Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender: How Long to Cook Pork Hocks in an Instant Pot

Pork hocks also known as pork knuckles or shanks, pack incredible flavor into stews soups and braised dishes. When slow cooked, these tough cuts transform into succulent, pull-apart tender morsels of meat. An instant pot speeds up the cooking process while still yielding delicious, fall-off-the-bone results. Read on to learn exactly how long to cook pork hocks in an instant pot for perfect texture and taste every time.

Why Choose Pork Hocks for the Instant Pot

Pork hocks come from the lower portion of a pig’s legs. Comprised of skin, meat, fat and bone, they have a bold pork flavor that enhances soups and stews. Although inexpensive, they require lengthy cooking by traditional methods to break down the tough connective tissues. This makes them an ideal choice for the instant pot, which significantly decreases cook time.

Compared to oven braising or stovetop simmering for hours an instant pot can produce shred-worthy pork hocks in a fraction of the time. The pressurized environment gently forces liquid into the meat to quickly tenderize while still retaining moisture. In under an hour you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone porky deliciousness with little hands-on effort.

Factors that Influence Cook Time

Several factors impact how long pork hocks need to cook to reach tender perfection in the instant pot:

• Number of hocks – The more you cook, the longer the cook time.

• Size of hocks – Larger meatier hocks take longer than smaller ones.

• Bone-in or boneless – Boneless cuts cook faster than bone-in.

• Frozen or thawed – Frozen hocks add 5-10 minutes versus thawed.

• Quantity of liquid – More liquid lengthens the time for pressure cooking.

• ** altitude** – At higher altitudes above sea level, increase cook time.

Taking these elements into account will allow you to adjust timing and achieve ideal doneness.

How Long to Cook Pork Hocks in an Instant Pot

Most 1-2 pound pork hocks take 35-45 minutes in the instant pot. Use the quick release method for tender meat that pulls apart easily.

For specifics, follow these instant pot pork hock cook times:

• 2 hocks (1-2 lbs): 35-40 minutes
• 4 hocks (2-3 lbs): 40-45 minutes
• 6 hocks (3-4 lbs): 45-50 minutes
• 8 hocks (4-5 lbs): 50-60 minutes

If hocks are frozen, allow 5 extra minutes. Over 5 lbs, add 5-10 additional minutes.

Always check doneness after the minimum time. Pork should shred easily when pierced with a fork. If not sufficiently tender, pressure cook for 5-10 more minutes and recheck.

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Pork Hocks

Cooking pork hocks in the instant pot couldn’t be simpler:

1. Add aromatics – Sauté garlic, onions, ginger and spices to bloom flavors.

2. Brown the hocks – Sear hocks briefly on all sides to enhance flavor.

3. Add liquid – Pour in broth, wine or water to cover hocks.

4. Pressure cook – Lock lid, select high pressure and set time based on quantity.

5. Natural release – Allow pressure to naturally release, about 15 minutes.

6. Check for doneness – Pork should be fall-apart tender. Add time if needed.

7. Thicken broth – For stew, simmer to reduce and thicken the cooking liquid.

8. Shred meat – Remove bones then shred pork with forks.

9. Serve and enjoy! – Add to soups, stews, tacos, sandwiches and more.

With this simple process, you can infuse big porky flavor into dishes without spending all day cooking!

Flavorful Seasonings and Liquid Options

One of the joys of cooking with pork hocks is that they pair beautifully with numerous seasonings and cooking liquids.

Seasonings: Garlic, onion, ginger, soy sauce, five-spice powder, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika

Liquids: Chicken/pork broth, beef broth, vegetable broth, wine, beer, apple cider, water

Get creative with your favorite herbs, spices and liquids to put your signature twist on pork hock dishes.

Satisfying Instant Pot Pork Hock Recipes

Here are some must-try pressure cooker recipes to enjoy melt-in-your-mouth porky deliciousness:

• Instant Pot Pork Hocks and Sauerkraut
• Instant Pot Red Wine-Braised Pork Hocks
• Instant Pot Pork Hocks with Apples and Sweet Potatoes
• Instant Pot Collard Greens and Ham Hocks
• Instant Pot Split Pea and Ham Soup

The possibilities are endless for preparing pork hocks in the instant pot. Play with flavors and customize recipes to your tastes.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that you know exactly how long to cook pork hocks in an instant pot, you can start whipping up amazingly tender recipes with ease. Just adjust times based on quantity. Then sit back, relax and let the instant pot work its magic. In no time, you’ll be enjoying succulent, fall-off-the-bone pork in comforting dishes the whole family will love. Get cooking and savor porky perfection!