How Long To Cook Pork Butt In Instant Pot

If you’re a fan of tender, juicy pulled pork, you may want to know how long it takes to cook pork butt in an Instant Pot. Cooking pork butt in an Instant Pot can be a real game-changer regarding convenience and speed.

With the right cooking time and method, you can have a delicious, succulent pork butt in no time. But figuring out the ideal cooking time can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to using an Instant Pot.

Factors like the size of your pork butt and your preferred level of doneness can all affect the cooking time. So, in this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cooking pork butt in an Instant Pot, including the cooking time, the steps to follow, and some helpful tips to ensure you get the best results.

How Long to Cook Pork Butt In an Instant Pot

In cooking pork butt in an Instant Pot, the cooking time and temperature will depend on how well done you want your meat to be. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking time and temperature for rare, medium rare, medium, and well-done pork butt:

• Rare: For rare pork butt, you’ll want to cook it for about 50 minutes under high pressure with a natural release. The internal temperature of the meat should be around 135°F.
• Medium rare: If you prefer your pork butt to be medium rare, you’ll need to cook it for about 1 hour and 10 minutes under high pressure with a natural release. The internal temperature of the meat should be around 145°F.
• Medium: To achieve a medium level of doneness for your pork butt, you’ll need to cook it for about 1 hour and 30 minutes under high pressure with a natural release. The internal temperature of the meat should be around 155°F.
• Medium well: For medium well pork butt, you’ll want to cook it for about 1 hour and 50 minutes on high pressure with a natural release. The internal temperature of the meat should be around 165°F.
• Well-done: If you prefer your pork butt to be well-done, you’ll need to cook it for about 2 hours and 10 minutes under high pressure with a natural release. The internal temperature of the meat should be around 175°F.

How Long Should I Cook Pork Butt In an Instant Pot

When cooking pork butt in an Instant Pot, the cooking time can vary depending on a few factors. Here are some things to consider when determining how long to cook your pork butt:

1. Temperature

The internal temperature of the pork butt is the most important factor in determining when it is fully cooked.

For safety reasons, pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F, and some people prefer to cook it to a higher temperature of around 160-165°F. This can affect the cooking time, as higher temperatures cook the meat faster.

2. Size of Pork Butt

The size of your pork butt can also impact the cooking time. Generally, a smaller roast will cook faster than a larger one. As a rule of thumb, you can estimate about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound of pork butt.

3. Recipe

The cooking time can also vary depending on the recipe you are using. Some recipes may call for a longer or shorter cooking time depending on the seasonings, liquids, and cooking method used.

4. Family Size

If you’re cooking for a larger family or group, you may need to adjust the cooking time to accommodate a larger cut of meat or a larger quantity of smaller cuts.

5. Diet

Suppose you’re following a specific diet, such as a low-carb or keto diet. In that case, you may want to cook the pork butt for longer to ensure it is fully tender and easy to shred without adding additional ingredients that could impact the overall macronutrient count.

Cooking Time For The Perfect Instant Pot Cooked Pork Butt

The cooking time for pork butt varies depending on the size and cut of the pork butt. To help you achieve the perfect pork butt every time, we have compiled a table of different pork butt names, along with their recommended cooking time, cooking temperature, and internal temperature:

What is The Doneness Level For The Perfect Pork Butt Cooked In an Instant Pot?

When cooking a pork butt in an Instant Pot, achieving the perfect level of doneness is key to ensuring the meat is soft, juicy, and tasty. Here’s a table outlining the different levels of doneness for ten different types of pork roast:

Notably, the USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to ensure that it is safe to eat. When using an Instant Pot to cook pork, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure that it has reached the appropriate level of doneness.  

Instant Pot Cooked Pork Butt Recipe: How to Cook Pork Butt In an Instant Pot

If you wish to cook your pork butt on an Instant Pot, here is a recipe for cooking pork butt in an Instant Pot:

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lb pork butt, bone-in or boneless.
• 1 tbsp olive oil.
• 1 onion, diced.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced.
• 1 cup chicken broth.
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar.
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika.
• 1/2 tsp salt.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Instructions:

• Turn the Instant Pot on and set it to “Saute” mode. Once the pot is hot, add the olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
• Add the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
• Add the pork butt to the Instant Pot and coat it with the sauce.
• Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” mode and adjust the cooking time to 90 minutes on high pressure.
• Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before using the quick release to release any remaining pressure.
• Carefully remove the pork butt from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with a fork or slicing it.
• Serve the pork butt with the remaining sauce from the Instant Pot.

Video of Cooking Pork Butt In an Instant Pot

See the video below for more insights about cooking pork butt in an instant pot:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook a pork butt in an Instant Pot?

The cooking time for a pork butt in an Instant Pot depends on its size, weight, and desired level of doneness. As a general rule of thumb, plan to cook a 4-5 lb pork butt for 90 minutes on high pressure for tender and juicy meat.

What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked pork butt?

The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat. However, for a tender and juicy texture, aim for an internal temperature of 195-203°F for pulled pork.

Should I cook a bone-in or boneless pork butt in an Instant Pot?

Both bone-in and boneless pork butt work well in an Instant Pot. However, note that bone-in pork butt may take slightly longer to cook than boneless pork butt due to its larger size.

Can I cook a frozen pork butt in an Instant Pot?

Cooking a frozen pork butt in an Instant Pot is not advised. Thaw the pork butt completely in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave before cooking.

How can I add flavor to my Instant Pot-cooked pork butt?

You can add flavor to your Instant Pot cooked pork butt by using a dry rub or marinade before cooking or by adding seasonings and sauces to the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot.

Can I use a slow cooker recipe for cooking pork butt in an Instant Pot?

You can convert a slow cooker recipe for cooking pork butt in an Instant Pot. However, it is crucial to let you know that the cooking time will be shorter in an Instant Pot due to its higher cooking pressure. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the cooking time by 25-30% when using an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker.

Conclusion

Cooking pork butt in an Instant Pot is a convenient and easy way to achieve tender, juicy meat with minimal effort. The cooking time for a pork butt in an Instant Pot varies depending on the size, weight, and desired level of doneness, but a 4-5 lb pork butt typically requires 90 minutes on high pressure for optimal tenderness.

It is important to ensure that the pork butt reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F for food safety. For a tender and juicy texture-looking pork butt, aim for an internal temperature of 195-203°F for pulled pork.