Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic comfort food, and using an Instant Pot makes the process faster and more convenient than traditional slow cooking.

This method delivers juicy, flavorful pork in under two hours, making it perfect for busy weeknights, weekend barbecues, or meal prep.

The Instant Pot locks in moisture, enhances the flavors, and ensures tender, fall-apart meat with minimal effort.

Let’s get started!

Why Make Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot?

• Cuts cooking time significantly compared to slow cooking
• Retains moisture for extra-juicy and tender pork
• One-pot cooking minimizes cleanup
• Perfect for meal prep and feeding a crowd

Best Cut of Pork for Pulled Pork

Choosing the right cut of pork is essential for achieving the best texture and flavor.

• Pork shoulder (Boston butt): The best option for juicy, flavorful pulled pork due to its marbling and fat content.
• Pork loin: A leaner option that can work, but requires extra care to avoid drying out.
• Pork tenderloin: Not recommended, as it is too lean and lacks the necessary fat for tender pulled pork.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing, optional)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup chicken broth (or apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving
• Brioche or sandwich buns
• Coleslaw (optional, for serving)

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Pork

1. Prepare the Pork

• Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder.
• Cut the pork into large chunks (about 3-4 inches) to ensure even cooking.
• Rub the pork with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.

2. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended)

• Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sear the pork pieces for about 2 minutes per side until browned.
• Remove the pork and set aside.

3. Pressure Cook the Pork

• Add chicken broth (or apple cider vinegar) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
• Return the pork to the pot and secure the lid.
• Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 60-80 minutes (depending on the thickness of the pork chunks).
• Allow a 15-minute natural pressure release, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

4. Shred and Sauce

• Transfer the pork to a large bowl and use two forks to shred it.
• Mix in BBQ sauce to coat the meat evenly.

Best Toppings & Serving Ideas

Enhance your pulled pork sandwiches with delicious toppings:

• Classic: Coleslaw, pickles, extra BBQ sauce
• Spicy Kick: Jalapeños, hot sauce, pepper jack cheese
• Sweet & Savory: Pineapple slices, honey mustard drizzle
• Tex-Mex Twist: Avocado, chipotle mayo, cotija cheese

What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Complement your sandwiches with these sides:

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze pulled pork for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong cut of meat (too lean = dry pork)
• Skipping the searing step, which enhances flavor
• Overcooking or under-seasoning the pork
• Not allowing a natural pressure release, which helps retain moisture

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use frozen pork?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 20-30 minutes. Skipping the searing step is also necessary since frozen pork won’t brown properly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pulled pork stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.

How do I prevent the pork from drying out?

Use a cut with good fat content, avoid quick pressure release, and mix in extra sauce or broth when reheating.