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 Baby Back 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 Instant Pot 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.
Pork Ribs Instant Pot Ingredients
For the Ribs
- Pork Ribs: The recipe card below asks for baby back pork ribs however, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs.
- Apple Juice: If you don’t have apple juice, you can use pineapple juice or broth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar.
For the Spice Rub
- Brown sugar
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt and ground black pepper
For the BBQ Sauce
I like to adjust the flavors of store bought BBQ sauce by adding a few very simple ingredients:
- BBQ Sauce: I usually get the “original” flavor store bought BBQ sauce.
- Ketchup
- Maple Syrup
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Hot Sauce: I like to use Texas Pete for this recipe. Use your favorite hot sauce.
- Reserved Ribs Cooking Liquid: I add the pork ribs cooking liquid to add some of the porky goodness to the sauce.
Is It Better To Cook Instant Pot Pork Ribs From Fresh or Frozen
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.
How To Cook Instant Pot Pork Ribs From Frozen
Seasoning the ribs before freezing them is important. The spice rub won’t stick to the meat if frozen. Also cut the rib rack into smaller pieces so they fit in the Instant Pot comfortably.
When cooking ribs in the instant pot from frozen, add additional 5-7 minutes of cooking time. Just like fresh or thawed out ribs cook on high pressure.
How to Make Ribs in Instant Pot
- 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 instant 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.
Broiling The Ribs
To broil or not to broil the ribs. Broiling is an additional step that ensures beautiful golden brown ribs just like the ones cooked on a grill or smoker. It also caramelizes the BBQ sauce giving it a nice flavor. The ribs are fully cooked when they come off the pressure cooker so broiling is an optional step.
What Kind Of Pork Ribs To Buy
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!
- 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 meant 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 To Cook Ribs in Instant Pot
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 5 – 7 minutes of high pressure cooking time.
- 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).
If you live in high altitude, choose the higher number so you cook the ribs a bit longer. For lower altitude simple chose the lower 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.
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.
You can also heat up the ribs on a grill brushing them with sauce as they reheat.
How Many Racks Of Ribs Can You Put In An Instant Pot?
The exact amount will vary depending on the size of each rack however, usually you can fit 2 rib racks in a 6 Qt. Instant Pot and 3 racks on a 8 Qt. Instant Pot.
Why Are My Instant Pot Ribs Tough?
Instant Pot ribs are usually tough and chewy if you don’t cook them long enough. Ribs need time to become tender. 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.
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.
Instant Pot 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!
Serve These Finger-Licking Instant Pot BBQ Ribs with these side dishes:
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Instant Pot Baby Back 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).
Cora says
Easily the best recipe for ribs! I follow it exactly and have made it about 20 times ❤️
Kathy says
Thanks Cora! I’m so happy you liked the ribs as much as I do!
Lynn says
Absolutely delicious ribs…fall off the bone!
Kathy says
Thank you! I am so happy you enjoyed them.
Kathy says
Thanks Lynn!
Sheena says
Can I substitute the apple juice with orange juice?
Kathy says
Yes you can!
Frances says
can i put the sauce in thebpot with th ribs while cooking?
Kathy says
Yes!
Marion says
Excellent recipe! Used the rub recipe and then substituted a purchased BBQ sauce.
Laura says
We’re making these again-no need to spend $ at a restaurant anymore. Unbelievably good, easy recipe. Three generations extremely impressed-win!!
Kathy says
Thank you!! I’m so happy to hear that.
Penny L says
This recipe is AWESOME!
Well written and easy to follow, too. Will make this many times from now on. Thank you so much for sharing.
Kathy says
Thank you so much Penny!
Kim says
Question have you used boneless country style ribs?
Wondering how they would work also about cooking time?
I have made them with baby back ribs and they were delicious!
Kathy says
Hi Kim, I think it will work although I haven’t tried it myself.
Julie says
This recipe was fantastic! The ribs were so tender and moist, and very tasty. Can’t believe they were better than when we slow cook ribs for hours. In 23 minutes!
Kathy says
Hi Julie! I couldn’t believe it either but somehow the pressure cooker does its magic! Thanks for the feedback. So happy you like the recipe.
Leah says
If I sub the apple juice for orange juice, do you still add the apple cider vinegar? Or how important is the vinegar?
Kathy says
Hi Leah,
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar you can skip it. The apple juice alone will work.