If you love pulled pork, you need to try making it in the Ninja Foodi. The Ninja Foodi is an electric pressure cooker that can also air fry, slow cook, steam, sauté and more. It’s basically an Instant Pot and air fryer all in one!
Cooking pork shoulder in the Ninja Foodi results in incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone tender pork that shreds perfectly for pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, nachos and more The pressure cooker function helps break down the collagen in the pork shoulder, while retaining all the flavorful juices.
In this article, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to make pulled pork in the Ninja Foodi from start to finish. Let’s get cooking!
Benefits of Cooking Pork Shoulder in the Ninja Foodi
There are a few key benefits to using the Ninja Foodi to cook pork shoulder versus other methods
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Quick cooking time – The pressure cooker function cuts down significantly on cooking time. Pork shoulder can cook for 8+ hours in a slow cooker or oven, while it takes only 60-90 minutes in the Ninja Foodi.
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Tender, fall-apart meat – The pressure breaks down tough connective tissues, resulting in succulent pork that pulls apart easily.
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Flavorful – Cooking in liquid under pressure infuses the pork with savory flavor.
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Evenly cooked – No need to worry about burnt edges or undercooked centers. The Ninja Foodi cooks the pork evenly all the way through.
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Simple clean-up – With all cooking contained in the inner pot, clean-up is a breeze compared to the oven or smoker.
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder
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Choose the right cut – You’ll want a boneless pork butt or shoulder, about 3-5 pounds. Look for good marbling throughout for the most flavor and moisture.
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Trim excess fat – Trim off any large chunks of hard fat, leaving about 1⁄4 inch. Some fat is good for moisture!
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Season generously – Rub the pork all over with a spice rub. Use 1-2 tablespoons per 3-5 pounds of meat.
Recommended seasonings: brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper.
- Rest at room temperature – Let the seasoned pork rest for 20-30 minutes while you prep the Ninja Foodi. This helps the meat cook more quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Ninja Foodi
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Add liquid – Pour 1 cup water into pot. This will create steam to cook the pork under pressure. Chicken or beef broth adds extra flavor.
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Use a sling or rack – Place pork on a cooking rack or sling over top of liquid. This prevents burning on the bottom.
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Pressure cook – Lock the lid and set valve to seal. Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes for a 3-4 pound pork shoulder, 75 minutes for 5 pounds, and 90 minutes for 7-8 pounds.
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Natural release – After cooking, allow pressure to naturally release for 15-20 minutes before manually venting. This prevents pork from overcooking.
Step 3: Finish the Pulled Pork
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Shred – Use two forks to shred pork inside pot. It should pull apart easily.
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Drain liquid – Pour juices into a fat separator. Save broth for another use. Discard excess fat.
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Add BBQ sauce – For pulled pork, mix in your favorite barbecue sauce. Add other ingredients like vinegar, hot sauce, etc. to taste.
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Keep warm – Set Ninja Foodi to “Keep Warm” if not serving immediately.
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Build sandwiches – Pile pork onto burger buns and add desired toppings like coleslaw and pickles.
Tips for the Best Ninja Foodi Pulled Pork
Follow these tips for finger-lickin’ good pulled pork every time:
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Choose well-marbled pork shoulder with visible fat veins. This keeps the pork extra moist.
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Cut pork into large 3-4 inch chunks. Smaller pieces may overcook.
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Allow natural pressure release for at least 10-15 minutes. A full natural release is best for large cuts of meat.
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Check pork for doneness after shredding. Internal temp should be 205°F. Pressure cook longer if needed.
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Add liquid smoke, cider vinegar, or mustard to pulled pork for extra tangy flavor.
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Mix in reserved pork juices or chicken broth to keep shredded pork moist.
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Top with crunchy coleslaw for the perfect complement to rich, tender pulled pork.
Favorite Ways to Use Pulled Pork
Pulled pork made in the Ninja Foodi is endlessly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
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Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Pile pork on brioche buns with BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and dill pickles.
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Pulled Pork Nachos – Top corn tortilla chips with pulled pork, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and jalapeños.
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Pulled Pork Tacos – Stuff warm flour or corn tortillas with pulled pork, cotija cheese, pineapple salsa, and cilantro.
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Pulled Pork Burritos – Fill large flour tortillas with pulled pork, beans, rice, cheese, and avocado.
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Pulled Pork Pizza – Top baked pizza crust with pulled pork, red onion, barbecue sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
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Pulled Pork Breakfast Hash – Sauté pulled pork with potatoes, peppers, onions, and eggs.
The possibilities are endless! Pulled pork freezes well too, so cook up a big batch to have on hand whenever a pulled pork craving hits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pork shoulder should I buy?
- A 3-5 pound pork shoulder or pork butt works best. Size down for less servings or up to 8 pounds for a large group.
What if my pork isn’t tender after pressure cooking?
- Check your Ninja Foodi is sealing properly. Also, cook for longer, especially if using a larger cut of meat over 5 pounds.
Can I skip the natural release?
- Releasing pressure immediately may cause pork to overcook. At minimum, allow a 10 minute natural release, ideally 15-20 minutes.
Do I need liquid in the pot?
- Yes, the liquid creates steam to cook the pork under pressure. Use at least 1 cup water, broth, or other cooking liquid.
What meat temperature is target for pulled pork?
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 200-205°F for well done pork that shreds easily.
Can I use a pork loin instead?
- No, pork loin is much leaner and will result in dry, tough pork. Pork shoulder or butt is best.
Can I cook frozen pork shoulder in the Ninja Foodi?
- Yes, but add 15-20 minutes to the cook time if starting with fully frozen pork.
Is pork safe to eat pressured cooked?
- Yes, as long as cooked to an internal temperature of at least 200°F. The high pressure kills any bacteria.
Get Your Pulled Pork Fix with the Ninja Foodi
The Ninja Foodi makes it so easy to get your pulled pork fix any night of the week. With the powerful pressure cooker, you can take a tough cut like pork shoulder and turn it into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pork in no time flat.