crispy slow cooker carnitas

Step by Step method

1. Cut pork into 5 to 6 large chunks. Season each piece evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. 

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add pork in a single layer to the hot skillet. If meat does not fit, do this step in 2 batches. Cook pork, untouched until well browned on the first side, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove meat and place into the bottom of a slow cooker.  

3. To the hot skillet, add onion and cook 1 minute. Deglaze pan with orange juice, lime juice, and 1 1/4 cups water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Pour water mixture over pork in the slow cooker, add bay leaves, and cover.

4. Cook on High for 4 to 5 hours or on Low 6 to 7 hours or until pork is very tender.  

5. Preheat the oven to broil. Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred into approximately 2 to 3 inch pieces and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon some of the juices evenly over the pork, and reserve about 1 cup of juices for serving. Broil pork for 3 to 5 minutes, or until slightly crispy and browned, tossing halfway through if necessary.  

6. Serve in toasted tortillas with japaleno slices, chopped onion, cilantro, and lime wedges, or as desired