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Home » Course » Dinner » Easy Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

Published: Jan 23, 2021 · Modified: Jan 18, 2022 by Veronika's Kitchen * This post may contain affiliate links

Easy Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

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These are the best fall off the bone tender baby back ribs! Made with delicious dry rub seasoning, they are cooked in an Instant Pot, then finished with caramelized BBQ sauce in the broiler. Such an easy recipe to please the crowd!

Precut BBQ Ribs on a white plate.

One of my favorite ways to cook meat is in an Instant Pot. It takes a fraction of time to prep the whole meal than if you would cook it on the stove or in the oven, like Instant Pot Pot Roast, Instant Pot Lamb Shanks, and Instant Pot Boneless Short Ribs. And if you want more recipes made in a pressure cooker, check out my post for Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners.

I just made these delicious Baby Back Ribs in my pressure cooker which turned out so juicy and tender, the meat falls off the bones! And it took me less than an hour from start to finish!

So, next time, when you have a crowd over for a Super Bowl game or BBQ cookout, surprise them with these delicious ribs!

They are generously seasoned with aromatic dry rub, cooked in a pressure cooker until tender, then brushed with your favorite BBQ Sauce and finished off under the broiler. I bet it will become your new favorite recipe to make over the weekends!

Ingredients for BBQ baby back ribs.

How to make it

In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for dry rub (1 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, ½ cayenne, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp dried oregano). Set aside.

process photos of making dry rub.

Rinse and pat dry the racks of meet, then remove the membrane.

NOTE: Some stores remove the membrane ahead of time. If yours is not removed, just slide a butter knife in between of the membrane and the bones, then pull the membrane off.

Process photos of removing membrane from the back to the ribs.

Season the meet with dry rub from both sides and rub it in.

Porcess photos of seasoning the ribs with dry rub.

Add 1 cup water and ½ cup apple cider vinegar to the pot and place the trivet in. Place the racks on the trivet, wrapping in a circle.

Process photos of how to cook back ribs in Instant Pot.

Close the lid and cook on manual high pressure for 23 minutes (make sure that the venting knob is sealed). When done, do natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to broil.

Place the ribs, meat side up, on a baking sheet, lined with aluminum foil. Brush with your favorite BBQ Sauce. Broil for about 5 minutes or until the barbecue sauce is caramelized.

Process photos of two cooked baby back ribs, with and without BBQ sauce.

Tips for best results

  • When buying the ribs, try to choose the same size for even cooking. I prefer to use 1 ½ pound Baby Back Ribs.
  • Don’t forget to remove the membrane before cooking the meat.
  • I always like to broil the ribs after cooking in a pressure cooker. This finishing step helps to crisp up the top and caramelize the BBQ sauce.
  • To bring this meal to a whole new level, you can add a teaspoon of liquid smoke. Just add it together with water and apple cider vinegar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ribs shall I use?

In this recipe, I prefer to use Baby Back Ribs. They are small and the most tender. If you can’t find them in the store, you can also use Spare Ribs. They are a bit larger in size, and have more meat and fat.

How long to cook different types of ribs?

Because these two types of ribs are different in size, thickness, and the amount of meat they have, the cooking time will be different.
Baby Back Ribs. Cook for 23 minutes on manual high pressure + 10 minutes natural release.
Spare Ribs. Cook for 35 minutes on manual high pressure + complete natural release.

What Shall I serve it with?

There are so many side dished you can serve it with! Here are a few ideas:
Potatoes (Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Oven Baked Fries, or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes)
Greens (Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan, Green Beans Amandine)
Salads (Olivie, Farro Salad Recipe, Potato Salad with Bacon and Egg, or BLT Pasta Salad)

Precut BBQ Ribs on a white plate.

Hungry for more Party Meals?

  • Instant Pot Chicken Wings
  • Chicken Wings with Dry Rub
  • Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
  • Easy Guacamole Recipe
  • Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Precut BBQ Ribs on a white plate.
Print Recipe
5 from 19 votes

Easy Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

These are the best fall off the bone tender baby back ribs! Made with delicious dry rub seasoning, they are cooked in an Instant Pot, then finished with caramelized BBQ sauce in the broiler. Such an easy recipe to please the crowd!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time23 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 478kcal
Author: Veronika’s Kitchen

Ingredients

Ingredients for Dry Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Ingredients for BBQ Ribs:

  • 2 baby back pork ribs about 1 ½ pounds each
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for dry rub (1 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, ½ cayenne, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp dried oregano). Set aside.
  • Rinse and pat dry the ribs, then remove the membrane.
  • NOTE: Some stores remove the membrane ahead of time. If yours is not removed, just slide a butter knife in between of the membrane and the bones, then pull the membrane off.
  • Season the ribs with dry rub from both sides and rub it in.
  • Add 1 cup water and ½ cup apple cider vinegar to the pot and place the trivet in. Place the ribs on the trivet, wrapping in a circle.
  • Close the lid and cook the ribs on manual high pressure for 23 minutes (make sure that the venting knob is sealed). When done, do natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to broil.
  • Place the ribs, meat side up, on a baking sheet, lined with aluminum foil. Brush with your favorite BBQ Sauce. Broil for about 5 minutes or until the barbecue sauce is caramelized.

Video

Notes

  • When buying the ribs, try to choose the same size for even cooking. I prefer to use 1 ½ pound Baby Back Ribs.
  • Don’t forget to remove the membrane before cooking the meat.
  • I always like to broil the ribs after cooking in a pressure cooker. This finishing step helps to crisp up the top and caramelize the BBQ sauce.
  • To bring these ribs to a whole new level, you can add a teaspoon of liquid smoke. Just add it together with water and apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 2045mg | Potassium: 625mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 1454IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a photo and share it on Instagram; be sure to tag me @veronikaskitchen.

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jess Moody says

    October 14, 2024 at 10:17 pm

    5 stars
    For anybody that’s not familiar with how to get juicy fall apart ribs….. this is your recipe! I had never cooked ribs in my life and now this is in our monthly rotation. My whole family loves them and they turn out consistently every time!

    I usually don’t write reviews, but this recipe is just that awesome! I’ve made 10 times and counting!

    Reply
  2. Michele Tanis says

    December 21, 2023 at 7:58 pm

    5 stars
    I used apple juice instead of water and apple cider vinegar. And did a natural release. So tender. Love them. Thank you

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      December 21, 2023 at 10:44 pm

      Thank you so much, Michele! So happy you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply
  3. Shaq B says

    July 17, 2022 at 3:39 pm

    5 stars
    I never leave comments however Veronika I followed your recipe completely and the final results are absolutely delicious. This was my first time using a pressure cooker for ribs but I can guarantee it will not be my last. Thank you so much this was a great recipe thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      July 20, 2022 at 8:59 am

      Thank you so much, Shaq! I’m so happy you loved the recipe!

      Reply
  4. Hayden Susko says

    July 12, 2022 at 11:10 pm

    Thanks for sharing this! I’ve been grilling all year and looking forward to it again this weekend! Excited to try burgers for my next bbq.

    Reply
  5. Tham says

    May 30, 2022 at 9:00 am

    Hi! I followed your recipe and not sure why my pot says burnt. There no liquid left. I did 23 minutes on high pressure. Did I do something wrong?

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      June 07, 2022 at 4:59 pm

      Hi Tham! 1 cup water and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar is more than enough liquid to cook in Instant Pot. This is really a puzzle to me how you ended up with no liquid at all……

      Reply
      • Wayne says

        May 07, 2023 at 9:52 am

        5 stars
        Your lid didn’t seal most likely.

        Reply
  6. Doris says

    March 17, 2022 at 3:50 pm

    Hi! I’m making this tonight and I just realized I brought regular ribs instead of babyback ribs. For a rack and a half would it be the cook same time in the IP?

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      March 22, 2022 at 10:10 am

      Hi Doris, I have this info above in the recipe.
      Baby Back Ribs. Cook for 23 minutes on manual high pressure + 10 minutes natural release.
      Spare Ribs. Cook for 35 minutes on manual high pressure + complete natural release.
      Hope that helps 😉

      Reply
  7. Barrie says

    December 23, 2021 at 7:17 pm

    5 stars
    I got 2 racks of ribs for 50% off at Aldi the other day. I decided on this recipe and they came out PERFECT! I had a dry rub I made a while ago (probably a very similar recipe, but I can’t remember now) and so I used that. I also got a locally made Maple BBQ sauce today in a weekly farm basket so that was perfect. The meat was falling off the bone, so tender! I can’t stop eating them. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      December 28, 2021 at 10:14 am

      Thank you, Barrie! I’m so happy you liked the recipe! I’m sure fresh Maple BBQ sauce was a perfect touch 😉

      Reply
  8. Nancy says

    October 23, 2021 at 6:56 pm

    I don’t have apple cider vinegar / will white vinegar work?

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      November 05, 2021 at 5:58 pm

      Hi Nancy! I wouldn’t use white vinegar in this recipe. Apple cider vinegar really brings up all the flavor and aroma and it’s hard to substitute it with anything else.

      Reply
  9. Marie Guy says

    August 12, 2021 at 8:35 pm

    Hi, if you double the ribs like five to six pounds do you double the liquid?
    Love these ribs made them several times. Family loves them also. Great recipe.

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      September 03, 2021 at 2:34 pm

      Thank you so much, Marie! If you double the recipe, you can use 1 1/2 cups water and 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar.

      Reply
  10. Karen says

    August 07, 2021 at 2:51 pm

    If just half the amount ribs… how much time in IP?

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      September 03, 2021 at 2:32 pm

      Hi Karen! The cooking time will stay the same.

      Reply
  11. Trudy Bognar says

    June 15, 2021 at 7:17 pm

    5 stars
    Just made this tonight… delicious . I didn’t add cayanne not a fan on spicy foods..but it was very good. Hubby loved it!! I had a little trouble with my instant pot as I’m still learning how to use the darn thing but I know what to do AND NOT to do next time LOL

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      July 13, 2021 at 10:07 am

      Yaay! Thank you, Trudy! I’m so happy you and your hubby loved these ribs!

      Reply
  12. Sue says

    February 15, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    I made this tonight for my family if 4. We made 2 racks of ribs. They were delicious! We added the tsp of liquid smoke. Not a rib was left. We will be making this again!

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      February 16, 2021 at 10:16 am

      Thank you so much, Sue! I’m so happy you and your family liked them!

      Reply
  13. Heidi says

    February 12, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    5 stars
    Made these yesterday. Very tender and tasty!

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      February 13, 2021 at 10:08 am

      Yaay! Thank you, Heidi! So happy you liked them!

      Reply
      • Beau says

        March 08, 2022 at 8:06 pm

        5 stars
        I tried these first for the Super Bowl and was very happy. Today, due to some nice weather,I tweaked this method slightly. I did two hours on the smoker, and then finished in the instant pot. I just cut the time down to 15 minutes. Amazing. Best of both worlds.

        Reply
        • Veronika's Kitchen says

          March 09, 2022 at 9:18 am

          This is a great idea to use a smoker for this recipe! Thanks you for letting me know 😉

          Reply
  14. Moop Brown says

    February 01, 2021 at 1:11 am

    5 stars
    These ribs look delicious and are making my mouth water!! I love the way the instant pot was used for this recipe also.

    Reply
  15. Jo says

    January 31, 2021 at 11:47 pm

    5 stars
    Those ribs looks absolutely tempting! I love the seasoning on the ribs. Instant pot makes cooking so much convinient! These ribs are just perfect!

    Reply
  16. Addison says

    January 31, 2021 at 9:17 pm

    5 stars
    I love that these ribs are made in an Instant Pot! They are incredibly tender and flavorful!

    Reply
  17. Tammy says

    January 31, 2021 at 2:55 pm

    5 stars
    Ahh this sounds delicious! What a wonderful meal for the instant pot. It’s been too long since I’ve had ribs! Def need to try this.

    Reply
  18. Beth says

    January 31, 2021 at 10:32 am

    5 stars
    Any recipe I can make in my Instant Pot gets right to the top of my list. I appreciate the details about removing the membranes and other details like the broiling at the end – I feel confident that my ribs will turn out this good.

    Reply
  19. Loreto Nardelli says

    January 30, 2021 at 9:58 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, I am so craving some of these ribs. I can only imagine how tender the ribs are coming out of the instapot. Then you glaze and broil. Yum yummy! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  20. Kathryn Donangelo says

    January 29, 2021 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    I am so excited to try these ribs! They look even better than ribs make from a BBQ. My husband is going to love this!

    Reply
  21. Aleta says

    January 27, 2021 at 4:42 pm

    5 stars
    I pretty much get excited about anything that I can throw in my instant pot, and ribs are at the top of the list. That rub you’v got goin’ on is just perfect. SO tasty!

    Reply
  22. Bernice Hill says

    January 26, 2021 at 10:11 pm

    5 stars
    My sister introduced me to Instant Pot ribs and I was very skeptical. However, I was pleasantly surprised. They really become so tender and moist. I don’t have a favourite recipe yet, so I’ll have to give yours a try.

    Reply
  23. Elaine says

    January 25, 2021 at 4:56 pm

    5 stars
    My mouth waters just from looking at these ribs. You don’t need a game week to make a big batch of these – so good!

    Reply
  24. Donna says

    January 23, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    5 stars
    I have made this recipe for my friends and it got raving reviews

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      February 03, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Yaay! Thank you, Donna! I’m so happy to hear that!

      Reply

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