Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are your ticket to a quick yet mouth-watering dinner! This recipe features fall-off-the-bone pork ribs coated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. They’re ready in 45 minutes and always turn out tender with deep, smoky flavors. You’ll never go back to oven-baked ribs again!
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Why This Recipe Works
These Instant Pot baby back ribs turn out succulent, meaty, and fall-off-the-bone delicious in significantly less time than traditional methods. Who knew using the Instant Pot could be one of the best ways to cook ribs at home?
The dry rub and pressure cooker tenderize the meat, infusing it with robust flavors without having to spend hours in the kitchen. They take less than 30 minutes to cook in the pressure cooker. Afterward, they’re finished in the oven to ensure the barbecue sauce caramelizes and gives you those classic crispy bits.
Once you slice them up, bring your juicy ribs to summer parties or serve them for a family-friendly (and very impressive) dinner. Don’t forget the delicious sides, like potato salad, baked beans, and asparagus!
Ingredients
- Brown Sugar: Adds a sweetness and helps caramelize the ribs under the broiler.
- Paprika: Provides a smoky flavor and a deep red hue to the ribs.
- Chili Powder: Brings a mild heat and depth of flavor. I just use regular chili powder.
- Garlic Powder: Offers an intensely savory flavor that complements the ribs.
- Baby Back Ribs: Beef or pork baby back ribs are best. A rack of baby back ribs should yield about 4 servings. This cut also fits the best in most pressure cookers.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity, tenderizing the meat and contributing a subtle tang.
- Liquid Smoke: Infuses the ribs with a smoky flavor, mimicking the taste of a grill.
- BBQ Sauce: Gives the ribs a sweet, tangy, and sticky finish once broiled. Use your favorite brand and variety.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Rinse and pat the ribs dry. Remove the thin, shiny membrane on the back. Wiggle a dull butter knife between the membrane and the ribs to loosen it. Grasp the membrane with a paper towel and pull it away.
- Apply the Dry Rub: Mix the dry rub ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl. Massage this mixture generously into every nook and cranny of the ribs.
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Place a trivet or makeshift aluminum foil rack in the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot to keep the ribs elevated from the liquid. Pour in the water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke.
- Cook Under Pressure: Seal the ribs in the Instant Pot. Cook them on high for 25 minutes, then let the valve release pressure naturally for 5 minutes.
- Broil the Ribs: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and transfer the cooked ribs to the foil. Finish them under the broiler for 2 minutes with a generous layer of BBQ sauce for that deliciously sticky, caramelized exterior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice your Instant Pot baby back ribs, serve them with additional BBQ sauce, and pair them with lots of sides!
Serving Suggestions
Ribs are the main event at dinner and deserve to be served with a smorgasbord of side dishes and appetizers. Don’t forget the extra barbecue sauce for dipping or garlic aioli to accentuate those smoky flavors.
Like steak, barbecue ribs are best served next to hearty sides like mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash, mac and cheese, corn salad, baked potatoes, apple cabbage slaw, french fries, or creamy polenta. If you’re looking for variety, serve them next to my beef short ribs.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ribs: This recipe also works well with spare ribs or short ribs, but you’ll need to adjust the time. Since spare ribs are larger, you won’t be able to fit as many in the cooker.
- Dry Rub: Feel free to adjust the spices in the rub to match your taste preferences. Add more chili powder for heat or a bit of cumin for an earthy flavor.
- Liquid Smoke: If liquid smoke is unavailable, you can omit it. The ribs will still be flavorful, just without the smoky undertone.
- Vinegar: Apple juice, chicken stock, or even club soda will work if you don’t have ACV.
Storing & Reheating
If you end up with leftover Instant Pot baby back ribs, here’s what to do:
- Fridge: Cool the ribs completely before wrapping them in foil and transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the ribs tightly in foil or freezer wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, brush more sauce on the ribs, cover them, and warm them in a 250°F oven for about 30 minutes. If they’re frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Expert Tips
- Remove the Membrane: Removing the membrane helps the rub penetrate the meat, resulting in extra tender ribs.
- Broil After Cooking: Broiling the ribs adds a caramelized exterior that’s hard to resist. You can also use a grill if you have one!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to double-check the internal temperature, ensuring the ribs are heated safely without becoming dry.
- Rest the Ribs Before Serving: This gives the juices time to redistribute, resulting in tender, moist meat.
FAQs
This can happen if the ribs you’re cooking are too meaty or large. The cooking time won’t be enough for them. Instead, use smaller baby back ribs (a 3-pound rack is ideal) or cut the rack of ribs in half and cook in batches.
To determine if the membrane has been removed from the ribs, look for a visible difference on the bone side. The membrane is a glossy layer that, once removed, leaves the ribs with a more textured, slightly rough surface.
The amount of BBQ sauce you use on the ribs depends on your taste preferences. You can use a small amount to accentuate the meat’s natural flavors or a generous slathering to fully cover the ribs.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Instant Pot baby back ribs recipe, try some more mains like these:
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Mustard and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Chicken Thighs with Honey Soy Glaze
- Peruvian-Style Chicken Drumsticks
- Bourbon Braised Short Ribs
- Herbed Prime Rib Roast
If you try these Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Quick Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
Dry Rub for Ribs
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons sea salt
Ribs and Sauce
- 2 racks baby back ribs, or use spare ribs (see notes)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Rinse the ribs and pat them dry. If your ribs still have the thin, shiny membrane on the back, remove it. Flip the ribs over, meat-side down. Wiggle a dull butter knife between the membrane and the ribs to loosen it. With a paper towel, grip the membrane and pull it away, then discard.
- Combine all of the dry ingredients for the rub in a small bowl, mix well to combine. Rub it all over the ribs, generously coating all of the sides.
- Place the trivet (or rack) in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. Pour in the water, apple cider vinegar and liquid smoke. If you don’t have a rack, roll up some aluminum foil and try to make a rack of some sort to elevate the ribs.
- Cover and seal the Instant Pot. For baby back ribs: Cook on high (manual) pressure for 25 minutes (if you are making one rack and your ribs are super meaty, decrease to 22 minutes). Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then vent to release the remaining pressure. For spare ribs: Cook on high for 35 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release completely (about 15 minutes). You will know it is released when the pin drops.
- Prep the oven: While the ribs are finishing up cooking in the Instant Pot, preheat the oven to broil and set the rack to third row up. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Transfer the cooked ribs to the foil, then brush liberally with barbecue sauce. Place under the broiler just until the sauce begins to caramelize, about 2 minutes.
- Remove the ribs from the oven, slice between each rib and serve! Serve with more sauce and enjoy. Great with mashed potatoes and cabbage slaw.
Notes
- Baby Back Ribs: 23 minutes on high pressure + 5 minutes natural release.
- Spare Ribs: 35 minutes on high pressure + complete natural release. Do not vent the spare ribs immediately. Because the meat is tougher, it needs the full natural release to become tender.
Shey Gladstone
So delicious!
lena gladstone
This makes me so happy to hear that Shey. I love it too, so easy and delicious. Glad you enjoyed it as well.
kristina khabovets
This recipe was so easy to follow and so delicious. My whole family loved it. Can’t wait to make it again.
Lana
I made these last night and they were so good!!! Thank you for an easy and delicious recipe! Looking forward to more IP recipes from you!
lena
Thank you Lana, so happy to hear that you loved the recipe. I will work on more recipes for the IP to share for sure. Have some fun ideas coming soon. Happy Cooking!
Allie
These ribs are finger licking good. My kids request these way too often and they are so simple to make. I always make extra so we can have leftovers for next day. Thank you for a perfect recipe.
Kim
Even this Instant Pot challenged gal was able to make this recipe! My husband is a rib guy and always buys them already cooked for the Super Bowl. This year we made them ourselves. They turned out SO good, even with my IP mistakes. He says this recipe is a keeper! So easy! Thanks Lena!
lenaskitchen
Kim, I am so happy to hear that he liked the ribs and glad I was able to help you with the IP questions as you were making them. You got this….
tea_n_biscuits
This was absolutely splendid, and my first InstaPot recipe! Thank you.
The only addition that I made and recommend is that I chopped garlic into a paste and spread that on. Fantastic.
lenaskitchen
I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try!
Katie
The flavor of these ribs is so so good, love the rub! I cooked 2 racks at a time & followed your recipe to the exact, however mine were not super tender, in fact they were still chewy. How do you cook 2 racks at once? Do you increase the cook time by a few mins since there’s 2? I’d love to give them another try. Please help ?
Iana
So dang delicious!! Love love love them
Sandy w
I don’t think I’ll ever go back to cooking ribs in oven. These are quick and so delicious. Everyone loved them.
Roxi
These ribs were soo good! Tender, quick and the flavors were so delicious. This recipe is a keeper for sure! Hands down, best ribs I’ve had.
Nataliya
Another hit for the whole family! Since I’m a newbie to using the IP, I used the timing guide provided by Lena and went somewhere in between at 22 minutes on high pressure followed by a 3-4 minute broil with my Air Fryer Lid, once BBQ sauce was on. I had to use different BBQ sauce and had to sub some spices as I didn’t have them all, but they turned out so good. I just heard “mmm mmmm ” from the table as husband and kids were having dinner. Delish! Can’t wait to try some more of Lenas IP recipes!
Truc Luu
These ribs are seriously AMAZING!! I had my doubts that cooking them in the Instant Pot could yield legit results but I was 100% wrong! They were even better than my favorite BBQ restaurant and took no time at all to make. The meat was literally falling off the bone, it was so good! Such an easy recipe. You have to try it!
Behealthis
Remove excess fat from ribs if they are extra fatty. Heat fry pan; spray with non-stick spray. Add ribs and brown on all sides. Pour a layer of sauce in the bottom of the slow-cooker; add ribs. Pour sauce over ribs, saving ? cup of sauce for later use. Cover. Cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Serve ribs with extra sauce if desired.
Nataliya
Ribs have always intimidated me because they take forever to make and it’s hard to get them to be “fall of the bone” ready. This recipe requires little time, and the ribs end up being so tender! I have made this a few times now, and I cannot go back to making my ribs any other way. Thanks for this Lena, it’s a treasure.
Amber
I made these tonight and they were AMAZING! The timing was spot on: high pressure for 25 minutes and then natural release for 10 minutes. They were falling off the bone, so tender and flavorful. I was originally concerned because the apple cider vinegar smelled odd when it started heating up but it was fine. I will always do my baby back ribs this way now. So fast and easy.
Lena M.
Wow this was super easy, which is huge for me. Super delicious, definitely a favorite. I made this for a party and everyone loved it. But maybe you have a suggestion for me, I had a hard time getting the ribs out when they were done cuz the bones just kept falling off lol maybe the meat I got wasn’t the right kind, or maybe I should have cut/separated the rack of ribs before putting them in IP?
lenaskitchen
That is so great to hear that. Thank you, glad you liked it. You can cut the ribs in haft for sure to make it easier to take out. But falling off the bone is a good thing, so you got the right meat.
Ilona Deeney
Amazing recipe! This was the first recipe I tried with pressure cooker- it was so easy and delicious.
lenaskitchen
That makes me so happy to hear that. Thank you.
Jules
Lena this is the best instant pot ribs I have ever made. This is my 3rd time making them today. Thanks so much for this recipe! Would love to see more instant pot recipes in the future?
lenaskitchen
I am so happy to hear that Jules. Thank you for sharing.
Maggie Liljenquist
We loved these ribs!!! So tender they fall off the bone, and so easy to make! Delicious!
IG @maggiel04
Aleona Smahon
I made these the other night for dinner and they were a hit. They were super easy to make and tasted amazing. Everyone enjoyed them and I will definitely make them again. This recipe is 10/10!
lena
I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for trying it out!
Aleona Smahon
Made the ribs for dinner the other night and they were a hit. They were easy to make and tasted amazing. Everyone enjoyed them and I will definitely be making them again!
lena
Oh! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of our absolute favorites.
Luda
This recipe is amazing. I try to stay away from sugar so I had to use a different BBQ sauce but WOW ? THE RIBS WERE FANTASTIC.
@mytrimkitchen
Luda
The ribs are sooo good and easy to make. I try to eat sugar free so I had to use a different BBQ sauce but WOW ? this recipe is great.
@mytrimkitchen
lenaskitchen
So glad you enjoyed the recipe and made it your own with your choice of BBQ sauce. Happy Cooking!
Lilly
These are sooo good.. I cooked mine for 25 min and just wow! Great recipe
Olga
Loved this recipe! I’ve made ribs before but after I tried this recipe, this is now my go to recipe. Hands downs delicious and easy to make. The ribs are fall off the bone and simply delicious. We enjoyed our dinner tonight. Thank you!
Tanya
This dish was amazing! Hands down the best ribs I’ve had. Will definitely be making again!
Evelina
These were SO SO good. We just purchased a instapot and we were looking to try out a new recipe. I came across this one and oh em gee so delicious. We put as many as we could fit into the instapot and put like three on the grill and my husband was like the instapot is way better then the grill. ? they fall off the bone and and are so juicy. We paired it with the coleslaw on Lenas blog. I would so recommend this!!
lenaskitchen
This makes me so happy to hear that the first dish you made in your new Instant Pot was the ribs. It’s such a great dish to share with friends and family. Great pairing with the coleslaw for sure.