Ninja Foodi BBQ Pulled Pork: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Unlock the Secret to Delicious Pulled Pork: Try this Ninja Foodi Recipe with a Twist!

Discover the perfect BBQ pulled pork recipe with a twist, using the versatile Ninja Foodi. With mouth-watering flavors and tender meat, this recipe will leave your taste buds begging for more. But what surprising ingredient makes it the tastiest pulled pork you’ve ever had?

The History of BBQ Pulled Pork in Ninja Foodi

BBQ pulled pork in Ninja Foodi has its roots in the Southern United States where smoking meat to become a tender and flavorful BBQ staple is a common cooking practice. This succulent dish is perfect for a summer cookout or a warm family meal.

The term BBQ, also known as barbecue, is believed to have originated from the Spanish word “barbacoa,” which refers to a cooking method that involves slow cooking meat over an open fire. This method was adopted by the indigenous tribes in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America before being introduced to the Southern United States.

The creation of the Ninja Foodi has revolutionized the way BBQ dishes are prepared. This multi-cooker appliance combines pressure cooking technology with air frying, sauteing, and steaming functions to cook meals faster with less oil and without sacrificing flavor.

To make the perfect BBQ pulled pork in Ninja Foodi, the pork shoulder is first seasoned with a dry rub mixture of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper. The pork is then placed in the Ninja Foodi with chicken broth and pressure-cooked for 70 minutes. Once it’s done, the pork is shredded and mixed with a blend of apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce before being sauteed in the Ninja Foodi with even more BBQ sauce for that mouth-watering, tangy flavor.

Despite being a modern twist on a traditional dish, this BBQ pulled pork in Ninja Foodi recipe is still a homage to the original BBQ cooking techniques of slow cooking meat over an open flame, while embracing technology to make cooking easier and more accessible for the home cook.

Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making BBQ Pulled Pork in Ninja Foodi

Choose the Right Cut of Meat

Make sure to use pork shoulder with plenty of marbling as it will be fork-tender and juicy once cooked.

Adjust Seasonings to Taste

Feel free to adjust the amount of spice in the rub mix to your liking. If you prefer a spicier pulled pork, you may want to increase the amount of cayenne pepper.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness of the pork. The internal temperature should reach at least 195°F-203°F.

Let the Pressure Release Naturally

For best results, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.

Add Sauce Gradually

When adding the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar, start with small amounts and taste before adding more. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

Store Leftovers Properly

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can use a microwave or warm it up in a skillet with a bit of water or broth to keep it moist.

How Many Calories are in BBQ Pulled Pork in Ninja Foodi?

Nutrition Facts

8 Servings per Recipe

Calories: 410

  • Total Fat: 24g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg
  • Sodium: 770mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 12g
    • Added Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 34g

What Drinks Pair Best with BBQ Pulled Pork in Ninja Foodi?

Wine pairing: A full-bodied Zinfandel would be a great pairing for this BBQ pulled pork recipe. The smokiness and spice in the dish will be complemented by the fruit-forward flavors and high tannins of the wine, which will enhance its intensity.

Beer pairing: A robust and full-bodied American Brown Ale would be a great pairing for this BBQ pulled pork recipe. The malty sweetness and caramel notes of the beer would complement the brown sugar in the spice rub and the BBQ sauce. The slight bitterness and hoppy flavors of the beer would cut through the richness of the pork and enhance the smoky flavors of the dish.

Cocktail pairing: A suitable cocktail pairing for Ninja Foodi BBQ Pulled Pork would be a Bourbon Sour.

How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork in Ninja Foodi

How to make BBQ Pulled Pork in Ninja Foodi

★★★★★ (24)

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
  3. Pour the chicken broth into the Ninja Foodi and place the pork shoulder in the pot.
  4. Close the lid and turn the steam release valve to seal.
  5. Set the Ninja Foodi to pressure cook on high for 70 minutes.
  6. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before flipping the valve to quick release any remaining pressure.
  7. Carefully remove the pork from the Ninja Foodi and shred it.
  8. Add the shredded pork back into the Ninja Foodi and stir in 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar.
  9. Close the lid and turn the steam release valve to seal.
  10. Set the Ninja Foodi to saute and stir occasionally for 5-10 minutes until the pork is coated in the sauce.
  11. Serve with remaining BBQ sauce on top.