These Instant Pot Ribs (Pressure Cooker Ribs) are irresistibly flavorful, fall off the bone tender and they cook in about 30 minutes! These Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub and then smothered in delicious barbecue sauce.
The Best Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
If I had to pick one single food to cook at high pressure in an Instant Pot, it would be a rack of ribs! Whether you choose spare ribs, baby back ribs, St.Louis-style ribs, short ribs or any other type of ribs out there, pressure cooking guarantees the most tender ribs in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them using other methods.
For years, I have relied on a more traditional rib recipe with amazingly delicious results. My Ribs in the Oven are always a big hit and the smoky-sweet homemade peach bbq sauce that smothers them is definitely my favorite bbq sauce!
However, when I want to make finger-licking good and super tender pork ribs in record time without having to keep an eye on them, this Instant pot recipe always delivers the best ribs. And in case you doubt it, we have many great reviews to prove it.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Rib Recipe?
- Hands-Free, Quick and Easy Recipe: This is one of the easiest recipes for cooking delicious ribs. Minimal prep, simple steps and the pressure cooker does all the work for you in about 30 minutes!
- Flavor: A homemade dry rub, apple juice and barbecue sauce make these bbq ribs mouthwatering delicious. The Instant Pot seals in the flavor producing flavorful and amazing ribs.
- Incredibly Tender Ribs: The pressure cooker locks in moisture keeping the slabs of ribs incredibly moist and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Instant Pot Ribs Ingredients and Substitutions
Be sure to check the printable recipe card below for the complete ingredient’s list and their exact quantities.
- Pork Ribs: Choose your favorite type of ribs. Meaty baby back ribs are one of my favorite ribs and are always a big hit. St. louis-style ribs and spare ribs can be used, although cooking times may need to be adjusted.
- Apple Juice: This recipe uses apple juice as the cooking liquid which imparts flavor to the meat. If apple juice is not available, you can use pineapple juice or broth with a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Substitute this ingredient with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
- Spice Rub: Brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt.
- BBQ Sauce: Start with your favorite bbq sauce and add to it ketchup, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and the ribs cooking liquid to add extra flavor.
How Do You Cook Ribs in the Instant Pot?
For specific instructions and times, please check the printable recipe card below.
- Remove the thin membrane from the underside of the ribs. Pat dry the ribs with a few sheets of paper towel.
- Season the racks of ribs with the spice mixture. Applying it on both the bone and the meat side.
- Place a trivet or rack at the bottom of the instant pot to lift the ribs so they don’t sit in the cooking liquid. Pour the juice in.
- Place the seasoned ribs on top of the trivet, standing up and wrapping around the pot. You can also cut the slab of ribs into 3 – 4 pieces (depending on the size of the slab), so they fit comfortably into the instant pot.
- Close the lid, seal the pot, and cook on high pressure for about 23 minutes.
- While the ribs are pressure cooking, make the homemade BBQ sauce.
- After the cooking cycle is done, allow 5 minutes of natural release, then release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the ribs from the pressure cooker and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush the rib rack generously with the BBQ sauce.
- Place under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until the top is bubbly and a bit charred.
How Do I Cook Ribs In the Instant Pot From Frozen?
When cooking frozen ribs in the pressure cooker, you need to remember that the spice mix won’t stick to the ribs unless you season the rib racks before freezing them. Also, cutting the ribs into smaller pieces (about 3-4 ribs each) will help when putting the ribs inside the pressure cooker.
When cooking ribs from frozen, add 5-7 additional minutes of cooking time than what the recipe for fresh ribs calls for.
What Type of Ribs Should I Cook in the Instant Pot?
Choose your favorite type of ribs. Racks of baby back ribs will cook as well as spare ribs or st. louis style ribs although you may need to increase the cooking time for the meatier types.
- Baby Back Ribs: Also known as loin ribs, loin back ribs and back ribs. Baby back ribs are called “baby” because they are shorter than other types of ribs. They are the leanest and most tender of all the ribs.
- Spare Ribs: Also known as side ribs. Due to marbling (more fat between the muscle fibers) these ribs are succulent and have a richer, meatier flavor. They usually have more meat between bones than on the top.
- St. Louis Style Ribs: Also known as Kansas City cut. These ribs are the same as spare ribs but with the tips cut off which makes them a bit shorter than spare ribs.
How Long Does It Take to Pressure Cook Ribs?
How Long to Cook Baby Back Ribs In the Instant Pot?
Cook baby back ribs in the instant pot on high pressure for 23 to 25 minutes (depending on how meaty the rack is) with a 5 minutes natural pressure release. For frozen baby back ribs, pressure cook on high for 30 minutes followed by 10 minutes of npr.
How Long to Cook Spare Ribs In the Instant Pot?
Cook spare ribs in the instant pot on high pressure for 30 to 35 minutes (depending on how meaty the rack is) with a 20 minutes natural pressure release. This step is important to guarantee very tender ribs. For frozen spare ribs, pressure cook on high for 42 minutes followed by 20 minutes of npr.
How Long to Cook St. Louis Style Ribs?
Cook St. Louis-style ribs in the instant pot on high pressure for 30 to 35 minutes (depending on how meaty the rack is) with a 20 minutes natural pressure release. This step is important to guarantee very tender ribs. For frozen spare ribs, pressure cook on high for 42 minutes followed by 20 minutes of npr.
Broiling Ribs vs Not Broiling
Broiling is an additional step that adds extra flavor and ensures beautiful golden brown ribs just like the ones cooked on a grill or smoker. The ribs are fully cooked when the Instant pot cooking cycle is done. Broiling is just an optional step.
What Size Instant Pot Do I Need To Cook Ribs?
To make this pork ribs recipe, you will need a 6 quart instant pot or larger.
Can I Double This BBQ Ribs Recipe?
Yes, this easy Instant pot ribs recipe can be doubled. You can cook 2 slabs of ribs at once. You will need to double the ingredients for the spice mix but you can use the same amount of cooking liquid. Cook the 2 racks for an additional 8 minutes to ensure fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Why Are My Ribs Tough In the Instant Pot?
Instant Pot ribs are usually tough and chewy if they aren’t cooked long enough. If your ribs are tough, reseal the pot and cook on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes. Another reason for tough ribs is not removing the membrane from the back of the rib bones.
How Do You Know When Baby Back Ribs Are Done?
According to USDA, ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with an instant read thermometer. You can also tell when the ribs are done because the rib meat draws back and exposes about half an inch of the rib bone.
Can These Instant Pot Ribs Be Made In Advance?
Yes. You can make Instant Pot ribs ahead of time. Pressure cook the ribs up to 2 days ahead. Cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, brush them with the BBQ sauce and warm them up in a preheated 350 degree oven until warm through. Brush them again generously with the BBQ sauce, and place them under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until slightly charred.
What Can I Serve with Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs?
Here are some ideas:
- Creamy Cilantro Lime Coleslaw Recipe
- Charro Beans Recipe (Mexican Frijoles Charros)
- The Best Lentil Salad
- Citrus Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
How to Remove the Thin Membrane From the Back of the Ribs?
To remove the membrane from the back of the ribs do as follows:
- Place the ribs meaty side down.
- Use a knife to free a corner of the membrane.
- Lift the loose part of the membrane and with a paper towel rip it off.
Pressure Cooker Ribs Tips and Notes
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid to add a light smoky taste.
- Broiling the ribs is optional although it adds a bit of flavor as the barbecue sauce caramelizes under the broiler. If preferred, simply slather the BBQ sauce and serve.
- Feel free to double this rib recipe! You won’t need to double the cooking liquid, just the spices and the homemade BBQ sauce. Pressure cook the ribs for an additional 8 minutes.
Take A Look At These Other Instant Pot Recipes
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Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Spice Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
For the Ribs
- 1 rack baby back pork ribs
- 1 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store bought)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Texas Pete)
- 1/4 cup ribs cooking liquid *see notes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the spice rub ingredients.
- Rinse ribs and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs.
- Season the baby back ribs generously on both sides with the spice rub.
- Place the trivet (or pressure cooker rack) in the bottom of your pressure cooker. Add the juice and the apple cider vinegar.
- Place the ribs inside the pressure cooker, standing up and wrapping around the pot. Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 23 minutes (25 if the ribs are meaty).
- Once done, allow the instant pot to naturally release for 5 minutes, then open the valve to release the remaining pressure.
- While the ribs are cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. Place all the ingredients (except the ribs cooking liquid) in a small saucepan and stir to combine. Simmer on low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the ribs are done, remove 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and add it to the sauce. Stir and simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the ribs from the pressure cooker and place them on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Brush them generously with the BBQ sauce (on both sides), and place them under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until slightly charred. Serve with the remaining BBQ sauce.
Video
Chef’s Tips
- Ribs Cooking Liquid – after the ribs are completely cooked, I add 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid (from the bottom of the instant pot) to the BBQ sauce. It adds a bit of delicious meaty flavor. You could add broth, apple juice or water instead. If you like the BBQ sauce to be thick, you can omit this step.
- You don’t have to broil the ribs. If you prefer, simply slather the BBQ sauce and serve; however, broiling the ribs adds lots of flavor and a nice caramelization to the ribs.
- Feel free to double this rib recipe! You won’t need to double the cooking liquid, just the spices and the homemade BBQ sauce. Pressure cook the ribs for an additional 8 minutes.
- Baby Back Ribs: To cook baby back ribs in the instant pot (from fresh), cook on high pressure for 23 -25 minutes + 5 minutes of natural pressure release (npr).
- Spare Ribs: To cook spare ribs in the instant pot (from fresh), cook on high pressure 30-35 minutes + 20 minutes of natural release. Do not skip the natural pressure release (npr). This is an important step that will guarantee tenderness.
- St. Louis Style Ribs: To cook St. Louis style ribs in the instant pot (from fresh), cook on high pressure 30-35 minutes + 20 minutes of natural release. Do not skip the natural pressure release (npr).
Sharon Smith says
Made these last night (baby backs) and they were very good, but they did not fall off the bone. I cooked them for 25 minutes with a 7-minute natural release. They were done, but I had to use a knife to separate them. Not sure why your timing didn’t work but next time I’ll try 30 minutes.
Kathy McDaniel says
Hi Sharon, Honestly, a lot of it depends on the type of ribs and the type/quality of the meat. Organic and pasture raised usually takes a bit longer to cook. I’m glad you liked the recipe and I hope you give it another try.
Raechel says
This recipe was really easy and really good!!! Highly recommend