Also known as pressure cooker ribs, this recipe is one of the easiest ways to make pork ribs at home without tending a grill or heating the oven for hours. The Instant Pot does the hard work, while the quick broil at the end gives the ribs that glossy, slightly charred BBQ finish everyone loves.
I use baby back ribs because they cook quickly and turn beautifully tender, but I’ve included timing for spare ribs and St. Louis-style ribs too. This is a reliable, reader-loved recipe for weeknights, game day, summer cookouts, or anytime ribs sound like a very good idea.
⭐️ Instant Pot Ribs: Recipe at a Glance
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot tenderizes ribs much faster than traditional oven or grill methods, making this a more manageable weeknight, weekend, or game-day recipe.
- Flavor: A smoky-sweet dry rub and BBQ sauce give these ribs a savory, tangy, sticky BBQ flavor.
- Texture: Pressure cooking makes the ribs incredibly tender, while a quick broil caramelizes the sauce for that glossy, just-off-the-grill finish.
- Customizable: Use baby back ribs, spare ribs, or St. Louis-style ribs and adjust the cooking time depending on the cut.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Pressure cook the ribs ahead of time, then sauce and broil them right before serving.
- Dietary: Pork-based. Dairy-free and egg-free. Gluten-free adaptable if using gluten-free BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
🔄 Ingredients, Substitutions & Swaps
For the complete list of ingredients and exact quantities, check the printable recipe card below.
- Baby Back Ribs: Baby back ribs are leaner and usually cook a little faster than spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs. They are my favorite choice for this Instant Pot ribs recipe because they become tender without needing hours in the oven or smoker.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to the spice rub and helps balance the savory spices. Light or dark brown sugar will work.
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, black pepper, and salt create a smoky-sweet dry rub with just a little heat. You can adjust the cayenne depending on how spicy you like your ribs.
- Apple Juice: Provides a mildly sweet and flavorful steam inside the pressure cooker which penetrates the meat adding even more flavor. You can use pineapple juice or broth if you prefer. Add a dash of liquid smoke if you prefer an extra smoky taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the pork and BBQ sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce as the base for this quick BBQ glaze. Ketchup, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a splash of the ribs cooking liquid add extra flavor and help make the sauce glossy and delicious.
- Ribs Cooking Liquid: A small amount of the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot adds extra savory flavor to the BBQ sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can skip it.
⏲️ How Long to Cook Ribs in the Instant Pot?
The cooking time depends on the type of ribs you use. Baby back ribs cook faster, while spare ribs and St. Louis-style ribs need more time and a longer natural release.
| Type of Ribs | Pressure Cook Time | Natural Release |
| Baby Back Ribs | 23-25 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Spare Ribs | 30-35 minutes | 20 minutes |
| St. Louis-Style Ribs | 30-35 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Frozen Baby Back Ribs | About 30 minutes | 10 minutes |
🔪 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.
🥘 How to Make Instant Pot Ribs
Scroll to the printable recipe card for specific instructions and cooking times.
- Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Prep the ribs: Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs, if attached.
- Season the ribs. Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, making sure the meat is well coated.
- Add the liquid: Place the trivet or pressure cooker rack in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the apple juice and apple cider vinegar.
- Pressure cook: Place the ribs inside the Instant Pot, standing them upright and wrapping them around the inside of the pot. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 23 minutes, or 25 minutes if the ribs are especially meaty.
- Release the pressure: When the cooking time is done, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully open the valve to release the remaining pressure.
- Make the BBQ sauce: While the ribs cook, combine the BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. When the ribs are done, stir in 1/4 cup of the ribs cooking liquid and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Broil the ribs: Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with BBQ sauce on both sides. Broil for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling, sticky, and lightly charred. Serve. Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
🔥 Do You Have to Broil Instant Pot Ribs?
No, you don’t have to broil the ribs. The ribs are fully cooked after pressure cooking, so you can brush them with BBQ sauce and serve them right away.
That said, broiling is highly recommended. A few minutes under the broiler helps the BBQ sauce bubble, caramelize, and cling to the ribs for that sticky, just-off-the-grill finish. It adds flavor, texture, and a little bit of char without needing to fire up the grill.
💡 Tips for the Best Instant Pot Ribs
- Remove the membrane: The thin membrane on the back of the ribs can be tough and chewy. Removing it helps the ribs become more tender and allows the seasoning to flavor the meat better.
- Use the trivet: Keeping the ribs lifted above the liquid helps them pressure cook instead of boiling directly in the liquid.
- Don’t skip the cooking liquid. Apple juice and apple cider vinegar add flavor and help create the steam needed for pressure cooking.
- Adjust the time based on the ribs. Smaller baby back ribs may only need 23 minutes, while meatier racks may need to cook longer.
- Broil for better texture/flavor: The Instant Pot makes the ribs tender, but the broiler gives them that sticky, caramelized BBQ finish.
- Watch closely while broiling: BBQ sauce can go from caramelized to burned quickly, so keep an eye on the ribs
🔎 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.
- 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.
- 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.
✌️ Can You Double This Recipe?
Yes, you can double this Instant Pot ribs recipe. Double the spice rub and BBQ sauce as well. Not the cooking liquid.
For two racks of baby back ribs, pressure cook for about 8 additional minutes, depending on how meaty the ribs are. Make sure the ribs fit comfortably in the Instant Pot without going above the maximum fill line.
🍽️ What to Serve with Instant Pot Ribs
These saucy pressure cooker ribs are perfect with classic BBQ sides. Here are a few ideas:
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook ribs in the Instant Pot?
Baby back ribs cook in 23-25 minutes on high pressure with a 5-minute natural release. Spare ribs and St. Louis-style ribs need about 30-35 minutes with a longer natural release so they become tender.
Why are my Instant Pot ribs tough?
Instant Pot ribs can turn out tough if they are undercooked, if the membrane was left on, or if a meatier rack needed a longer natural release. Spare ribs and St. Louis-style ribs usually need more time than baby back ribs.
Do you have to broil Instant Pot ribs?
No. The ribs are fully cooked after pressure cooking, but broiling is highly recommended. It helps the BBQ sauce caramelize, cling to the ribs, and develop a sticky, lightly charred finish.
Can I make Instant Pot ribs ahead of time?
Yes. Pressure cook the ribs up to 2 days ahead, cool, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, brush with BBQ sauce and broil or bake until hot and caramelized.
Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Yes. Spare ribs work well in the Instant Pot, but they need more time. Cook spare ribs on high pressure for 30-35 minutes and allow about 20 minutes of natural release.
Can I use St. Louis-style ribs?
Yes. St. Louis-style ribs can be cooked in the Instant Pot. Cook them on high pressure for 30-35 minutes with about 20 minutes of natural release.
Can I use frozen ribs?
Yes, but frozen ribs don’t hold to the dry rub well. If cooking frozen baby back ribs, cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. If possible, thaw the ribs first so you can remove the membrane and season them evenly.
Are ribs done at 145°F?
Pork is considered safe at 145°F with a rest, but ribs need to cook well beyond that to become tender. For ribs, doneness is better judged by texture: the meat should pull back from the bones, feel tender when pierced, and bend easily without being dry or falling apart before broiling.
❄️ Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Make-Ahead: You can pressure cook the ribs up to 2 days ahead of time. Cool them completely, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, brush with BBQ sauce and broil or bake until hot and caramelized.
- Storage: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked ribs tightly wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze them without extra sauce and add fresh BBQ sauce when reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat ribs in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. Brush with additional BBQ sauce and uncover for the last few minutes, or broil briefly to caramelize the sauce.
👀 Take A Look At These Other Instant Pot Recipes
💛 Intentional Cooking
Your priorities, your recipe. Learn about Intentional Cooking.
Animal Welfare: When budget allows, choosing pork from smaller farms or brands with stronger animal welfare standards can be a meaningful way to support more responsible farming.
Time & Convenience: Traditional ribs can feel like a weekend-only project, but the Instant Pot makes them much more doable when time is limited. Pressure cooking gives you tender ribs without hours of oven or grill time, and the quick broil at the end adds that sticky BBQ finish with very little extra effort.
Finances: Making ribs at home can be a more budget-friendly way to enjoy a restaurant-style BBQ meal, especially when you buy ribs on sale or in larger packs and freeze what you don’t need right away. The simple dry rub uses pantry spices, and the quick BBQ glaze stretches store-bought sauce into something that tastes more homemade without adding much cost.
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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.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs, if attached.
- 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.
Notes
- Ribs Cooking Liquid: After the ribs are cooked, add 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the bottom of the Instant Pot to the BBQ sauce. It adds savory, meaty flavor. You can use broth, apple juice, or water instead. If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, you can omit this step.
- Broiling: You don’t have to broil the ribs. If you prefer, simply brush them with BBQ sauce and serve. However, broiling adds flavor and gives the sauce a sticky, caramelized finish.
- To Double the Recipe: Add an additional rib rack, double the spice rub and BBQ sauce. You don’t need to double the cooking liquid. Pressure cook the ribs for about 8 additional minutes, depending on how meaty the ribs are.
- Baby Back Ribs: To cook fresh baby back ribs in the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 23-25 minutes with a 5-minute natural pressure release.
- Spare Ribs: To cook fresh spare ribs in the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 30-35 minutes with a 20-minute natural pressure release. Do not skip the natural release; it helps make the ribs tender.
- St. Louis-Style Ribs: To cook fresh St. Louis-style ribs in the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 30-35 minutes with a 20-minute natural pressure release. Do not skip the natural release.
- Frozen Baby Back Ribs: For frozen baby back ribs, cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. For best flavor, thaw the ribs first so you can remove the membrane and season them evenly.
- Gluten-Free Note: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
Nutrition
Recipe Update Note: This post was originally published in 2022 and has been updated with improved instructions, helpful tips, and additional information to better serve our readers.
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