Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

I am of a certain belief that in any healthy relationship, it’s best not to keep score. Unless you are making Instant Pot Ribs, in which case MEGA PARTNER POINTS.

Fall off the bone tender, mega meaty, and destined to elicit serious finger licking, these savory Instant Pot Ribs will make you a fast favorite with whoever is lucky enough to share them with you.

In my case, the lucky recipient was Ben, who often requests my Crockpot Ribs. I plan to cash in the wife points I earned making this Instant Pot version for his help assembling our new patio table.

I can already envision myself serving a batch of Instant Pot Ribs (slathered in homemade barbecue sauce) to friends at a future summer party!

(Remind me to mention the ribs plan to Ben if the table’s assembly “directions” are an Ikea-style sheet of paper with only pictures and no words. Baby backs are my favorite form of bribery.)

Instant Pot Ribs

How to make fall off the bone Instant Pot Ribs. Easy method for baby back or spare ribs. So much faster and the sweet and savory dry rub is to die for!

Prep: 10min

Total: 50min

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 1 (of 4)

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 (of 4), calories 386 kcal, Carbohydrate 16 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 24 g, Saturated Fat 8 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 12 g, Trans Fat 0.2 g, unSaturated Fat 14 g

Ingredients:

• 1 rack baby back ribs or spare ribs (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds*)
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/4 cup Homemade Barbecue Sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instruction:

1. Rinse the ribs and pat them dry. If your ribs still have the thin, shiny membrane on the back, remove it. (This is easy, don’t worry!) Flip the ribs over, meat-side down. Wiggle a dull knife (such as a butter knife) between the membrane and the ribs to loosen it. With a paper towel, grip the membrane and pull it away, then discard.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Rub it all over the ribs, generously coating all of the sides.
3. Place the trivet (or rack) in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. Pour in the water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke. Place the ribs inside the pot, standing them on the trivet on their side and wrapping the rack around the inside of the pot like a circle.
4. Cover and seal the Instant Pot. For baby back ribs: Cook on high (manual) pressure for 23 minutes (if you are making multiple racks and your ribs are super meaty, increase to 25 minutes). Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then vent to release the remaining pressure. For spare ribs: Cook on high for 35 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release completely (about 15 minutes). You will know it is released when the pin drops.
5. Towards the end of the ribs’ cook time, place a rack in the upper third of your oven and set it to broil. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Transfer the cooked ribs to the foil, then brush liberally with barbecue sauce. Place under the broiler just until the sauce begins to caramelize, about 2 minutes. Do not walk away to make sure the ribs don’t burn.

Instant Pot Ribs

Instant Pot Ribs: Make BBQ Ribs in Instant Pot in 40 minutes! Deliciously tender & juicy BBQ Ribs are a great beginner recipe for weeknight dinners or BBQ party.

Total: 40min

Yield: 2

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 348 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Protein 27 g, Fat 23 g, Saturated Fat 8 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Sodium 307 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 6 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 rack baby back ribs
• ¼ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• A few drops liquid smoke ((Optional))

Instruction:

1. Prepare & Season Baby Back Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs with a paper towel. Season the ribs with a generous amount of kosher salt and ground black pepper.
2. Pressure Cook Baby Back Ribs: Add 2 – 3 drops of liquid smoke in Instant Pot (optional). Add in 1 cup (250ml) of cold water (or apple cider vinegar) and a trivet. Place the baby back ribs on top of the trivet. With Venting Knob in Venting Position, close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position. Pressure cook at High Pressure for 16 minutes to 25 minutes, then Full Natural Release. *Cooking Time Tip: Adjust the cooking timing according to the thickness of your ribs & preferences: 16 minutes (tender with a bit of chew) to 25 minutes (fall-off-the-bone tender). Open the lid carefully.
3. Apply Sauce and Broil in Oven/Air Fryer: Carefully set the ribs on an oven tray or chopping board, then generously brush your BBQ sauce all over the ribs on all sides. *Note: You can use an oven, toaster oven, Instant Pot Duo Crisp or Air Fryer Lid for this finishing caramelization step. *Pro Tip: If you have a large oven, you can finish the ribs in one batch. If you’re using the Duo Crisp lid or Air Fryer lid, cut the ribs into halves, then finish them in 2 batches. *Pro Tip: It’s best to broil the ribs before cutting it into serving size to retain more moisture.Option 1 – Oven/Toaster Oven: Place the BBQ Ribs on an oven tray under the “Broil” function (or the highest temperature setting) for a few minutes until the BBQ sauce is caramelized.Option 2 – Air Fryer Lid: Place air fryer basket with the tray on the middle rack in Instant Pot. Layer ribs on the air fryer tray in Instant Pot. Place the Air Fryer Lid on Instant Pot. Press “Airfry” button, set Temperature to 400°F and Cooking Time to 15 minutes (takes roughly 9 – 11 minutes + preheat time. You can open the lid to check the progress). Air fry the second batch of BBQ ribs in Instant Pot.
4. Serve: Chop up the Instant Pot BBQ Ribs to finger-licking serving sizes. Serve these tasty BBQ Ribs immediately!

Easy INSTANT POT RIBS Recipe

FAQ

Why are my ribs tough in Instant Pot?

How much liquid do you put in the ribs in an Instant Pot?

Are ribs better in the oven or Instant Pot?