These Pressure Cooker Ribs (Instant Pot Ribs) are incredibly flavorful, fall of the bone tender and they cook in about 30 minutes! These Instant Pot Pork Ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub and smothered in delicious BBQ sauce.
Cooking ribs in the instant pot is not only incredibly easy but super fast compared to the time it usually takes to cook ribs any other way. Pressure cooking ribs ensures meaty and tender ribs that are mouthwatering delicious.
The Best Pressure Cooker Ribs
For many years, my go-to pork rib recipe has been these BBQ Ribs in the Oven. They are incredibly delicious and easy to make but, they require a bit of time to cook and reach tender perfection. Since I don’t always plan ahead, I usually find myself reaching for my electric pressure cooker.
You can cook ribs in the instant pot from fresh or frozen. Just make sure you season the ribs prior to freezing, otherwise the spice mix won’t stick to the meat. Cut the ribs into smaller pieces (about 4-5 ribs), so it is easy to place them into the instant pot.
To cook ribs from frozen, follow the recipe below, but add 6 to 7 minutes of pressure cooking time.
How To Make Ribs In The Pressure Cooker
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- Season the ribs with the dry rub.
- Place a trivet (pressure cooker rack) at the bottom of the instant pot. This prevents the ribs from sitting in the cooking liquid.
- Add the liquid. I use a combination of apple juice and apple cider vinegar. Apple juice is a favorite when cooking ribs.
- Place the ribs inside the pressure cooker, 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 insta pot.
- Close the lid, seal and cook on high pressure for 23 minutes (25 minutes if they are meaty).
- While the ribs are pressure cooking, make the homemade BBQ sauce.
- When the cooking time is done, allow 5 minutes of natural release pressure (nrp).
- Remove the ribs from the pressure cooker and place them on a sheet pan (I line the sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up). 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.
Although this quick and easy recipe calls for baby back ribs, you can use other type of pork ribs like spareribs (or side ribs) St. Louis style ribs, country style ribs or pork loin ribs. Pick your favorite type of ribs and go with it! If your ribs are very meaty – like country style ribs, simply cook them about 2-3 minutes longer.
Fresh pork ribs take between 22 – 25 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. Time varies depending on the type of ribs you are cooking. Extra meaty ribs take about 25 minutes. To cook frozen ribs in the pressure cooker, add about 6 – 7 minutes of high pressure cooking time.
I provide a simple and tasty spice mix for this insta pot recipe, however you can use your favorite pork rib seasoning.
You can cook these barbecue pork ribs in a 6 Qt pressure cooker or in a larger 8 Qt or 10 Qt pressure cooker.
Yes, you can make 2 slabs of ribs instead of 1 rib slab. You will need extra seasoning mix and double the BBQ sauce! However, you don’t need any additional cooking liquid. Use the amount of apple juice and apple cider vinegar listed in the recipe below. Cook the ribs for an additional 8 minutes to ensure fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
How To Remove The Membrane From The Ribs
- 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 Recipe Tips
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid to add a light smoky taste.
- 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.
- I always find amazing baby back ribs at Costco. They are super meaty and priced just right!
Take a Look At These Other Easy Pressure Cooker Recipes:
- Instant Pot Carnitas
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Instant Pot Brisket
- Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken Rotisserie Style
- Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham
Serve These Finger-Licking Instant Pot BBQ Ribs with these side dishes:
- Creamy Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
- Mexican Three Bean Salad
- Charro Beans
- Creamy Mayo Free Caesar Style Potato Salad
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Best Pressure Cooker Ribs Recipe (Instant Pot Ribs)
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).Â
- 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.
Nutrition
Patty Harrington says
I loved the ribs my new go to recipe. Making again today😊😊
Kathy says
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback!
Donna Tang says
My boyfriend, the self professed picky rib eater, said that he was very pleasantly surprised by the ribs I made. Delicious recipe and easy to follow list of ingredients and instructions. Thank you so much for sharing.
Kathy says
Thank you Donna. I really appreciate the feedback.
Jen Chevallier says
Holy cow (or holy pig?), these ribs are awesome! The rub and the sauce are an incredible flavor combination! I will definitely be making these again!
Kathy says
Aww thank you! I am so glad you liked them!