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 super amazing and I make them ALL the time. One thing I did change just to see if it would give a little kick is…..I substituted Liquid Smoke instead of the Apple Cider Vinegar and wow! They now have a Smokey taste that is scrumpt-deli-itious!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Kim! I’ll have to try that next time. 🙂
April says
Have mercy…these were so good!!! And easy to cook, too! Great recipe…keep ’em coming…PLEASE!
Dee says
Thank you so much, April! I’m so happy you liked the ribs!
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!
Maria says
I just bought a 3qt, I wonder what the amount of liquid should be? I’m excited but nervous…lol
Dee says
I’m not familiar with the 3 quart, but you can use the amount of liquid needed for that model and adapt the liquid called for in the recipe to fit.
Megan says
Hi! I seem to have lost the trivet in our move. Can I do this recipe without it?
Dee says
You could, but just be aware that the ribs would be sitting in the liquid, which might make the flavors a bit too strong.
Matt says
Made these for the first time yesterday. Used my own spice rub, but followed the recipe cooking process including finishing under the broiler. Unbelievably tasty ribs and so much easier. Thank you for sharing with us. This will become my go-to rib recipe from now on.
Dee says
That’s awesome, Matt! Thank you so much!
Kelsey says
About how long do these take to come to pressure?
Dee says
It really depends on the actual pressure cooker — usually 10 minutes for me.
Jane says
I’ve made these several times now, always perfect! Thanks!
Dee says
I’m SO happy to hear this — Thanks!
Yvonne Ballard says
These were Awesome. You were right about fall off the bone!! Everyone enjoyed, Thanks, definitely a keeper 😊.
Dee says
So glad you liked them, Yvonne! Thanks so much!
Mandy says
If I have a 6lb rack is it the same cook time??
I’ve tried these with a normal rack and they’re so good!!
Dee says
If they’re extra thick and meaty, you can leave them in a little longer — say 25 minutes — and see if that’s enough. You can always add more time if you need to. 🙂
Megan says
I can’t wait to try this!!! What if my ribs are frozen? How long do I cook them? Or do I need to thaw first?
Thank you in advance!!
Dee says
I haven’t made frozen ribs, but usually the pot just takes longer to reach pressure. Personally, I would thaw them so you can get the dry rub to stick to the meat. Hope you like them! 🙂
Annette says
So easy and so good! Give it try .
Dee says
Awesome, Annette! So glad you liked it!
Alex says
I’m confused about the setting. You start with venting not sealed? I thought it needs to start sealed to build up pressure. Please advise… do you set your own timer or will it automatically start on venting?
Dee says
You do start with sealing — just make sure that the valve is set to sealing, and turn it to sealing if it’s not. After pressure cooking, let it go, and it will start to naturally release pressure on it’s own. Just turn it to vent after about 10 minutes to finish the pressure release.
Ann says
Delicious and easy!
Dee says
So happy you like the recipe!
Bev says
Ive done one rack this way and love it but not normally more than 1 rack in a 6 quart duo. Can you do multiple racks?
Dee says
I usually do 2 racks in my 8 quart. But if both racks fit in your 6 quart, that would definitely work!
Candace Pflum says
I have the 8 qt. Duo. Did you cook it under normal or high pressure?
Dee says
I never change the pressure level, so it’s always high pressure.
Kathy says
So easy and delicious! I do pop them under broiler with my favorite sauce.
Dee says
Thanks, Kathy! I think the broiler makes them even better. 🙂
Claire Fernandez says
How would I adjust the cooking time for only 1.5lbs of ribs?
Dee says
The cooking time is still the same.
Don says
Cooked 15 minutes 10 minutes NPR
put bbq sauce wrapped in foil grilled low 30 minutes turned once OMG soooo delish
Dee says
That’s great, Don! So happy you enjoyed the ribs!
Dana says
Barbecue is my favorite type of food so when I saw these, I just had to try this recipe and these ribs are just DELICIOUS! Very tangy flavor and they fall right off the bone. Definitely making again
Dee says
Thank you so much, Dana!
Pam says
Amazing! I have always been a 10-12 hours in the oven at 200 but NO more! These taste just as good.
Dee says
Yes! I love that you don’t have to keep the oven on, especially in the summer. Thanks, Pam.
Kim says
This is my favorite pressure cooker recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Dee says
Thanks for taking the time to let me know! Glad you like them! 🙂
Felicia says
These were perfect, just what I was looking for in a recipe. The broiler really was key in producing that gooey sauce that melded to the ribs. I left mine in broiler 6 mins on each side to give a little extra roast.
Dee says
Thank you so much, Felicia! I’m thrilled that you liked the recipe, and yes, broiling the ribs is definitely worth it! 🙂
Patti Delzer says
I cooked the ribs for 25 minutes under pressure, then gave it 10 minutes for natural release, then 2 minutes per side under the broiler. The ribs were delicious. I definitely will make these again.
Dee says
You have me craving ribs again! Thanks so much, Patti!
Jastina says
Is it the same time if I only have 2 1/2 pounds
Dee says
Yes — The cook time remains the same. 🙂
Sue says
At 25 minutes this was fall off the bone good. Tasty rub mixture also. I made this exactly as written and it was ok. But, this was Fabulous ***** the next day after simmering a few hours in more BBQ sauce! Instant Pot makes it fast and easy, but do try simmering any IP recipe for longer — you will be so happy you did! Thanks for the recipe.
Dee says
Thanks for sharing, Sue. That sounds so good!
Jacquie says
These were amazing! Only change I made was I added about a teaspoon of Chili powder. We usually cook ribs low & slow in the oven4-5 hours, then finish them off on the grill. I think this is a much more energy conscious way to make them 🤣 and they taste fabulous! We finished these with the broiler and it worked great.
Dee says
So glad to hear this! We make ribs all year round now, thanks to the Instant Pot! 🙂
Rena says
Delicious!
Barb B says
These are excellent. Thanks for recipe.
Dee says
I’m so glad you liked them, Barb! 🙂
Nancy Fuentes says
I made this last night, I was trying to find an easy recipe and this one could not be easier. I put my own touch by adding adobo seassoning, they came out really good and tender. I used Famous Daves Original BBQ sauce and they were delicious. Thank you so much for this easy recipe.
Dee says
Thank you so much, Nancy! I need to try using adobo seasoning next time — sounds even better! 🙂
M Mustard says
This looks like it could become a go to recipe. One question. When converting this recipe fromIP to a regular pressure cooker, is the timing 20 minutes once it reaches pressure or 20 minutes total?
Thanks in advance.
Mo
Dee says
The cook time once it reaches pressure is 20 minutes — at least in the Instant Pot. I don’t know if there is difference with a regular pressure cooker. Hope this helps. 🙂
Julie says
I put 2 lbs of baby back ribs in with your rib and another rub combine. I used apple cider vinegar and apple juice instead of the water. Pressure cooked for 27 minutes and they were falling apart before I broiled hem for 5 minutes. Awesome! Thank you!
Dee says
Thanks, Julie. Pressure cooker ribs are the best! 🙂
Linda says
I just got an instant pot. There is a large pot with it to put inside and also a fold up rack. What are you calling a trivet. Do you have to order?
Dee says
The fold up rack is the trivet. The little legs go on the bottom, and the handles go up toward the top so that you can easily pick the trivet up after cooking.
Cynthia Brown says
This recipe is great and very easy. I put 2 lbs of New Orlean style ribs and 2 lbs of baby back ribs in the Instant Pot after marinating them all day with the dry rub. The ribs came out of the Instant Pot so tender. We put BBQ sauce on them and grilled for 5 minutes. I hardly recommend this recipe!
Cynthia Brown says
I meant HIGHLY not hardly recommend!
Dee says
Ha. Thanks so much, Cynthia. So glad you liked it! 🙂
Lauren says
These are absolutely AMAZING! My go to recipe for ribs. I make them all the time now. My husband and kids love them. I tell anyone I know who owns an IP have to try this recipe!
Dee says
Thanks so much, Lauren. I’m so happy you like them! 🙂
Joyce says
These were alright and I could taste the vinegar a little. I will make them again but decrease the amount of liquid.
Dee says
I just made a slightly different version tonight without the vinegar, and I’ll be posting the new recipe soon!
Mardie says
If I use just over 5 lbs of ribs do I need to alter any of the other ingredients or cooking time? Thanks!
Dee says
You may need to make extra rub if there’s not enough to coat the ribs, but the cooking time and liquid should remain the same.
Shanee says
Had ribs in my fridge and needed dinner fast so i took A chance on this recipe and LOVED it!! All the kids loved them too!
Dee says
Thanks for letting me know, Shanee. So glad you all enjoyed them!
Courtney Bryant says
Do you cut the ribs in 4’s so they all fit and stack them in the IP?
I just recently got a IP and love it so far. Would love to try this recipe!
Thanks
Dee says
We just wrap the slabs around the inside of the inner pot, but I think some people cut and stack them, instead. It’s our favorite way to make ribs now. 🙂
Tiffany says
Is high pressure used?
Dee says
Yes, it’s high pressure using the “pressure cook” or manual button.
DeAnna says
This recipe looks amazing! I’ve tried baby backs in our IP once before and the recipe called for apple cider vinegar as well. They tasted so much like vinegar I threw them out. Is there anything else you would recommend instead of the vinegar to avoid this?
Dee says
I don’t taste the vinegar at all, but it’s really just for added flavor and not necessary. Did you use a trivet? That would help, as well. I know some people use apple juice, beer, pop or plain old water, instead! 🙂
James says
Made this one today. what a time saver!
Juli says
First thing I tried with my new pot. AMAZIMG RIBS!! Will be making these again and again!!
Dee says
So glad it worked for you! We won’t make them any other way now! 🙂
Nana says
Those look delicious but I am wondering why the recipe calls for so much liquid. Two cups is way more than needed for processing. Did you have a reason for increasing it?
Dee says
Hi Nana. I have an 8 quart DUO, which recommends 2 cups liquid when cooking. Sometimes, I add a little of the cooking liquid to the BBQ sauce I make, so it’s nice to have extra in there. 🙂
Jmartin says
the 6 quart only takes 1 cup of liquid to bring it up to pressure. Luuuv my IP!!
Allyson Zea says
I JUST got an instant pot so I can’t wait try this out!!!!
Krista says
It amazes me what you can do in an instant pot! I love it!
Amanda says
I’ve never tried making ribs in the Instant Pot… but I definitely need to try this!
Dee says
It’s now my favorite way to make them!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
Wow! I can’t believe that you can make such tender ribs in just an hour. Usually that is an all day process! Looks like I need to get my hands on an Instant Pot. 😉
Demeter says
Your really can make just about anything in an Instant Pot! Such a great seasoning rub.
Dee says
I still can’t believe how much you can do with it!