Pulled pork (pork shoulder) cooking times
How long to cook pulled pork: 8–10 hours in a slow cooker, 5–6 hours in the oven at 150°C (130°C fan), 1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min in a pressure cooker and 8–10 hours on the barbecue. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook pulled pork
Times are for a 2 kg boneless shoulder, for 8.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow cooker | 8–10 hours | on low | With 250 ml stock, cider or cola. 5–6 hours on high. |
| Oven | 5–6 hours | 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2 | Covered tightly with foil, with a splash of liquid; uncover for the last 30 minutes. |
| Pressure cooker | 1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min | on high pressure | Cut into 4 pieces, with 250 ml liquid; natural release. |
| Barbecue | 8–10 hours | smoking at 110–120°C (225–250°F), lid down | About 1½ hours per kg. |
Also see: Pork cooking time (loin, shoulder and belly, with crackling).
Before you start
Rub with salt, sugar and spices, ideally the night before. Remove the skin (roast it separately for crackling).
How to tell it’s done
It shreds easily with two forks, about 90–95°C (195–205°F) inside.
Questions
How long to cook pulled pork in a slow cooker?
8–10 hours on low. With 250 ml stock, cider or cola. 5–6 hours on high.
How long to cook pulled pork in the oven?
5–6 hours at 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2. Covered tightly with foil, with a splash of liquid; uncover for the last 30 minutes.
How long to cook pulled pork in a pressure cooker?
1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min on high pressure. Cut into 4 pieces, with 250 ml liquid; natural release.
How long to barbecue pulled pork?
8–10 hours smoking at 110–120°C (225–250°F), lid down. About 1½ hours per kg.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.