Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

These Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are coated with a homemade dry rub and cooked to perfection. In a fraction of the time, I get ribs that are so juicy and tender, the meat practically melts off the bone.

If you want ribs but can not grill out, try my crock pot boneless country style ribs or country style ribs in oven.

Why this Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe is a Keeper

This great recipe for low and slow ribs is so easy, you won’t want to make ribs any other way. A homemade rub and barbecue sauce give the ribs their delicious flavor, which you can even enhance with a bit of liquid smoke. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe using baby back ribs:

• Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients in these instant pot BBQ ribs can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
• Family Favorite: These instant pot pork ribs make a great family dinner. They give you all the flavor of smoked ribs, with a fraction of the effort.
• Delicious Flavor: This instant pot ribs recipe is coated in spices and glazed with tangy barbecue sauce.

How Do I Select the Best Pork Ribs for this Recipe?

When buying a rack of ribs for this easy recipe, make sure to choose ones with an even cover of meat. Avoid ribs with exposed bones, as the meat may fall off the bone while cooking. Try to avoid “enhanced” ribs, or ones that have added solution to them. The best ribs for this recipe are baby back ribs, but you can also use spare ribs.

Instant Pot Ribs Recipe Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

• Beer: Use your favorite beer to broil the ribs and add flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Caramelize the ribs with a bottle of barbecue sauce.
  • You can also try making your own sauce.
• Pork Ribs: Make this recipe with 6 pounds of pork ribs.
  • If you can find baby back ribs on sale, buy them. However, spare ribs also work when cooking in the instant pot.

Special Equipment Needed for this Instant Pot Pork Ribs Recipe

• 6-Quart Instant Pot: Use an instant pot or pressure cooker to cook the ribs. It’s faster than making them with a grill or slow cooker. Naturally release for 10 minutes after cooking.

How to Make Baby Back Pork Ribs in the Instant Pot

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

1. Make the Spice Rub: Combine brown sugar, salt, raw sugar, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and cumin in a bowl.
2. Season the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Apply rub to both sides of the ribs.
3. Let Sit: Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight.
4. Place the Ribs Inside the Pot: Remove the ribs from the refrigerator. Cut ribs into sections with 3 ribs per section. Place the ribs into the instant pot.
5. Cook on High: Once it’s time to cook, pour in beer and cook ribs for a cook time of 25 minutes on high pressure in the insta pot. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
6. Broil Ribs: Preheat the oven broiler, then transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and brush with BBQ sauce. Cook your ribs until sauce is caramelized, for about 5 minutes. When the ribs are done, they should be fall off the bone tender. Slice and serve the ribs.

Instant Pot Recipe Prep Ahead Suggestions

• Dry Rub: Combine all your dry rub ingredients and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This can be done days or even weeks in advance.
• Membrane removal: You can remove the membrane from the ribs a day or two before cooking and store them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator.
• Rub application: Apply the dry rub to the ribs up to 24 hours before cooking. Carefully remove the ribs, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the meat to become more flavorful.

Common Questions About This Easy Instant Pot Ribs Recipe