Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs made with dry rub, apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce are tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs done in under an hour. They're super flavorful and delicious!
You can make tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back pork ribs in the pressure cooker anytime -- in any weather with this easy recipe. Just season them with dry rub, cook the ribs in the Instant Pot, slather them with barbecue sauce and finish on the grill, under the broiler or in the air fryer for a crispier texture.
Next to Instant Pot creamy shells and beef, these pressure cooker ribs are one of our favorite Instant Pot recipes. 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 be devouring these ribs in less than an hour! We love to serve them with Instant Pot Potato Salad or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and Instant Pot Corn on the Cob or Foil Grilled Corn on the Cob for a complete meal.
How to make Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
First, you'll want to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Do you have to remove the membrane? No, but doing so makes them more tender. It' s actually very easy to do, so don't be intimidated by this step.
Just insert a paring knife or another small knife under the membrane at the smallest rib to lift it up. Then, grab the membrane, and pull. I recommend using a paper towel or napkin to grab the membrane since it's easier to hold this way.
Make a Dry Rub
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.
You can use your favorite dry rub recipe. Or, you can use your favorite dry rub mix from the store. I like to make my own dry rub with just a few simple ingredients:
- brown sugar
- sea salt
- garlic powder
- black pepper
- smoked paprika
Add Thin Liquid
Next, you add thin liquid to the Instant Pot so that it reaches pressure. I use a mix of water and apple cider vinegar, which adds some awesome flavor and helps tenderize the ribs. Note -- The ribs sit on the trivet, so they're not actually in the vinegar.
If you don't want to use apple cider vinegar, you can use apple juice or a mix of apple juice and water. I've also used beer to cook ribs and Coke or Dr Pepper. Awesome flavor!
How Long to Pressure Cook
Place the ribs on the trivet, standing up. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, 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. The best way to get ribs that are absolutely perfect is to experiment until you're happy with the end result.
Finish on the Grill, Broiler or Air Fryer
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! If you have the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, you can cut the ribs into smaller sections and use the air fryer setting to finish the ribs. You can do the same if you have the Instant Omni or Vortex air fryers or any oven style air fryer.
How Many Racks
You can make 1 or 2 racks of ribs in the 6 quart. You can make 2 or 3 racks in the 8 quart or 10 quart Instant Pot. Keep in mind, the amount of liquid will be different depending upon the size of your pressure cooker.
To make 2 racks of ribs in the Instant Pot, place 1 rack close to the sides of the pot. It will probably curve around. Place the second rack inside the curve -- You may have to curl it up a little.
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Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Equipment
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
Recipe was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2021.
Matthew says
This is the BEST way to make ribs! They’re so tender and really do fall off the bone. The flavor is amazing too!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Matthew. I'm glad you liked the ribs!
Trina says
These really do fall off the bone! Who knew you could make these in the Instant Pot and have them come out so well!
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!