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Home Method Slow Cooker
5
/5
25 minutes

Apple Cider Slow Cooker Carnitas with Fresh Apple Salsa

Dairy Free Dairy-Free Nut Free Nut Free Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
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By: Denise Bustard38 Comments
Posted: 2/3/15 Updated: 8/28/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Tender and juicy apple cider slow cooker carnitas are topped with a fresh apple salsa. A twist on the Mexican classic with new fall-inspired flavors!

The slow cooker works absolute wonders on tough cuts of meat like a pork shoulder. We love making crock pot pulled pork, or slow cooker honey garlic beef.  These slow cooker apple cider carnitas are perfect as well, and are a fun take on a Mexican classic.

tortilla topped with apple cider carnitas and fresh apple salsa on wooden cutting board

Why is the slow cooker best friends with tough cuts of meat? Because of the long and slow cook time, tough collagen fibres have time to break down into the meat producing a melt-in-your-mouth result.

For these slow cooker apple cider carnitas, we swap out the traditional orange juice for apple juice, giving this a subtle and unique flavor. For even more of a fall twist, we're adding a cinnamon stick.

Reasons you'll ♡ slow cooker apple cider carnitas

  • they are simple to prepare
  • the heavier pork is balanced out with a fresh apple salsa
  • it's a fun remix on a classic Mexican recipe

two tortillas topped with apple cider carnitas on wooden cutting board with bowl of apple salsa in background

The best cut of pork for carnitas

For this recipe, I recommend a pork shoulder cut as it is well marbled with fat and connective tissue; bone-in or boneless work well. Depending on where you live, your grocery store or butcher may have more precise names for the pork including:

  • pork butt- higher on the shoulder, uniform in size and great for cooking in the slow cooker
  • pork shoulder or picnic roast- lower down on shoulder and may contain part of the leg and skin

If you have a choice, I would recommend the boneless pork butt, as it is more uniform in size, and the boneless cut makes the pork easier to shred after cooking. With that being said, the picnic roast works fine for pulled pork, so I believe it would work for these carnitas as well.

Making apple cider carnitas

This is such a simple recipe to get on to cook as no sautéing is required. Simply add to a 6 quart slow cooker: apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, one cinnamon stick, one bay leave and salt. Stir to combine, then add the pork shoulder, turn to coat, and cook on low for 8 hours.

After 8 hours, transfer the pork to a large bowl and shred using an electric hand mixer (my favorite hack for shredding meat!).

Crisping it up

While I haven't done it for this recipe, you are welcome to crisp up the pork after cooking. Line a baking sheet with foil, and spread the shredded pork out on the sheet. Spoon a few cups of the cooking liquid over top.

Place the baking sheet under the broiler (if you live outside of North America, it may be called the 'grill') for 5 minutes, until the edges of the shredded pork get crispy.

2 tortillas topped with apple cider carnitas and fresh apple salsa on wooden cutting board

Fresh Apple Salsa

Since carnitas can be on the heavy side, we are topping ours with a fresh apple salsa.

 The fresh apple salsa is the perfect fresh, crunchy topping: Granny Smith apples, cucumber, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, and pomegranate arils, tossed in a squeeze of lime.

Prep ahead and storage tips

This recipe works well for meal prep in a couple of different ways.

1. freezer crock pot meal

You can assemble all cider carnitas ingredients ahead in a freezer bag, reusable silicone bag or large meal prep container, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months. This will save you from having to measure out any ingredients prior to cooking.

To cook- thaw completely before cooking on low for 8 hours.

2. leftovers

You can also store in the fridge or freezer after cooking:

  • fridge- store shredded pork with some of the cooking liquid in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • reheat- rewarm in a frying pan, or on a baking sheet at 350°F for 10 minutes
  • freezer- cooked, shredded pork may be portioned out in a freezer bag, reusable silicone bag, or meal prep container for up to 3 months.

Check out my favorite freezer containers.

overhead shot of 2 tortillas topped with apple cider carnitas and fresh apple salsa on wooden cutting board and bowl of apple salsa to the side

Instant Pot

One more thing- while I haven't tested this recipe in the Instant Pot, it should work perfectly fine. I'd advise cooking for 90 minutes at high pressure followed by a 10 minute natural pressure release. At this point, release the remaining pressure. The pork should be fall-apart-tender.

Leave me a comment if you give this a try!

More slow cooker recipes

  • 7 No Sautee Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
  • Slow Cooker Whole Chicken + Vegetables
  • Slow Cooker African Peanut Stew
  • Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken
  • Smoky Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

overhead shot of apple cider slow cooker carnitas with fresh apple salsa on tortillas

Apple Cider Slow Cooker Carnitas with Fresh Apple Salsa

5 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Print Rate
Tender and juicy apple cider slow cooker carnitas are topped with a fresh apple salsa. A twist on the Mexican classic with new fall-inspired flavors!
8

Ingredients

Slow Cooker Cider Carnitas (serves 8)

  • 1.5-2 lb Boneless Pork Shoulder
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (200 g)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp salt

Fresh Apple Salsa (serves 4)

  • 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced into small cubes- ½ inch or so)
  • 1 jalapeno (de-seeded- leave some seeds in if you want it spicy)
  • 2 cups cucumber (diced into small cubes - ½ inch or so)
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves (torn)
  • 2 tablespoons red onion (diced finely)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

To Serve:

  • 16 small Tortillas

Instructions 

Slow Cooker Cider Carnitas

  • Place pork shoulder in bottom of slow cooker.
  • Whisk together remaining ingredients and pour over the pork.
  • Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
  • Remove pork from slow cooker and place in a bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or two forks, shred the meat, then toss with ¼ cup (or more) of juices from slow cooker.

To Crisp Up (optional)

  • Line a baking sheet with foil, and spread the shredded pork out on the sheet. Spoon a few cups of the cooking liquid over top.
  • Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 5 minutes, until the edges of the shredded pork get crispy.

Fresh Apple Salsa

  • Combine all ingredients and toss in lime juice.

Tips:

Storage
Apple cider carnitas may be cooked up to 4 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Warm back up in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in a frying pan on medium heat for 5 minutes.
You may also freeze in a heavy freezer bag or reusable silicone bag for up to 3 months.
Apple salsa does not keep well and should not be prepared ahead.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2small tacos, Calories: 459kcal, Carbohydrates: 73g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 51mg, Sodium: 761mg, Potassium: 626mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 41g, Vitamin A: 74IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 109mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Denise Bustard
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
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Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

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Recipe Rating




  1. Pamela says

    Posted on 1/22/18 at Posted on 1/22/18

    I took this recipe and I abused it slightly with decent results. I was honestly lazy and didn’t feel like dragging out my slow cooker and my instant pot was already out so I decided I was going to just use this recipe as a base and wing it, I cooked an almost 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder for 1.5 hrs in the pressure cooker in 30 minute increments because of the pots setting but didn’t realease my preassure till the end. It came out well and it shredded up no problem with my forks. A step I added though was I took a cookie sheet and lined the whole thing with foil and then I put my oven on 500 and cooked it till it got some nice crispness for 8 minutes. I feel like crisping it really added to your recipe. 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/22/18 at Posted on 1/22/18

      HAHA totally cracking up at the 'abused it slightly'. I think you made some great changes and now I'm dying to try it after crisping up in the oven!

      Reply
      • Pamela says

        Posted on 1/23/18 at Posted on 1/23/18

        I added a little more of the juice from the pot to my pan before I crisped it so it wouldn’t dry out and it was great!

        Reply
      • Pamela H. says

        Posted on 5/14/19 at Posted on 5/14/19

        Did you ever end up try it crisped?

        Reply
        • Denise says

          Posted on 5/16/19 at Posted on 5/16/19

          Hi Pamela! I haven't tried it yet. I bet it would be great!

          Reply
  2. Katie @ Gettin' My Healthy On says

    Posted on 10/24/15 at Posted on 10/24/15

    This combo of ingredients is so intriguing! I'm all about balancing heavy foods with fresh, crisp toppings. The salsa looks/sounds amazing.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 10/25/15 at Posted on 10/25/15

      Thanks so much, Katie! I find pulled pork SO heavy on its own, it's just begging for something fresh and healthy on top 🙂

      Reply
  3. Julia says

    Posted on 2/13/15 at Posted on 2/13/15

    I stumbled upon your blog today and love it. I am a huge fan of my slow cooker for the busy days and I just love carnitas. That salsa looks wonderful.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/14/15 at Posted on 2/14/15

      Thanks so much, Julia! I am still learning with my slow cooker, but am determined to make it work for us for the remainder of the winter...it's just so convenient!

      Reply
  4. Bri | Bites of Bri says

    Posted on 2/8/15 at Posted on 2/8/15

    I love carnitas and the apple salsa must add incredible crunch! I love that idea. I'm a fan of texture on tacos, usually I have to have slaw but this salsa looks absolutely mouthwatering 🙂

    Reply
  5. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    Posted on 2/7/15 at Posted on 2/7/15

    These carnitas look gorgeous, Denise! Love slow cooker meals and that apple salsa sounds so light and refreshing and goes perfectly with the pulled pork!

    Reply
  6. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says

    Posted on 2/6/15 at Posted on 2/6/15

    This sound so good!! I love fruit salsas, but I've never had apple!! I bet it goes great with the pork!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/6/15 at Posted on 2/6/15

      Thanks, Jess! The apple salsa was surprisingly good! Kind of weird, but not too weird 😉

      Reply
  7. Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says

    Posted on 2/6/15 at Posted on 2/6/15

    These look amazing, Denise! You won me over with the quick and easy prep time. Plus that apple salsa looks like the perfect fresh topping. I'll be trying these soon!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/6/15 at Posted on 2/6/15

      Thanks, Kristine! It was surprisingly easy! I hope you like it 🙂

      Reply
  8. Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says

    Posted on 2/4/15 at Posted on 2/4/15

    So fresh. Love all the colors on this carnita.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/5/15 at Posted on 2/5/15

      Thanks, Kathy!

      Reply
  9. katie says

    Posted on 2/4/15 at Posted on 2/4/15

    5 stars
    Love slow cooker recipes! This one looks fabulous; it's the best when the meat is so falling apart tender. Yum!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/5/15 at Posted on 2/5/15

      I am really starting to love my slow cooker! Thanks, Katie!

      Reply
  10. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    Posted on 2/4/15 at Posted on 2/4/15

    Denise, oh my gawd, these carnitas look amazing!!! and the cider braised pulled-pork . . pulled pork is my fave! and love the fresh apples and cucumbers on top! These are gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/5/15 at Posted on 2/5/15

      Thanks, Alice! We don't eat much pulled pork here, but it was SO easy I think it will go on our regular rotation 😉

      Reply
  11. Natashalh says

    Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

    My husband would *love* these! I have to try them out on him when he gets home. Pinning so I don't loose track of the recipe!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

      Thanks, Natashalh! I hope you like them! They were also good for lunch the next day!

      Reply
  12. Helen @ Scrummy Lane says

    Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

    Denise, I'm very happy that you're going to be doing a slow cooker series. I got a new one fairly recently but haven't had a great deal of luck with it so far.
    You really sold this one to me. I love love love that you came up with that fresh apple salsa to go with the beautiful cider-infused meat!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

      Thanks, Helen! I have had my slow cooker for a few years and don't use it nearly enough! My problem is that I'm gone to work for 8-10 hours per day, so chicken breasts=not great. I'm going to have a lot of fun experimenting! (or pull a lot of hair out, LOL)

      Reply
  13. Sherri@The Well Floured Kitchen says

    Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

    Oh wow- those flavors are making my mouth water! Love the idea of apple cider as the braising liquid- and in the slow cooker - so easy. The salsa looks like the perfect contrasting crunch. Yum!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

      Thanks so much, Sherri! I knew pork + apples would be a fool-proof combination 🙂

      Reply
  14. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

    5 stars
    Ok, this apple salsa is such a great idea! Crunchy, tart, sweet. It has it all! And I just love carnitas. Can't wait to try this apple cider version!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

      Thanks so much Natalie! I don't eat a lot of pork, mostly just tenderloin, so this is a big change up for us! We loved it, though!

      Reply
  15. Sarah@Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

    I am in LOVE with these gorgeous carnitas, Denise! That apple salsa looks so light and fresh, and the perfect punch of flavor to all that slow-cooked meaty goodness! I've gotta try this asap. 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

      Thanks so much, Sarah! The meat definitely needed something light and fresh to top it off with 🙂

      Reply
  16. April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says

    Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

    Looks so fresh and delicious! I agree - nothing better then coming home to dinner that's almost ready. We use our crock pot for chicken tacos at least once a week, so I love this twist you have going on with the apples - what a creative switch-up!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

      I really want to get more out of my crockpot! I really need more 8-10 hour meals to make it easier mid-week! Thanks, April!

      Reply
  17. Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says

    Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

    That apple salsa looks divine and full of so much flavour! I am loving these Carnitas 😀 😀

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/3/15 at Posted on 2/3/15

      Thanks, Ceara! I definitely needed to have something fresh and crunchy on top of the heavier meat!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Denise

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

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