Hey y’all! Craving a juicy, mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich but short on time? These Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches You Can Make in Minutes are your new weeknight hero—tender pork, smoky barbecue sauce, and fluffy buns all come together for a meal that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a quick family dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches You Can Make in Minutes Recipe
- Ready in under an hour, but tastes like it cooked all day.
- The pork is irresistibly tender and soaks up all that tangy, smoky BBQ flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and buns.
- Fewer dishes thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot!
Ingredients for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches You Can Make in Minutes
- 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into 3-inch chunks
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 6-8 sandwich buns
- Coleslaw, pickles, and extra BBQ sauce for serving (optional)
Directions: How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches You Can Make in Minutes
Step 1: Season the Pork
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Rub the spice mix all over the pork pieces, coating them evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended)
Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté'. Add a splash of oil and sear the pork chunks for 2-3 minutes on each side, working in batches. This caramelizes the exterior for extra depth of flavor.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Cancel 'Sauté' mode. Add the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well, then add the pork. Secure the lid, set the valve to 'Sealing', and cook on High Pressure for 40 minutes.
Step 4: Natural Release & Shred
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully vent any remaining steam. Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir it into the sauce. If needed, use 'Sauté' mode to reduce the sauce for a few minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast your buns if desired. Pile the juicy pulled pork onto the buns and top with coleslaw, pickles, or an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce. Enjoy hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches You Can Make in Minutes
- Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder for a less greasy result.
- Use a fork technique for perfectly shredded pork.
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a drop or two of liquid smoke (find out more here).
Variations: Make Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches You Can Make in Minutes Your Own
- Spicy Kick: Add chipotle in adobo or extra cayenne for heat-lovers.
- Carolina-Style: Swap BBQ sauce for tangy mustard-based sauce and add a vinegar slaw.
- Hawaiian Twist: Top with grilled pineapple and use sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Required Equipment for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches You Can Make in Minutes
- 6-8 quart Instant Pot/pressure cooker
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Serving spoon
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze shredded pork (without buns) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with classic sides like tangy coleslaw, crisp potato chips, or creamy mac and cheese.
- Fresh corn on the cob and pickled vegetables make for a vibrant summer plate.
- For a lighter meal, tuck pulled pork into lettuce wraps or on top of a hearty salad.
Pro Tips for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches You Can Make in Minutes
- Don’t skip the sear—it gives your pork an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Let the sauce reduce after shredding for a stickier, more flavorful bite (see this Instant Pot tips guide).
- Use sturdy buns or toast them to prevent sogginess from all that saucy goodness.
FAQs for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches You Can Make in Minutes
- Can I use a different cut of pork?
- Yes! Pork loin works, but it’s leaner and may not be as juicy as pork shoulder.
- What’s the best way to reheat pulled pork?
- Gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
- Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?
- Absolutely—just don’t fill your Instant Pot past the max fill line, and keep the same cooking time.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 sandwich buns
- Coleslaw, for topping (optional)
Instructions
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1In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
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2Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder pieces.
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3Add chicken broth and 1 cup barbecue sauce to the Instant Pot. Place the seasoned pork on top.
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4Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
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5Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix with the sauce.
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6Serve the pulled pork on sandwich buns, topped with extra barbecue sauce and coleslaw if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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