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Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas Nachos

Instant Pot Carnitas Nachos - featured image
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These nachos feature juicy, citrus-infused carnitas made quickly in the Instant Pot, layered over crunchy tortilla chips, topped with melty cheese, and crisped under the broiler for the ultimate game day or party snack. Customizable and crowd-pleasing, they’re perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 lbs boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into chunks
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from 1 large orange)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (from 2 limes)
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 12 oz sturdy tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or pepper jack)
  • 2–3 jalapeños, sliced (fresh or pickled)
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema (optional)
  • Guacamole or sliced avocado (optional)
  • Fresh salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
  • Crumbled queso fresco (optional)
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place pork shoulder chunks in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
  2. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
  3. Mix everything gently to coat the pork evenly.
  4. Close the Instant Pot lid, set to ‘Sealing.’ Select ‘Pressure Cook’ on High for 35 minutes (about 10 minutes to come to pressure).
  5. Once cooking is done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  6. Remove pork with tongs to a large bowl. Shred using two forks until nicely pulled apart. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
  7. Preheat your broiler (high setting).
  8. Spread shredded pork out on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with reserved cooking liquid.
  9. Broil for 4–6 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  10. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a clean baking sheet.
  11. Scatter half the cheese over the chips. Top with generous spoonfuls of crispy carnitas.
  12. Add remaining cheese, sliced jalapeños, and red onion.
  13. Broil for 2–3 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  14. Remove nachos from oven. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco (if using), and your favorite toppings.
  15. Serve immediately with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce on the side.

Notes

Use sturdy chips to prevent sogginess. Prep carnitas ahead for easy party assembly. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and crema. Pork can be swapped for jackfruit or chicken. Broil chips briefly before topping for extra crunch. Store carnitas separately for best leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: carnitas nachos, instant pot, game day, Mexican, party food, appetizer, pork, nachos, easy recipe, broiler, cheese, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-instant-pot-carnitas-nachos-easy-game-day-recipe/