Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas

Easy slow cooker carnitas recipe! Tender, crispy, and gluten-free. Perfect for tacos. Get the recipe for flavorful carnitas now!

Easy Gluten Free Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas

Craving authentic, flavorful carnitas but need a gluten-free option? Look no further! These Easy Crispy Carnitas are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Just toss a few simple ingredients into your slow cooker, and you’ll be rewarded with tender, juicy, and irresistibly crispy pork that everyone will love. Serve them in gluten-free corn tortillas for an authentic experience.

If you love easy gluten-free meals, you’re in the right place. Like our BLT Chicken Salad or Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowls, this recipe provides a delicious and satisfying option without any gluten.

Street tacos are naturally gluten-free, especially when served on corn tortillas. That makes them a fantastic choice when following a gluten-free diet. However, achieving that restaurant-quality flavor and texture at home can be tricky. That’s where the slow cooker comes in!

Imagine piling savory, crispy pork onto warm corn tortillas, topped with a dollop of sour cream, creamy guacamole, fresh cilantro, or crumbled cotija cheese, and a vibrant pico de gallo or pineapple salsa. A squeeze of lime ties it all together. These simple, clean flavors create an explosion of taste in every bite. These carnitas don’t need complicated sauces or marinades – just fresh ingredients and a little bit of time.

For more gluten-free meal inspiration, check out our 10 Easy Gluten-Free Recipes for Beginners or our collection of Gluten-Free Lunch and Dinner recipes for even more delicious and easy meal ideas.

How to Make Slow Cooker Carnitas (Gluten-Free)

Follow these simple steps for delicious, crispy carnitas that are perfect for tacos, salads, or bowls!

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place the pork in your slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pork.
  2. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  3. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove the lid from the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high. Use two forks to shred the pork into small chunks and shreds directly in the slow cooker.
  4. Evaporate Moisture: Continue to cook the shredded pork on high heat, stirring occasionally, until the excess moisture has evaporated and the pork begins to crisp up in its own fat. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
  5. Crisp in the Oven (Optional): For extra crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easy cleanup). Place the baking sheet under a preheated broiler on high heat. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the carnitas start to turn golden and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  6. Crisp on the Stovetop (Optional): Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded carnitas to the skillet, ensuring there’s enough rendered pork fat to fry them. Let the carnitas fry, undisturbed, until they begin to crisp on the bottom. Stir occasionally to crisp on all sides, being careful not to over-stir, which can prevent browning.
  7. Serve: Serve your crispy slow cooker carnitas immediately in gluten-free corn tortillas.

Notes for Gluten-Free Instant Pot Carnitas:

To make these carnitas in an Instant Pot, place all ingredients in the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure is released, turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Let the excess liquid simmer off while you shred the pork. Allow the carnitas to crisp as they fry in the rendered pork fat.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½-2 pounds Country-Style Pork Boneless Ribs, Or pork shoulder roast
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • ¾ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder

Nutritional Information

These slow cooker carnitas are not only incredibly flavorful but also offer several nutritional benefits, especially for those following a gluten-free diet. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  • Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe relies on simple spices and pork, making it inherently gluten-free. Enjoy without worrying about hidden gluten sources!

Per Serving (Estimated):

  • Serving Size: 1 (Recipe yields 6 servings)
  • Calories: 471
  • Total Fat: 28g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 159mg
  • Sodium: 828mg
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Protein: 47g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Gluten-Free Benefits and Considerations:

  • Safe Spices: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Versatile Protein Source: Pork is a fantastic source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
  • Customizable Carbs: Serve these carnitas with gluten-free corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Tips and Variations for Slow Cooker Carnitas

Get the most out of your slow cooker carnitas with these expert tips and easy variations:

Dietary Adaptations:

  • Low-Carb/Keto: Omit the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
  • Dairy-Free: Skip the traditional sour cream topping and opt for guacamole, dairy-free cashew cream, or a squeeze of lime.
  • Paleo: Ensure your brown sugar is unrefined or substitute with maple sugar.

Flavor Enhancements:

  • Citrus Burst: Add the juice of one orange and one lime to the slow cooker for a zesty twist.
  • Smoky Flavor: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.

Crisping Techniques:

  • Oven Broiling: For larger batches, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil on high heat for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Stovetop Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of the rendered pork fat and fry the shredded carnitas until crispy, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Tacos: Serve in gluten-free corn tortillas with your favorite toppings like cilantro, onion, guacamole, and salsa.
  • Bowls: Create a delicious carnitas bowl with rice, black beans, corn, and a variety of toppings.
  • Salads: Top a fresh salad with crispy carnitas for a protein-packed, flavorful meal.

Slow Cooker Tips:

  • Pork Selection: Choose a cut with good marbling for the best flavor and crispiness. Pork shoulder or country-style ribs work great.
  • Cooking Time: Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker. Pork should be tender and easily shreddable.
  • Shredding: Shred the pork directly in the slow cooker using two forks for easy cleanup.

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

To prepare this delicious gluten-free recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

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