This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure policy here.
Making tender, delicious, fall off the bone ribs was never easier. Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are some of the best ribs you will ever have!
I’ve always heard that good ribs need to be cooked low and slow and I agree that is a great way to cook ribs, but sometimes, you just don’t have that kind of time and that is where the Instant Pot comes in. The high heat and pressure makes tender and delicious ribs in a hurry.
My homemade spice rub gives them a delicious sweet and spicy flavor. Just a little sweet and a little heat is the perfect combination. Then you can enjoy them with your favorite BBQ Sauce.
Ingredients
- Baby Back Ribs
- Apple Juice
- Water
- Liquid Smoke
- BBQ Sauce
- Spice Rub, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Smoky Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Onion Powder and Brown Sugar
How To Make Instant Pot Ribs
- Mix the spice rub ingredients together in a bowl.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if present.
- Pat the ribs dry on both sides with a paper towl and then rub spice mixture over the entire rack of ribs, front and back.
- Place the ribs into the Instant Pot using the metal trivet that comes with it. It is easier to remove the ribs this way. Place the meaty side of the ribs facing out.
- Pour in apple juice and water. Be sure to pour into the middle of the pot so you don’t rinse off the rub.
- Add Liquid Smoke I also love to use some liquid smoky to give the ribs a subtle smoky flavor. You will find Instant Smoke near the BBQ sauces in the grocery store.
- Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 25 minutes. Be sure valve is set to sealing. Do a ten minute natural release and then a quick release. Carefully lift the ribs out of the pot. They are so tender they will easily fall apart. Place on a baking sheet.
- Slather the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce, the more the better!
- Place the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes until the sauce binds to the ribs, bubbles and gets nice and gooey.
- Slice the ribs apart and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other ribs in the Instant Pot?
I like to use baby back ribs in the Instant Pot because they are more tender. You can also use spare ribs, which are meatier and tougher. You will need to add 10 minutes onto your cooking time.
How do I remove the membrane from ribs?
If your ribs still have the white membrane on the back of the ribs (the bony side), it is easy to remove. Place the meaty side facing down, membrane side up. Slide a knife under the membrane to loosen it. Using a paper towel, grab the membrane and pull it off.
Check out more of my favorite Instant Pot Recipes:
Be sure and follow me over on You Tube for weekly cooking demos.
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
- 1-2 cups favorite BBQ sauce
Spice Rub
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
Instructions
- Remove membrane from ribs if needed.
- Mix together rub mixture.
- Pat ribs dry with a paper towel and rub both sides of rib rack with rub mixture.
- Place ribs around the side of the Instant Pot, with the meaty side out. Place them on top of the metal trivet that comes with the pot.
- Pour apple juice, water and liquid smoke into the center of the pot so you don't wash off the rub.
- Put on lid, turn valve to sealing and set to high pressure for 25 minutes. Do a ten minute natural release and then a quick release.
- Carefully remove ribs from pot and place on a baking sheet. Generously brush both sides of ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Place under broiler and allow sauce to seize up, bubble and begin to caramelize.
- Cut ribs apart before serving. Serving with additional sauce for dipping if desired.
Recommended Products
Nutrition Facts:
Natalie says
Really the best ribs recipe I’ve come across. Tender, delicious…and yes, messy!
MitzysMom says
I have made these ribs many times, and they are delicious. One time, I didn’t have apple juice, and tried pineapple instead. We decided we like it even more.
Lori w says
Fantastic
Susan says
Great recipe, I have experimented with different juices. Pineapple, and cran apple work great too We love Trader Joe’s, roasted garlic Sriracha BBQ sauce.
CJ Kerley says
Hi Leanna,
I love your recipes. I do not have an Instant Pot but I have a pressure cooker and a slow cooker. I was thinking I could use your recipe and make these ribs in my pressure cooker. What do you think? Thanks, CJ
Leigh Anne says
An Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker so your pressure cooker will work fine