Carnitas, a popular Mexican dish, is known for its tender and flavorful pork. Traditionally, it is made by slow-cooking pork in lard until it becomes tender and crispy. However, with the invention of the air fryer, making carnitas has become even easier and faster. In this article, we will guide you through a delicious and easy recipe for making carnitas in an air fryer. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering dish!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s first gather all the ingredients you will need for making carnitas in an air fryer. Don’t worry, these ingredients are easily available and you may even find most of them in your kitchen already. Here’s what you will need:
– Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt:
Carnitas are traditionally made with pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts of meat are perfect for slow-cooking as they become tender and juicy. You will need around 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork butt for this recipe.
– Garlic:
Garlic adds a delightful flavor to carnitas. You will need around 4 cloves of garlic, minced, for this recipe.
– Spices:
To add a burst of flavor to your carnitas, you will need various spices. These include 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
– Orange Juice:
The acidity and sweetness of orange juice help tenderize the meat and add a refreshing flavor to the carnitas. You will need 1 cup of orange juice for this recipe.
– Olive Oil:
Olive oil will help coat the pork and ensure it gets evenly cooked in the air fryer. You will need around 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
– Toppings:
To serve your carnitas, you can gather various toppings like diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking process!
The Cooking Process
Step 1: Preparing the Pork
Start by trimming the excess fat from the pork shoulder or pork butt. Cut the meat into chunks, around 2 inches in size. This will help the meat cook evenly and become tender.
Step 2: Seasoning the Pork
Once the meat is ready, it’s time to season it. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix them well. Then, rub this spice mixture all over the pork, making sure it is well-coated.
Step 3: Marinating the Pork
After seasoning the pork, place it in a ziplock bag or a bowl with a lid. Pour the orange juice over the meat. This will help infuse the flavors and tenderize the pork. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
Step 4: Preheating the Air Fryer
While the pork is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the carnitas cook evenly and become crispy.
Step 5: Cooking the Carnitas
Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the marinated pork from the bag or bowl. Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the pork in the basket, making sure to leave some space between the pieces for even cooking.
Step 6: Air Frying
Now it’s time to cook the carnitas! Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the pork for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. Keep an eye on the carnitas to make sure they don’t burn, as cooking times may vary depending on the size of your pork pieces and the air fryer you’re using.
Step 7: Shredding the Pork
Once the pork is cooked and crispy, remove it from the air fryer basket and let it cool slightly. Then, using two forks, shred the meat into smaller pieces. This will give your carnitas that classic pulled pork texture.
Step 8: Crisping the Carnitas
For that final touch of crispy goodness, place the shredded carnitas back into the air fryer basket. Cook them for an additional 5-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Serving and Enjoying Carnitas
Now that your carnitas are perfectly cooked and crispy, it’s time to serve them and savor their deliciousness! You can serve the carnitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa or hot sauce.
Carnitas also go well with various side dishes like rice, beans, guacamole, or even a refreshing salad. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy your homemade carnitas feast!
In Conclusion
Making carnitas in an air fryer is not only easy but also results in incredibly flavorful and tender pork. The combination of spices, orange juice, and the air fryer’s cooking technique creates a dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. So, gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade carnitas. Your family and friends will be impressed with your culinary skills, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe for any occasion. Happy cooking!