How Long to Cook a Pork Shoulder in Instant Pot

Cooking pork shoulder can feel tricky because the time depends on the method, weight, and temperature.

If you’re using an Instant Pot, you’ll get tender, flavorful meat much faster than in the oven or smoker.

Let’s break it down step by step so you know how long to cook a pork shoulder in an Instant Pot and how that compares to other cooking methods.

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Cooking Pork Shoulder in an Instant Pot

For pork shoulder, the general rule in the Instant Pot is 15 minutes per pound at high pressure.

• A 3 lb pork shoulder will need about 45 minutes on high pressure, plus a natural release of 10–15 minutes.

• A 5 lb pork shoulder will need about 75 minutes, again followed by a natural release.

If you want pulled pork, add a few extra minutes to ensure the meat shreds easily.

Keep in mind that Instant Pots need extra time to come to pressure, so always plan for an additional 10–15 minutes.

This makes the Instant Pot an excellent choice when you don’t have hours to slow cook or smoke.

How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder in the Oven

If you’re cooking low and slow in the oven, the temperature makes a big difference.

• At 275°F: A large 7–8 lb pork shoulder will take about 10–12 hours. A smaller 3–4 lb roast will take 5–6 hours.

• At 300°F: Expect it to cook a little faster — about 40 minutes per pound.

If you’re wondering how long to cook a 7-pound pork shoulder, plan on 7–8 hours at 300°F or closer to 11 hours at 275°F.

Some people prefer using an oven bag for a juicier finish.

Cooking a pork shoulder in an oven bag usually cuts down the time by about 30 minutes per roast since it locks in steam.

If you’d rather try grilling instead of baking, here’s a helpful guide on how long to grill a pork shoulder.

Cooking Pork Shoulder in a Crock Pot

If you’d rather set it and forget it, the slow cooker works well too.

• A 3 lb pork shoulder in a crock pot will take about 6–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high.

• Larger roasts, like 7–8 lbs, may need up to 10 hours on low.

This method is great for building deep flavor with marinades and seasonings since the pork cooks in its juices.

If you’re curious about outdoor cooking, you may also enjoy reading about how long to cook pork shoulder on a charcoal grill.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Pork Shoulder

No matter which method you use, the key to tender pork shoulder is reaching the right internal temperature.

For pulled pork, that’s about 195–205°F.

For sliced pork, you can stop at 180°F.

A quick way to keep track of this is with a temperature guide right next to your grill or oven.

The Easy Function Meat Temperature Magnet makes it simple — you stick it to your fridge or smoker, and you’ll never have to look up temps again.

It’s especially handy when switching between different meats like pork, beef, or chicken.

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Final Thoughts

So, how long to cook a pork shoulder in an Instant Pot?

About 15 minutes per pound on high pressure, plus a natural release.

If you’ve got more time, low-and-slow oven or crock pot methods give incredible flavor too.

No matter how you cook it, always check that internal temperature for the best results.

And if you’re serious about barbecue, don’t forget to explore the rest of our Easy Function BBQ tools and guides to make cooking even easier.

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