Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs: Tender, Juicy, and Full of Flavor
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are the easiest way to get tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs fast. With minimal effort, you’ll have juicy, flavorful ribs in no time!
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Our Instant Pot baby back ribs are all about flavor and convenience. These ribs are seasoned with a smoky, spicy dry rub, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, and finished with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze. The best part? They’re ready in under an hour — no grill required!
It’s a no-fuss way to make restaurant-quality ribs that’ll wow your family and friends, all without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for more easy Instant Pot Recipes, don’t miss my Gluten-Free Instant Pot Beef Stew, Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup, Instant Pot Chicken Thighs, and Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken and Rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: The Instant Pot does all the work, giving you fall-off-the-bone ribs in way less time than traditional methods.
- Packed with flavor: A tasty dry rub, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke make these ribs incredibly rich and delicious.
- No grill needed: You get that deep, smoky taste without firing up an outdoor grill.
How To Make Perfect Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Mix the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine cayenne, paprika, smoked paprika, brown sugar, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This blend gives the ribs a bold, smoky-sweet flavor.
Prep the Ribs: Remove the thin silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the seasoning soak in and makes the meat extra tender.
Season Generously: Coat the ribs all over with the dry rub, massaging it in for even coverage. Want a sweeter taste? Add a little extra brown sugar.
Set Up the Instant Pot: Pour water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside to keep the ribs elevated and prevent them from getting soggy.
Cook the Ribs: Cook on high pressure for 23 minutes, then do a gentle quick release. This method makes the ribs juicy, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Broil: Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet, brush them with BBQ sauce, and broil for 2-3 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce and gives them a mouthwatering golden crust.
Serve: Enjoy with extra BBQ sauce for dipping! Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days — just reheat under foil to keep them juicy.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Spice to Taste: Add more cayenne for extra heat or increase the brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
- Let the Rub Work Its Magic: Massage the seasoning into the ribs and let them sit for 15–30 minutes before cooking for even better flavor.
- Use a Trivet: Keeping the ribs elevated helps them cook evenly and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Cooking Times: Thicker ribs may need 2–3 extra minutes, while thinner ribs might cook faster — adjust as needed.
- Watch While Broiling: The BBQ sauce caramelizes quickly, so keep an eye on the ribs to avoid burning. Two to three minutes is all it takes!
Key Ingredients And Substitutions
Baby Back Ribs: Tender and flavorful, these ribs cook perfectly in the Instant Pot. Spare ribs can also be used — just add a few extra minutes of cooking time since they’re larger.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a slight tang and helps tenderize the meat. White vinegar or lemon juice also work, but apple cider vinegar offers the best balance of tang and sweetness.
Liquid Smoke: Gives the ribs a deep, smoky taste without needing a grill.
Spice Rub: A mix of cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, and spices creates a bold, savory-sweet flavor. If you’re short on time, your favorite store-bought rub works too.
BBQ Sauce: Brushed on before broiling, it caramelizes beautifully for a sticky, flavorful finish. You can also mix ketchup with brown sugar and spices for a quick homemade version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sure my baby back ribs turn out tender in the Instant Pot?
For the most tender ribs, start by removing the thin silver membrane from the back — this helps the seasoning soak in better. Letting the dry rub sit for 15–30 minutes before cooking also enhances flavor and tenderness. Cooking with liquid (like water and apple cider vinegar) and using a trivet to elevate the ribs ensures even cooking without making them soggy.
Can I cook frozen baby back ribs?
Yes! You can cook frozen baby back ribs, but you’ll need to increase the pressure cooking time by about 5–7 minutes.
What if I don’t have a trivet for my Instant Pot?
If you don’t have a trivet, you can roll up a few balls of aluminum foil to elevate the ribs slightly above the liquid. Another option is using a steamer basket if it fits in your Instant Pot.
Do I need to broil the ribs after pressure cooking?
Broiling isn’t required, but it’s highly recommended! It creates a caramelized, sticky crust that takes the ribs to the next level.
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are the easiest way to get tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs fast. With minimal effort, you’ll have juicy, flavorful ribs in no time!
Servings 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 2.5-3 lb Baby Back Ribs
- 1 cup Water
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Liquid Smoke
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce for broiling
Dry Rub
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Dry Thyme
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dry rub by mixing all the spices in a small bowl.
- Before applying the dry rub, remove the thin silver membrane from the back of the ribs. This allows the seasoning to penetrate better and ensures tender ribs.
- Rub the ribs with the spice mixture. Make sure to coat it well, and if needed, make extra rub to complete the job.
- Add a cup of water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke to the Instant Pot. Arrange the trivet inside the pot and the pork ribs over it.Â
- Seal the pot and cook with high pressure for 23 minutes. Gently release pressure.
- Finally, place the cooked ribs over a baking sheet and brush them with ½ cup of BBQ sauce. Broil them for 2-3 minutes for a nicely golden crust.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, especially for those who love saucier ribs.
Notes
Tips
- Adjust the spice level to your liking by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper. For a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar.
- Massage the dry rub into the ribs to ensure even seasoning. Letting the ribs sit with the rub for 15–30 minutes before cooking enhances flavor.
- Always use a trivet to keep the ribs elevated above the liquid, ensuring even cooking and preventing them from becoming soggy.
- If your ribs are thicker, you may need to add 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time. For thinner ribs, reduce the time slightly to avoid overcooking.
- Keep an eye on the ribs while broiling to prevent burning. It only takes 2–3 minutes to achieve the desired golden crust.
- Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, covered with foil, to maintain their tenderness.
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