Here's How Long to Pressure Cook Pork Shoulder Per Pound

If you want tender, juicy pork shoulder without cooking all day, a pressure cooker is your best friend.

One of the most common questions people ask is simple: here's how long to pressure cook pork shoulder per pound.

The answer depends on size, cut, and texture you want, but the good news is that it is easy to follow once you know the basics.

This guide explains the timing in clear terms.

It also helps you avoid dry meat or tough results.

By the end, you will know exactly how long to cook pork shoulder per pound and how to get perfect results every time.

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Why Pressure Cooking Pork Shoulder Works So Well

Pork shoulder is a tough cut.

It has lots of fat and connective tissue.

That is what makes it so flavorful, but it also means it needs time to break down.

A pressure cooker uses high heat and steam.

This softens the meat fast.

What usually takes hours in an oven can take under two hours with pressure cooking.

The meat comes out tender and easy to shred when done right.

If you are specifically using an electric pressure cooker, this detailed guide on How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder in Instant Pot breaks down timing and settings in a very clear way.

Here's How Long to Pressure Cook Pork Shoulder Per Pound

The general rule is 15 to 20 minutes per pound when cooking pork shoulder under high pressure.

This range works for most electric pressure cookers, like Instant Pot style cookers.

Here is a simple way to think about it:

• 15 minutes per pound for sliceable but tender pork

• 20 minutes per pound for fall-apart, shreddable pork

For example, a 4-pound pork shoulder cooked for pulled pork should cook for about 80 minutes at high pressure.

Always allow time for natural pressure release.

This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes and helps keep the meat juicy.

Size and Shape Matter More Than Weight Alone

Even if two pork shoulders weigh the same, cooking time can change.

Thicker cuts take longer to heat through.

A tall, compact roast needs more time than a flatter one.

Bone-in cuts also take slightly longer than boneless ones.

If your pork shoulder is very thick, lean toward the higher end of the time range.

Large roasts, like an 8-pound cut, often need extra planning.

This guide on How Long to Cook 8 lb Pork Shoulder in Instant Pot is helpful if you are cooking for a crowd.

Bone-In vs Boneless Pork Shoulder

Bone-in pork shoulder is common and very flavorful.

The bone helps keep the meat moist, but it also slows cooking a bit.

Boneless pork shoulder cooks faster and more evenly.

If you are using boneless meat, you can reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes per pound.

Still, when in doubt, it is safer to cook a little longer.

Pork shoulder is forgiving and stays moist.

How Much Liquid to Use When Pressure Cooking

Pressure cookers need liquid to create steam.

For pork shoulder, 1 to 1½ cups of liquid is enough.

You can use water, broth, apple juice, or a mix.

The liquid does not need to cover the meat.

It just needs to be in the pot.

Do not skip the liquid.

Without it, the cooker will not pressurize correctly.

Checking Doneness the Right Way

Time is a guide, but temperature matters most.

Pork shoulder is fully cooked when it reaches 195°F to 205°F. 

This is the range where it becomes tender and easy to shred.

Using a clear temperature chart helps remove guesswork.

Many cooks like keeping a meat temperature guide magnet on the fridge for quick reference, especially when cooking different cuts of meat.

It is a simple way to double-check safe and ideal temperatures without searching online mid-cook.

If the pork is not tender enough, you can pressure cook it again for 10 to 15 minutes.

This will not dry it out.

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Natural Release vs Quick Release

Always use natural pressure release for pork shoulder.

Quick release forces steam out fast.

This can make the meat tough and cause juices to escape. 

Natural release lets the meat relax and reabsorb moisture.

Plan extra time for this step.

It is part of the cooking process, not a delay.

Should You Cut Pork Shoulder Before Cooking?

You can cook pork shoulder whole or cut it into large chunks.

Cutting it into 3 to 4 big pieces reduces cooking time slightly and helps it cook more evenly.

This is helpful for very large roasts.

If you leave it whole, just stick to the full time per pound and allow full natural release.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is undercooking.

If the pork is tough, it needs more time, not less.

Another mistake is using too little liquid.

This can cause burning and uneven cooking.

Rushing the release is also a problem.

Let the pressure drop naturally for best results.

Pressure Cooking vs Slow Cooking Pork Shoulder

Pressure cooking is much faster than slow cooking.

A slow cooker can take 8 to 10 hours.

A pressure cooker can finish in under 2 hours.

Both methods make tender pork, but pressure cooking is better when you need speed without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts on Pressure Cooking Pork Shoulder Per Pound

So, here's how long to pressure cook pork shoulder per pound in simple terms:

Plan for 15 to 20 minutes per pound, use enough liquid, and allow natural release.

This method works for weeknight meals, meal prep, and pulled pork for gatherings.

Once you try it, pressure cooking pork shoulder becomes one of the easiest ways to cook a tough cut perfectly.

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