• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Simply Low Cal
  • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Main Dish
    • Dips, Dressings & Sauces
    • Drinks
    • Instant Pot
    • Recipe Roundups & Downloads
    • Salads
    • Side Dish
    • Slow Cooker
    • Soup
    • Snack
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes +
  • Easy Main Dishes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes +
    • Easy Main Dishes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Carnitas

    Published: April 26, 2022 · Modified: July 12, 2023 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    255 shares
    • Share
    • Yum
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    air-fryer-carnitas-pin.

    Air Fryer Carnitas is one of the easiest, most delicious, and heavenly tasting dishes that you can make in the air fryer. The dish is not only great for a lazy Sunday brunch but it also makes for a quick weekday dinner or lunch. It's low carb and gluten free so it will be perfect for any diet!

    Tacos on a plate with rice and a lime wedge.

    Check out my Air Fryer BBQ Chicken and Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast for more air fryer dinner ideas.

    This recipe for air fryer pork carnitas is simple, delicious, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The pork is seasoned with taco seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and salt before being cooked in the air fryer. They are then removed from the air fryer and served with your favorite toppings.

    They're perfect in tacos, taquitos and enchiladas. While traditional carnitas are made by slow cooking, this air fryer version makes it super quick and easy.

    Carnitas taco on a white plate.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Carnitas are a delicious, savory dish that can be made in the air fryer.
    • They are perfect for a Mexican-themed meal or party.
    • Carnitas are perfect for serving as a main course or appetizer.
    • They can be served with rice, tortillas, or other Mexican sides.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Labeled ingredients for the carnitas tacos.
    • Pork Shoulder/Butt: To make the carnitas, you'll need boneless pork!
    • Taco Seasoning: You can find taco seasoning in the spice aisle of your grocery store.
    • Oil: A little goes a long way!
    • Orange: A must in carnitas! Adds great flavor.
    • Jalapeño: For a little spice!
    • Salt & Pepper: You'll also need salt and pepper to season the pork.
    • Yellow Corn Tortillas: To make tacos!
    • Purple Onion: Optional, but great flavor.
    • Cilantro: Optional, but delicious.

    Step-By-Step-Instructions

    Steps to make the carnitas.
    Steps to assemble the tacos.

    Step 1: In a mixing bowl, add the pork and the spices (2 tablespoons taco seasoning). Top with the oil, juice from the orange, jalapeño, and cilantro. Mix and add pork and mixture to a storage bag. Place in the fridge overnight or for 6 hours. 

    Step 2: Create a foil catch tray for the air fryer basket and add the pork shoulder. Pour over the remaining marinade and cook at 350 ℉ for 45 minutes. Turn the pork at 30 minutes.

    Step 3: Remove the pork and shred the meat. Add the remaining taco seasoning and mix. 

    Step 4: Dice the onion. Warm the tortillas and load with the pork, onion, and cilantro. Enjoy!

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    Three tacos on a plate with rice.

    Expert Tips

    • If you want to make a large batch of carnitas, double or triple the recipe.
    • You can make this recipe in the slow cooker or oven! 
    • Don’t overcook the pork, it should be cooked through, but not dry or overdone.
    • After you store them in the fridge, the meat may be a little dried out. Make sure to add oil and reseason.

    Variations

    The possibilities are endless when it comes to carnitas. You can add different seasonings, sauces, and toppings to make them your own. There is something for everyone when it comes to carnitas. You can mix and match different seasonings, sauces, and toppings to create your own perfect dish.

    Here are a few of our favorite variations:

    • Chipotle: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder to the seasoning mix for a smoky, spicy flavor.
    • Pineapple: Toss the pork with a little bit of pineapple juice and some diced pineapple before cooking.
    • Verde: In a blender, combine 2 cups of salsa verde with ¼ cup chopped cilantro. Pour the sauce over the cooked pork before serving.
    • Street Tacos: Serve the carnitas in warm tortillas with diced onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream or guacamole.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing:  If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    Freezing: If you want to freeze the carnitas, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the air fryer or microwave.

    Recipe FAQ's

    How many calories are in air fryer carnitas?

    There are about 300 calories in a serving of air fryer carnitas. They are also low in fat, with only 4 grams per serving. This makes them a healthy option for a Mexican dish.

    Can I make carnitas ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make the carnitas ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

    What are some toppings I can use for carnitas?

    You can add sour cream,  guacamole, diced onion, and cilantro to your carnitas. You can also use them in tacos or burritos.

    How can I keep these carnitas low carb?

    You can omit the taco seasoning and replace it with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. You can also use a low-carb tortilla.

    Can I make these carnitas spicier?

    Yes, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder to the seasoning mix for a smoky, spicy flavor.

    More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

    • Thumbnail of low calorie mozzarella sticks.
      Low Calorie Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
    • Thumbnail of low calorie pork chops.
      Low Calorie Air Fryer Pork Chops
    • Thumbnail of air fryer pork egg rolls.
      Air Fryer Pork Egg Rolls
    • Thumbnail of air fryer sesame chicken.
      Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter!

    Thumbnail of air fryer carnitas.

    Air Fryer Carnitas

    5 from 2 votes
    By Kate
    Air fryer carnitas is one of the easiest and best tasting dishes that you can make in the air fryer. The dish is not only great for a lazy Sunday brunch but it also makes for a quick weekday dinner or lunch. It's low carb and healthy!
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep 10 minutes mins
    Cook 30 minutes mins
    Total 40 minutes mins
    Servings 12 Servings
    Calories 303kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Special Equipment

    • Power Air Fryer XL
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 pounds pork shoulder/butt
    • 4 tablespoons taco seasoning divided
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 3 tablespoons oil
    • 1 orange juiced
    • 1 jalapeño diced
    • ¼ bunch cilantro diced
    • 1 purple onion diced
    • 12 yellow corn tortillas

    Instructions
     

    • In a mixing bowl add the pork and the spices (2 tablespoons taco seasoning). Top with the oil, juice from the orange, jalapeño, and cilantro. Mix and add pork and mixture to a storage bag. Place in the fridge overnight or for 6 hours.
    • Create a foil catch tray for the air fryer basket and add the pork shoulder. Pour over the remaining marinade and cook at 350°F for 45 minutes. Turn the pork at 30 minutes.
    • Remove the pork and shred the meat. Add the remaining taco seasoning and mix.
    • Warm the tortillas and load with the pork, onion, and cilantro.

    Notes

    • Pork is considered cooked through and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145 ℉.
    • Don’t overcook the pork, it should be cooked through, but not dry or overdone.
    • After you store them in the fridge, the meat may be a little dried out. Make sure to add oil and reseason.
    • Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on food.
    • You can make this recipe in the slow cooker or oven!
    • Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
    • Freezing: Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the air fryer or microwave.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tacoCalories: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 20gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Tried this recipe?Give it a star rating and leave a comment below!
    Signature.

    More Air Fryer

    • Dehydrated pickle chips in a jar
      Dehydrated Pickle Chips
    • Thumbnail of air fryer zucchini and squash.
      Air Fryer Squash And Zucchini
    • air fryer mashed potatoes thumbnail picture.
      Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
    • Thumbnail of low calorie turkey burgers.
      Low Calorie Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
    255 shares
    • Share
    • Yum
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    air-fryer-carnitas-pin.
    Headshot of Kate the blog owner

    Hi and welcome! Simply Low Cal is the blog about DELICIOUS low calorie recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks that anyone can make. You will find plenty of healthy recipes for anyone. About Me

    POPULAR RECIPES

    • Thumbnail of low calorie banana bread.
      Low Calorie Banana Bread
    • Thumbnail of low calorie chicken noodle soup.
      Low Calorie Chicken Noodle Soup
    • Thumbnail of healthy snow cone syrup.
      Healthy Snow Cone Syrup
    • Thumbnail of 100 calorie blueberry muffins.
      100 Calorie Blueberry Muffins
    • Thumbnail of low calorie protein shake.
      Low Calorie Protein Shake
    • Thumbnail of PBfit soft gluten free cookies.
      PBfit Soft Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

    THE BEST OF WINTER

    • Thumbnail of low calorie hot chocolate.
      Low Calorie Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
    • Thumbnail of low calorie pecan pie.
      Low Calorie Pecan Pie
    • Thumbnail of low calorie gingerbread latte.
      Low Calorie Gingerbread Latte
    • Thumbnail of low calorie mashed cauliflower.
      Low Calorie Mashed Cauliflower
    • Thumbnail of low calorie snickerdoodle latte.
      Low Calorie Snickerdoodle Latte
    • Thumbnail of low calorie broccoli cheddar soup.
      Low Calorie Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    FEATURED IN

    as seen in.

    Footer

    air-fryer-carnitas-pin.

    ↑ back to top

    Featured In

    as seen in banner.

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Work With Me
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! For emails and updates

    Contact

    • [email protected]

    AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

    © 2025 SIMPLY LOW CAL | MAMA IS WORKING LLC

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.