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Home / Latest Posts / Recipes / Cooking Method / Instant Pot / Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

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By: Leigh Anne WilkesPosted: 11/11/19Updated: 1/25/22

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!

Some of my other favorite Instant Pot Recipes Instant Pot Pulled Pork . Quick Instant Pot Brown Riceand Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

sliced instant pot ribs

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.  You need high and fast!  I have a few other ways to cook delicious ribs too, try slow cooker ribs or this easy version on the grill.

What Kind of Ribs to Use for Instant Pot BBQ Ribs?

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 if you use spareribs.

pile of baby back ribs

How to Remove the Membrane from the Ribs

Depending on where you purchase your ribs, they may have a white membrane or skin on the back of the ribs (the bony side).  Mine came with the membrane removed.  If it hasn’t been removed follow these steps to remove it:

  • 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.  The paper towel gives you some traction.

How to Make Instant Pot Ribsspice rub ingredients

Spice Rub Ingredients

I think a good rub is a combination of sweet and heat.

  • Garlic Powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Smoky Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chili Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Brown Sugar

Mix the ingredients together.

spice rub ingredients
  • Pat Dry. With a paper towel, pat the ribs dry on both sides 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.
pouring apple juice into the instant pot
  • 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.
brushing BBQ sauce on ribs
  • 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!
Instant Pot baby back ribs on the counter

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Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

4.77 from 13 votes

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Recipe From: Leigh Anne Wilkes
Making tender, delicious, fall off the bone ribs was never easier.  Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are some of the best ribs you will ever have!
serves: 4 people
Prep:10 minutes
Cook:35 minutes
Total:45 minutes
Rate Recipe

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

Instant Pot (6qt)

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 440kcal (22%) Carbohydrates: 29g (10%) Protein: 29g (58%) Fat: 24g (37%) Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) Cholesterol: 98mg (33%) Sodium: 1903mg (83%) Potassium: 645mg (18%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 22g (24%) Vitamin A: 3775IU (76%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 93mg (9%) Iron: 3mg (17%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Course:Main Dish
Cuisine:American
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  1. Susan says

    Posted on 12/26 at 8:17 am

    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.

    Reply
  2. CJ Kerley says

    Posted on 9/18 at 4:16 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Leigh Anne says

      Posted on 9/18 at 7:42 pm

      An Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker so your pressure cooker will work fine

      Reply

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