Carnitas are a classic Mexican dish that is loved by many for its tender and flavorful meat. Traditionally, carnitas are made by slow-cooking pork shoulder until it becomes tender and then frying it until it gets crispy. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, many people are now wondering if they can achieve the same delicious result in a fraction of the time. In this article, we will guide you on how long to cook carnitas in an air fryer, providing you with a quick and delicious recipe to try at home.
Preparing the Carnitas
Before we dive into cooking the carnitas, it is essential to prepare the meat properly. You will need around 2 pounds of boneless pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, for this recipe. Start by trimming off any excess fat from the meat. While some fat adds flavor, too much can make the carnitas greasy.
Next, cut the pork shoulder into small pieces, roughly 2 inches in size. Cubing the meat will allow it to cook evenly and ensure that it gets crispy in the air fryer. Optionally, you can marinate the pork in a mixture of spices, citrus juice, and garlic for a few hours to enhance the flavor. Some popular spices used in carnitas seasoning include cumin, oregano, paprika, and chili powder.
Cooking the Carnitas in an Air Fryer
Once you have prepared the meat, it’s time to cook the carnitas in your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, place the cubed pork shoulder in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure the meat cooks evenly.
Stage 1: Initial Cook
Cook the pork in the air fryer for about 15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking process. This initial stage allows the pork to release some of its fat and start cooking through.
Stage 2: Crisp it up
After the initial cook, reduce the temperature of the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Continue cooking the pork for an additional 10-15 minutes until it becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remember to flip the meat occasionally to ensure even browning.
At this point, the carnitas should be perfectly cooked, tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside. However, if you prefer your carnitas to have an extra crunch, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes. Just keep an eye on the meat to prevent it from becoming too dry.
Serving and Enjoying the Carnitas
Once the carnitas are cooked to perfection, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat, making it more flavorful. You can serve the carnitas in a variety of ways, depending on your preference.
Some popular options include serving the carnitas as tacos with your favorite toppings such as salsa, lime juice, guacamole, and cilantro. You can also serve it as a filling for enchiladas, burritos, or quesadillas. The possibilities are endless, and you can get as creative as you like with your culinary creations.
Conclusion
Cooking carnitas in an air fryer can be a quick and delicious way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish. By following the two-stage cooking process outlined in this article, you can achieve tender and crispy carnitas in less time than traditional methods. Remember to adjust the cooking time according to your air fryer’s specifications and the size of your meat pieces.
Experiment with different seasonings and accompaniments to customize the flavor to your liking. Whether you choose to enjoy them as tacos, burritos, or on their own, the result is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, fire up your air fryer, grab some pork shoulder, and get ready to savor the mouthwatering goodness of homemade carnitas.