Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe

Use up that extra cider with this Apple Cider Pulled Pork recipe. The perfect blend of flavor with onion, garlic, coconut sugar, and loads of spices.

The ultimate fall-friendly apple cider pulled pork

Pulled pork is already comforting, but when you add apple cider it takes on warm, autumnal depth. This recipe balances savory spices, a touch of sweetness, and bright cider to produce tender, shreddable pork that’s perfect for sandwiches or plated dinners. It’s easy to scale for a crowd and works in either the Instant Pot for a weeknight meal or a slow cooker when you want to set it and forget it.

Ingredients in this apple pulled pork recipe

Gather simple ingredients: pork tenderloins, aromatics, sweetener, spices, and apple cider. These combine to create a rich braising liquid and a balanced flavor profile.

• Pork tenderloins: 2 tenderloins (about 2.5 lbs total)
• Avocado oil: 2 tbsp for sautéing
• Yellow onion: 1 small, diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Coconut sugar: 3 tbsp (or brown sugar)
• Seasonings: 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika
• Apple cider: 1 cup to braise and finish the pork

Tools needed

Whether you choose the Instant Pot or slow cooker, you’ll need only a few basic tools.

Instant Pot

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Forks or shredding tool

Slow cooker

• Large skillet for browning
• Spatula
• Forks or shredding tool

Measuring tools: 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, and 1 cup.

How to make apple cider pulled pork with an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot speeds up the braising process while still delivering fall-flavored, tender pork. Use the sauté function to brown the meat and build flavor, then pressure cook with cider and spices.

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté.

2. Cut each pork tenderloin into roughly 4-inch pieces.

3. Heat the avocado oil in the pot. Brown pork pieces 2 minutes per side, then transfer them to a plate.

4. Sauté the diced onion in the hot pot for 2–3 minutes, add the garlic and cook until fragrant, then turn off Sauté.

5. Return the pork to the pot, sprinkle on the coconut sugar and spices, then pour in the apple cider.

6. Seal the lid and pressure cook manually for 25 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

7. Remove the lid, let the pork rest 10 minutes, then shred with forks and mix with the cooking juices. If the meat isn’t easily shreddable, it may need a few more minutes of cooking.

How to make apple cider pulled pork with a slow cooker

The slow cooker method develops deep flavor with minimal hands-on time. Browning first adds color and richness, then the pork slow braises until it falls apart.

1. Heat a large skillet and add the avocado oil. Brown pork 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.

2. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes, add garlic and cook another minute.

3. Place the pork in the slow cooker, add the sautéed onion and garlic, sprinkle on the coconut sugar and spices, and pour in the apple cider.

4. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, until the meat easily shreds with a fork.

How to serve this apple pulled pork recipe

Serve the pulled pork on soft buns for classic sandwiches. Top with sliced onions, pickles, shredded carrots, or tomatoes, or enjoy it plated with sides like cornbread, green beans, roasted broccoli, mac and cheese, or a crisp salad. It’s versatile and pairs well with many fall sides.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Pulled pork also freezes well for up to six months—store in freezer-safe containers or bags, thaw, then reheat in the oven or slow cooker until warmed through.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Try other seasonal favorites like sweet potato casserole, butternut squash chili, pumpkin muffins, or a one-pan chicken and veggies dish for more easy fall meals.

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis