for Instant Pot Pulled Pork

2-3 pounds pork shoulder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt & 1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Season the Pork : First, grab your pork shoulder and generously season it with a couple pinches of salt, black pepper, paprika, and brown sugar. This step is crucial because we want to build flavor right from the get-go!
Sear the Pork : Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Toss in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. Add your pork to the pot and sear it for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s nicely browned. You know it’s ready when it has that gorgeous golden crust. It smells incredible, like a savory invitation that you just can’t resist.
Sauté the Aromatics : Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside for a moment. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent about 3-4 minutes. Oh, the aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!
Deglaze the Pot : Now for the fun part! Pour in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with tons of flavor, and we want all of that goodness in our pulled pork.
Pressure Cook the Pork : Return the pork to the pot. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 60 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. During this time, you can kick back and relax or maybe throw in a load of laundry. You’ve earned it!
Release the Pressure : Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes. Then you can flip the valve to release any remaining steam.
Shred and Serve : Carefully remove the pork from the pot, and use two forks to shred it. It should pull apart easily! Mix the shredded pork with the sauce left in the pot before serving. Grab some buns, tortillas, or just eat it straight from the bowl, it’s totally up to you!

If you loved this pulled pork, be sure to check out my Harissa Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, my Chinese BBQ Pork Char Siu, or my Gordon Ramsay Pork Chop!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

You’ll be amazed that a dish this delicious comes together in under 90 minutes. The Instant Pot does all the work, allowing you to enjoy your evening instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

One Pot Wonder

This dish comes together all in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup required! Trust me, your sink will thank you.

Budget-Friendly

The ingredients are not only readily available but also super affordable. Pork shoulder is usually budget-friendly, and I know we can all use a little help keeping our grocery bills in check these days!

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have! Want to toss in some bell peppers or other veggies? Go for it! You can adjust the seasonings and sauce to fit your taste and preferences.

Comfort Food

This recipe is packed with tons of flavor and just strikes that nostalgic chord. It reminds me of family gatherings and cozy dinners that bring us all together.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Pulled Pork

You can serve this pulled pork on soft buns for classic sandwiches, inside corn tortillas for tasty tacos, or even on top of a fresh salad to add some protein. Pair it with coleslaw, baked beans, or even some crispy fries on the side for an all-out feast.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my household), you’ll be all set for quick lunches!

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat the pulled pork is in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You could also pop it in the microwave for a quick minute or two.

Freezer Friendly?

Yes! This pulled pork is pretty freezer-friendly. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer bags or a container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My Instant Pot Pulled Pork is truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights or even those lazy weekends when you just want something comforting without a lot of fuss. Just remember, this recipe is all about making things work for you, you can use different flavors, switch up ingredients, and really create your own fantastic version.

I can’t wait for you to try it! Sitting down with family over a delicious plate of pulled pork, well, there’s nothing quite like it!

And really, if you can think of anything better than diving into tender, flavorful pulled pork with your loved ones, you’ve got me curious…what is it?

Happy cooking, my friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.