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
Follow me on social media for more recipe ideas & inspiration! Pinterest Facebook Instagram My Newsletter
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).
Ollac says
Normally I cook ribs on a Weber – just a simple salt rub with some smoking chips in a smoker. However, since I purchased an electric pressure cooker recently, I thought I give this a crack – so many positive reviews!!
Honestly – the meet came out liked boiled meat. Any fat left on the meat just sat there on the rib and because we couldn’t pick it all out, it made the taste unpleasant. I might be wrong, but I think the meat actually swelled up in the cooking process. The rub made it very spicey. The people who tried the ribs made no positive comments – sorry folks.
Kathy says
Hi Ollac, I am sorry this recipe didn’t work for you. I am actually quite surprise because like you said, we had nothing but positive reviews. This is one of the recipes with the most feedback (and reader’s photos) on Pinterest. I absolutely love ribs but I must admit I don’t always have the patience to grill them so my preferred method was always the oven. That is until I put them in a pressure cooker. That’s the only way I cook ribs now, followed by a couple of minutes under the broiler. Again, I am sorry this recipe didn’t work out for you. May I ask, what type of ribs did you use?
Brittany P says
This recipe was so good! Easy, quick, yummy
Karen says
I did it!, and it came out so… so good, my husband went for seconds. Thank you for the recipe!
Kathy says
Thank you for the feedback. I am so happy to hear that!
Gwenn McDonald says
I have used this rib recipe twice. The first one came out fantastic. Picky husband said it was better than the rib restaurant we have gone to.
Now the bad part, last night used the same exact recipe except for the rub (I make my own rub). When I opened the pot the smell of the apple cider was overwhelming. Can apple cider go bad? The ribs were a little over done (30 min on manual + 20 min nr.
The pot, silicone trivet smell like apple cider. Washed by hand with vinegar and smell still there. Washed again in dishwasher with added vinegar and they still smell of apple cider vinegar. Now they are sitting in the sun hoping to diminish the smell.
Where did I go wrong? Thank you for your help.
Kathy says
Hi Gwenn, I am glad you first made the recipe as written. Yes, apple cider can definitely go bad. It will get acidic and in simple words very gross. It can also grow mold. I am thinking that the problem was the apple cider, especially if it smelled acidic. I use my instant pot a lot and I am sad to say that the rubber sealing ring always absorbs the smell of the food. I think silicone will also absorb the smell. High pressure cooking definitely seals in the flavors – and also the smells. You can put about 3 cups of water in your IP with a piece of lemon rind and use the steam function for 2 minutes. I have heard of putting the smelling items in the sun but have never try it. The dishwasher also helps. Next time you use the trivet, it will just smell like the next food you cook LOL
Teri Kennedy says
I’m in the middle of moving and was looking for quick and easy family-friendly meals to cook in the Instant Pot when I stumbled across this recipe. So glad I did! Made exactly as written (with the exception of subbing apple cider for apple juice) and it was absolutely delicious. Ribs fell off the bone and the sauce was great. We’ll be hanging onto this one even when we’re not moving! It’s a keeper!
Kathy says
Hi Teri, Moving is so much work!! I hope is all going smooth. So glad to hear dinner was a success. Thank you for the feedback.
Cara Quinn says
First time doing ribs in instant pot, so kinda nervous! But recipe did not disappoint. So tasty!❤
Kathy says
Thanks Cara. So glad to hear you liked the recipe.
Samantha Russo says
Easiest ribs I’ve ever made, and fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious! My family ate every single rib. My 3-year old granddaughter even ate three ribs(left out cayenne pepper & hot sauce) and she rarely eats anything I make! The rub gave these ribs the perfect flavor, too. This recipe’s a keeper.
Kathy says
Hi Samantha, Thank you. I am so happy to hear you all like the ribs – especially your 3-year old. I know how picky kids can be. I have 2! Thanks again.
Shenaz Hamilton says
This is the first recipe I made with my new instant pot. Wow! So easy and quick. This is going on my weeknight dinner rotation.
Kathy says
Hi Shenaz, I hope you are loving your new instant Pot. I really love mine. Thank you for the feedback. I am so happy to hear you loved these ribs. xo
Donna says
Thank you for the recipe. Any reason why I couldn’t use apple cider instead of juice?
Kathy says
Hi Donna, you can use apple cider also.
J. S. says
Made this recipe tonight & my family loved it!!! I didn’t have apple juice, so I put
1.5 C of water with cranberry juice concentrate as the liquid. Turned out AMAZING!
Kathy says
Hi J.S. Great substitution! Thank you.
Erin Meisel says
How many racks will fit in the instant pot? I bought the Costco back ribs and it came with 3…
Kathy says
I usually fit one or two. Never tried 3.
N. Snyder says
OMG, best rub EVER!!!!! Off the hook flavor. I’m keeping this recipe forever!!
Kathy says
You made my day! Thank you!
Cheryl Cox says
The ribs were so tender and flavorful! Better than the low and slow method. Greatly appreciate the detailed information, which made this an easy to follow recipe. Absolutely yummy!
Kathy says
Thank you Cheryl! I am glad you enjoyed the ribs.