Make Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs in the pressure cooker for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in under an hour. They’re loaded with flavor and so delicious!
You can make tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs in the pressure cooker anytime — no grill required. Just season them with dry rub, cook the ribs in the Instant Pot, slather them with barbecue sauce and broil them for a crispier texture. You’re going to love these easy Instant Pot baby back ribs!
Confession time — I’m kind of obsessed with making dinner in the Instant Pot. Actually, I’m obsessed with Instant Pot recipes because it takes making quick and easy dinners to the next level! I’ve had it for less than a month, and I’ve already made so many different recipes.
I’ve cooked spaghetti in the Instant Pot, sausage and peppers, Teriyaki chicken and creamy shells and beef. But we probably make baby back ribs in the Instant Pot more than anything else. Why? Well, they’re absolutely perfect every. single. time. Seriously, once you make ribs in the pressure cooker, you may never go back!
This method for pressure cooker ribs is a lot like making ribs in the slow cooker, only it’s a lot faster. Instead of making fall-off-the-bone ribs in a few hours, you’ll devouring these ribs in less than an hour!
Seriously, this is one of our favorite Instant Pot recipes!
How to make Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
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Whenever we make ribs, I like to start off with a dry rub. This goes for making ribs in the pressure cooker, slow cooker or just on the grill. It adds an extra layer of flavor, so don’t skip it if you can. I like to make my own dry rub, but you can use a mix if that’s easier.
Next, you add some liquid to the Instant Pot. I use a mix of water and apple cider vinegar, which adds some awesome flavor to the ribs. Place the ribs on the trivet, close the lid, set the seal to venting, and pressure cook for 20 minutes.
You can pressure cook the ribs for 15 minutes if you want chewier ribs or 25 minutes for ribs that completely fall off the bone. It’s really a personal preference, and the best way to get ribs that are absolutely perfect is to experiment until you’re happy with the end result.
When the ribs are done, do a slow release for a few minutes, and then release the pressure completely. Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet, slather your favorite barbecue sauce on them, and then broil for about 5 minutes or until the sauce bubbles and the ribs get a little crispy.
This is an optional step, but if you want to mimic the texture of grilled ribs, you’ll want to pop them under the broiler. And that’s all, folks! Go ahead and dig in!
And if the weather is nice, you can grill the ribs after pressure cooking — so good!
Recipe for Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 4 pounds baby back pork ribs, membrane removed
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the the brown sugar, sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika and pepper to a small bowl, and stir to combine
- Remove membrane from back of ribs, and rub seasoning mix over ribs
- Add water and apple cider vinegar to Instant Pot, and place trivet on bottom of pot
- Place seasoned ribs on trivet, cover, move valve to sealing position, and hit Pressure Cook for 20 minutes
- Allow to naturally release for 10 minutes, then move valve to quick release until pin drops.
- Open lid, remove ribs to foil lined baking sheet, and brush barbecue sauce over ribs
- Place ribs in oven, and broil for 5 minutes or until ribs bubble and look crisp
- Remove ribs from oven, cut, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
My family absolutely loves these easy Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs, and I hope you love them as much as we do!
Shared at Weekend Potluck
Happy Cooking,
Kim says
These are THE best ribs I’ve ever had and yes they do fall off the bone! I’ve recently substituted ‘Liquid Smoke’ in place of the Apple Cider Vinegar and its FANTASTIC- it gives them a bit of a Smokey taste.
Dee says
Thank you so much, Kim! I’ll have to try the liquid smoke next time.
T White says
The ribs were pull off the bone tender and full of flavor. I will make these again, but use less apple cider vinegar next time.
Dee says
Thanks! You can definitely change the amounts or use a different liquid.
Tori says
DELICIOUS!! My husband said it was the best ribs he ever had… Truly! Used low sugar sauce, little low sugar ketchup and serve brown for sauce. Pressured 30 min. Fall off the bone tender but started on the bone. Perfect! I got a new Ninja Foodie, just learning the magic of it all. Perfect ribs in under an hour. Perfect!
Dee says
That’s wonderful, Tori! I’m super glad you all liked the ribs!
Nancy says
May I ask what is the serving size? I am on low carbs, So where is the 45g per serving coming from. Is that many carbs in pork or is it the sugar, because I can leave it out if that is why its so high in carbs. Really want to try this! Thank you.
Dee says
I use a nutrition calculator that automatically calculates everything from the ingredients. Ribs are a little tricky to get an accurate serving size, but really, the only carbs in this should be from the sugar, and there is not that much.
Jan says
I am on a low carb diet, too, and have made these a few times now. They are very good, but if you are watching carbs, replace the sugar in the rub with a low glycemic option (Splenda has a brown sugar variety) and use a low carb bbq sauce. I use Ken Davis “Classic 2 carb” sauce.
Laura says
Thanks for the recipe! Have already made them 3 times and I love how easy and delicious it is!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Laura! I’m glad you like them!
The C says
Yup…really, really good. I’ve tried other baby back rib recipes. They’re just ok. This recipe nails it. Followed this recipe precisely. Totally amazing results. Just had to pop in to leave a review. Thank you for sharing.
Dee says
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the ribs!
Marcella says
This is the 2nd recipe I’ve cooked in my new IP. It was easy and delicious. My family loved them and can’t wait to have them again! Thank you for posting.
Dee says
Thank you so much, Marcella! So glad you liked the ribs!
Sondra Morehead says
I purchased my first IP yesterday. Spent hours browsing Pinterest and watching YouTube videos. THIS is the recipe I chose for my first IP experience. I followed it step by step without changing anything.
It did not disappoint!!! Juicy, tender, flavorful, fall off the bone baby back ribs that were ready to be served in less than an hour from prep to finish. AMAZING! I loved them. My family loved them.
If I’m unable to master any other IP recipes I try, that’s OK. At least I know this one works and it’s wonderful and already makes me finally caving and buying an IP worth it!!
Thank You for sharing this!!
Dee says
Thank you SO much for your kind words! I’m thrilled that you liked the ribs and hope you enjoy your new IP!
Liz says
Is this on low or high pressure? (for 20 min). Thank you! Cooking this tonight!!!
Dee says
High pressure. Hope you enjoy the ribs! 🙂
MaryJo says
This will be my third time to make these ribs! We love them, so easy and delicious!!
Dee says
That made my day, MaryJo. Thanks so much!