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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot

    By Amy · Published: Jun 13, 2021 · Updated: Jun 13, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy 9 Comments

    Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

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    A closeup of a BBQ pork sandwich. Overlay text says "Instant Pot Pulled Pork".

    Tender and juicy pulled pork is prepared in a fraction of the time by utilizing the convenience of your Instant Pot. Made with just seven simple ingredients, pulled pork has never been easier!

    Closeup view of a pulled pork sandwich with an Instant Pot in the background.

    I recently shared my pig pickin’ cake recipe and it totally had me craving pulled pork. This is my go-to method of making it when I want it in a hurry (and with minimal prep time!).

    I love this pork piled high on a soft bun and topped with coleslaw. I prefer it with a vinegar-based sauce (Carolina style), but you can also prepare it with a tomato-based BBQ sauce… it’s totally up to you!

    Your Simple Ingredients

    Overhead view of ingredients for Instant Pot pulled pork.
    • Boston butt – You’ll need a 3 to 4 pound boneless pork shoulder roast.
    • Barbecue sauce – Use your favorite!
    • Salt and pepper – For seasoning the pork before browning.
    • Olive oil – For browning the pork before pressure cooking.
    • Root Beer helps with tenderizing while the pork is cooking. I love the flavor of root beer in this recipe, but cola or Dr Pepper can also be used.

    How to Make Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork

    Following is a brief overview – please see the recipe card for full detailed instructions.

    Two photos showing pork being prepared for Instant Pot pulled pork.
    1. Cut the pork roast into four pieces as evenly as possible and season with salt and black pepper.
    2. Sear the pork pieces in olive oil (in two batches).
    Two photos of pork in an Instant Pot before and after pressure cooking.
    1. Pour in the root beer, cola or Dr Pepper.
    2. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. Quick release the remaining pressure.
    Two images showing pork being shredded and tossed with sauce in a bowl.
    1. Transfer pork to a large bowl and shred with two forks.
    2. Toss with desired amount of your favorite sauce.
    A bowl of pulled pork, a bowl of coleslaw and a plate with sandwich buns.

    Freezer-Friendly

    Another great thing I love about pulled pork is that it freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, store in resealable plastic freezer bags (squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn) for up to 3 months.

    Front closeup view of a pulled pork sandwich on a wood cutting board.

    Enjoy!

    More Pork Deliciousness

    • Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
    • 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
    • Barbecue Pork Ribs

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    Front closeup view of a pulled pork sandwich.

    Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

    Tender and juicy pulled pork is prepared in a fraction of the time by utilizing the convenience of your Instant Pot!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Instant Pot
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: instant pot pulled pork
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 1 minute
    Time to reach pressure and NPR: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Amy

    Ingredients

    • 1 (3 to 4 pound) Boston butt boneless pork roast
    • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cups root beer or cola or Dr Pepper
    • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce adjust amount to your personal preference

    Instructions

    • Cut pork into 4 pieces (as evenly as possible).  Season with salt and pepper.
    • Pour oil into your Instant Pot and set to saute. When the oil is heated, add 2 pieces of the pork and sear until browned on all sides, using tongs to turn (approximately 1 minute on each side). Transfer to a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining 2 pieces of pork.
    • Turn off the saute setting by pressing "cancel". Return the 2 pieces of pork on the plate to the Instant Pot, along with any juices.
    • Pour the root beer over the pork.
    • Place the lid on your pressure cooker and lock. Steam release knob should be on "sealing". Cook on manual setting (high pressure) for 45 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
    • Using tongs, carefully transfer the pork to a large bowl. Shred using 2 forks. Remove and discard any fat while shredding.
    • Pour sauce over pork and toss to coat evenly using tongs.

    Notes

    • Cook time includes browning pork and high pressure time.
    • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .
    • Once completely cooled, freeze in a resealable freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months (squeeze out excess air to help prevent freezer burn).
    • This recipe was tested using an Instant Pot 6 quart Duo.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 555kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 181mg | Sodium: 1278mg | Potassium: 1141mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 109IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 4mg

    If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheBlondCook or tag #theblondcook!

    Originally published May 2018. Updated with new photos, new text and republished June 2021.

    HUNGRY FOR MORE?

    • Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
      Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
    • Baked Barbecue Pork Ribs
      Baked Barbecue Pork Ribs
    • Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops
      Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops
    • Instant Pot Chili
      Instant Pot Chili
    « Pig Pickin’ Cake
    Zucchini Tomato Bake »

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Vanessa says

      February 19, 2019 at 2:14 pm

      Hello! what would the cooking time be for doubling the recipe – thanks
      !

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        February 21, 2019 at 11:43 am

        Hey Vanessa, I’ve never doubled this recipe so I can’t say with certainty. I’ve read that the time for meat doesn’t need to change when doubling an Instant Pot recipe, but haven’t personally tried it so I can’t say for sure. Let us know how it turns out if you try it! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Nina says

      October 14, 2018 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this for a football Sunday and wow!! Came out perfect and tender and was done so fast!!! My go to pork roast recipe now!

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        October 15, 2018 at 9:13 am

        Thanks so much, Nina! So happy to hear everyone enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Keisha says

      August 13, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      If I use a 6qt instant pot, do I change the cooking time?

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        August 14, 2018 at 8:18 am

        Hi Keisha, I can’t say for sure because I’ve never made this recipe in a 6-quart. I did find this article on adjusting for size differences with Instant Pots. Hope it’s helpful and you enjoy the pork! 🙂

        Reply
      • Pat says

        January 15, 2019 at 6:08 pm

        I have made it in a 6 qt Instant Pot and I didn’t change anything and it turned out perfect. This is a fantastic recipe!

        Reply
    4. Ginny says

      May 25, 2018 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars
      I know your Papa would be so proud of you. What a wonderful post. Can’t wait to make the bbq!

      Reply
      • Amy @ The Blond Cook says

        May 27, 2018 at 8:40 am

        Thanks so much, Ginny!

        Reply

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    Hey, I'm Amy Brinkley! Welcome to my online kitchen. I love cooking simple, family-friendly recipes with everyday ingredients.

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