• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Meatloaf and Melodrama logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Collaborate
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborate
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
      • Collaborate
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Popular » Recipes » Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Mar 28, 2022 · Modified: Mar 28, 2022 by Dee

    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! via @meamel

    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!

    Jump to Recipe -
    instant pot baby back ribs with barbecue sauce on white platter
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
    • Cooking Time
    • How Many Racks
    • Substitutions
    • How To Store
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    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.

    Ingredients

    You only need a few ingredients for this Instant Pot ribs recipe. You should be able to find everything online or at your local grocery store.

    • Brown sugar
    • Sea salt
    • Garlic powder
    • Black pepper
    • Smoked paprika
    • Baby back pork ribs, membrane removed
    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Water

    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.

    rub dry rub over baby back ribs

    Whenever we make these easy Instant Pot 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 homemade spice rub with just a few simple ingredients: brown sugar, sea salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika and pepper.

    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.

    Cooking Time

    Place the ribs on the trivet, standing up. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high pressure 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.

    Cook time is 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.

    instant pot baby back ribs in pressure cooker

    When the ribs are done, do a natural release for a few minutes, and then quick release the remaining pressure completely. Place the ribs on an aluminum 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 Instant Vortex air fryers or any oven style air fryer.

    baby back pork ribs on platter

    How Many Racks

    You can make 1 or 2 racks of baby back ribs in the 6-quart Instant Pot. You can make 2 or 3 racks in the 8 quart or 10 quart Instant Pot, although I personally think up to 2 racks of ribs works best.

    Keep in mind, the amount of liquid will be different depending upon the size of your electric pressure cooker.

    To make 2 racks of baby back ribs in the Instant Pot, place 1 rack of ribs 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.

    instant pot baby back ribs in hands

    Substitutions

    If you don't want to use apple cider vinegar for ribs, you can use apple juice or a mix of apple juice and water.

    I've also used beer to cook ribs, or dark sodas, such as Coke, root beer or Dr Pepper. Coke ribs and Dr Pepper ribs have awesome flavor!

    For smokier flavor, add some liquid smoke to the cooking liquid before pressure cooking!

    How To Store

    Store any leftover Instant Pot bbq ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they'll last for 4 to 5 days.

    Reheat ribs in the microwave, or in the oven until hot. Of course, you can also eat leftover ribs cold.

    May contain affiliate links. See disclosure for more info.

    Recipe

    instant pot baby back ribs with bbq sauce on a white plattter

    Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

    Published by Dee
    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!
    4.97 from 32 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Pressure Time 10 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15
    Calories 223 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    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

    Recipe was made in an 8-quart Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. For a 6 quart, reduce liquid to ½ cup water and ½ cup apple cider or juice.
    You can use apple juice, beer or your favorite cola in place of the apple cider.
    To remove membrane, slide the blade of a thin knife under the membrane at the smallest rib and lift up. Grab with a napkin or paper towel and pull to remove.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 1gSodium: 7017mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 2gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 1970IUCalcium: 47mgIron: 2.1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!

    Recipe was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2022.

    instant pot baby back ribs with bbq sauce on white platter

    This Instant Pot baby back ribs recipe yields fall off the bone tender ribs with delicious meat flavors every time! It's definitely one of my favorite rib recipes ever!

    For more great recipe ideas, easy meal inspirations, and summer dinners, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter and follow me on social media!

    dee signature
    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    « Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies
    Easy Lemon Dump Cake »

    You May Also Like

    air fryer bbq chicken wings with barbecue sauce on platter
    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
    instant pot shredded bbq beef sandwich on a plate with steak fries
    Instant Pot BBQ Beef Roast
    collage of recipes using bbq sauce
    20 Recipes with BBQ Sauce

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Matthew says

      June 28, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      This is the BEST way to make ribs! They’re so tender and really do fall off the bone. The flavor is amazing too!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        June 28, 2021 at 1:51 pm

        Thank you so much, Matthew. I'm glad you liked the ribs!

    2. Trina says

      June 27, 2021 at 12:56 pm

      These really do fall off the bone! Who knew you could make these in the Instant Pot and have them come out so well!5 stars

      Reply
    3. Kim says

      September 23, 2020 at 2:13 pm

      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!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        September 25, 2020 at 10:57 am

        Thank you so much, Kim! I'll have to try that next time. 🙂

    4. April says

      September 20, 2020 at 2:14 pm

      Have mercy...these were so good!!! And easy to cook, too! Great recipe...keep 'em coming...PLEASE!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        September 20, 2020 at 8:17 pm

        Thank you so much, April! I'm so happy you liked the ribs!

    5. Kim says

      August 03, 2020 at 2:04 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Dee says

        August 04, 2020 at 10:44 am

        Thank you so much, Kim! I'll have to try the liquid smoke next time.

    6. T White says

      May 09, 2020 at 7:03 am

      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.4 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        May 30, 2020 at 8:33 pm

        Thanks! You can definitely change the amounts or use a different liquid.

    7. Tori says

      April 06, 2020 at 5:30 pm

      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!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        April 06, 2020 at 9:42 pm

        That's wonderful, Tori! I'm super glad you all liked the ribs!

    8. Nancy says

      February 08, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Dee says

        February 08, 2020 at 8:24 pm

        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

        February 20, 2020 at 6:44 pm

        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.

    9. Laura says

      January 19, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      Thanks for the recipe! Have already made them 3 times and I love how easy and delicious it is!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        January 21, 2020 at 7:58 pm

        Thank you so much, Laura! I'm glad you like them!

    10. The C says

      January 17, 2020 at 11:41 pm

      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.5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        January 18, 2020 at 11:02 am

        Thank you so much! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the ribs!

    11. Marcella says

      January 05, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      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.5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        January 06, 2020 at 8:56 am

        Thank you so much, Marcella! So glad you liked the ribs!

    12. Sondra Morehead says

      December 01, 2019 at 8:38 pm

      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!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        December 01, 2019 at 9:42 pm

        Thank you SO much for your kind words! I'm thrilled that you liked the ribs and hope you enjoy your new IP!

    13. Liz says

      November 29, 2019 at 3:06 pm

      Is this on low or high pressure? (for 20 min). Thank you! Cooking this tonight!!!

      Reply
      • Dee says

        November 29, 2019 at 3:51 pm

        High pressure. Hope you enjoy the ribs! 🙂

    14. MaryJo says

      October 07, 2019 at 11:12 am

      This will be my third time to make these ribs! We love them, so easy and delicious!!

      Reply
      • Dee says

        October 09, 2019 at 8:19 am

        That made my day, MaryJo. Thanks so much!

    15. Maria says

      September 08, 2019 at 8:41 am

      I just bought a 3qt, I wonder what the amount of liquid should be? I'm excited but nervous...lol

      Reply
      • Dee says

        September 08, 2019 at 8:38 pm

        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.

    16. Megan says

      September 07, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      Hi! I seem to have lost the trivet in our move. Can I do this recipe without it?

      Reply
      • Dee says

        September 07, 2019 at 7:25 pm

        You could, but just be aware that the ribs would be sitting in the liquid, which might make the flavors a bit too strong.

    17. Matt says

      September 01, 2019 at 6:53 am

      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.5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        September 01, 2019 at 3:49 pm

        That's awesome, Matt! Thank you so much!

    18. Kelsey says

      August 24, 2019 at 2:47 pm

      About how long do these take to come to pressure?

      Reply
      • Dee says

        August 25, 2019 at 1:00 pm

        It really depends on the actual pressure cooker -- usually 10 minutes for me.

    19. Jane says

      August 20, 2019 at 4:14 pm

      I’ve made these several times now, always perfect! Thanks!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        August 21, 2019 at 9:06 am

        I'm SO happy to hear this -- Thanks!

    20. Yvonne Ballard says

      August 18, 2019 at 2:31 pm

      These were Awesome. You were right about fall off the bone!! Everyone enjoyed, Thanks, definitely a keeper 😊.

      Reply
      • Dee says

        August 18, 2019 at 4:44 pm

        So glad you liked them, Yvonne! Thanks so much!

    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Review Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad
    • Red White and Blue Poke Cake
    • Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage
    • Easy Microwave Baked Potato
    • Red White and Blue Bark
    • Blackstone Griddle Smash Burger Recipe
    • Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
    • Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • All About Dee
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As Seen On

    as seen on buzzfeed delish country living forbes southern living

    Copyright © 2022 Meatloaf and Melodrama