Easy Instant Pot Fall-Inspired Pulled Pork with Apple Cider Bourbon Glaze

If you’re craving cozy, fall-inspired comfort food without spending all day in the kitchen, this Easy Instant Pot Fall-Inspired Pulled Pork with Apple Cider Bourbon Glaze is about to become a favorite.

It’s rich, saucy, and full of warm fall flavor, yet easy enough for a busy weeknight.

The standout ingredient in this recipe is the Apple Cider Bourbon Roasting Glaze, which adds depth, sweetness, and subtle spice with zero extra prep.

Made with apple cider, bourbon, and warm spices, it creates a bold, seasonal sauce that works perfectly as a BBQ-style base for pulled pork.

As the pork pressure cooks, the glaze infuses the meat with flavor, then thickens and clings beautifully once shredded.

The result is tender, glossy pulled pork that tastes slow-cooked and restaurant-worthy—perfect for sliders, bowls, tacos, or cozy fall dinners.

Why Apple Cider Bourbon Glaze Works So Well for Pulled Pork

The star of this recipe is the Roasting Glaze – Classic Recipe – Apple Cider Bourbon, a rich, complex blend of cider, bourbon, and warm spices from Williams Sonoma.

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Normally priced around $15–$20, I snagged this jar for just $2.50 during an after-Christmas clearance sale—one of those kitchen wins that feels almost too good to be true.

This glaze is thick, slightly sweet, gently smoky, and spiced just enough to scream fall without overpowering the meat.

When used as a BBQ-style sauce in the Instant Pot, it infuses the pork with deep flavor while keeping it moist and tender.

The bourbon notes mellow during pressure cooking, leaving behind warmth and complexity rather than sharp alcohol.

If you love apple-based BBQ sauces or seasonal comfort food, this glaze is a shortcut to big flavor with minimal effort.

What You Will Need To Make Instant Pot Fall-Inspired Pulled Pork 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Natural Release: 10 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 3–4

Cuisine: American

Method: Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

Pork & Seasoning

1 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2 equal pieces

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze & Liquid

1–1.5 tsp vegetable oil (for searing)

1 cup Apple Cider Bourbon Roasting Glaze, divided

1/4 cup water

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Need a substitution? View our kitchen swaps reference guide for smart, flavor-forward ingredient swaps — covering aromatics, pantry staples, dairy, proteins, and more.

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How To Make Instant Pot Fall-Inspired Pulled Pork

Combine the spice rub ingredients. Rub pork pieces evenly.

Set Instant Pot to Sauté, add oil, and sear pork for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Add 1/4 cup water to the pot and scrape up brown bits to prevent burning.

Return pork to the pot. Lock lid and pressure cook on High for 25 minutes. Allow 10 minutes natural release, then quick release.

Shred pork using two forks. Toss with the remaining 1/2 cup of glaze.

Serving Ideas

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• Over mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash puree
• On warm slider buns with apple slaw
• In tacos with crisp cabbage and pickled onions
• Use It To Make Nachos

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Leftovers are where this recipe really shines. Use the shredded pork to make Pulled Pork Quesadillas With Creamy Chipotle Sauce for a quick lunch or easy dinner.

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Or turn it into a complete one-pan meal with One Skillet Southwestern Style BBQ Pulled Pork Black Beans & Rice for busy weeknights.

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