These Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs are sticky, saucy, savory, sweet, and sooo tender. Fall-off-the-bone tender. They’re done in 30 minutes, with only 6 simple ingredients. The recipe includes a how-to video and lots of tips.
Easy Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs Recipe
Baby back ribs have been my favorite comfort food for years, so I started making them at home. But to be honest, sometimes outdoor grilling isn’t an option, so I decided to try to make them in the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs turned out finger-lickin’ good!
The best part is that they are steamed to perfection in minutes, not hours!!
At first, I was a bit worried that they wouldn’t get nice, crunchy, and brown, but the magic happens after a few minutes under the broiler. They turn into these gorgeous looking, tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection!!
Sooo good; there are not enough words to describe it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
You’ll need only 6 ingredients:
- Baby back ribs
- Barbecue meat rub (homemade or store-bought)
- Vegetable broth
- Apple juice
- Liquid smoke (optional but recommended)
- Barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
My Favorite Homemade Barbecue Meat Rub
Mix together:
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Best Type Of Ribs To Make Barbecue Ribs
I prefer baby back ribs because they are smaller and more tender. However, you can also use spare ribs if you prefer them to be bigger and meatier.
Process Overview: How To Make Ribs in The Instant Pot Step-by-Step
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
The beauty of this recipe is that these ribs are done in the Instant Pot. The result is a delicious, succulent, fall-off-the-bone rib meal.
- Remove The Membrane From The Back Of The Ribs
Insert a table knife under the silverskin anywhere along the rack. Lift and loosen it with the knife until you can grab it with a paper towel. Pull it off the ribs; it should peel away in one large piece, but if it breaks, repeat step one.
- Season The Ribs
Rub the ribs with the meat rub. Be generous!
- Pressure Cook
Place the ribs into the Instant Pot. Add vegetable broth, apple juice, and liquid smoke (if using). Close the lid and set it to cook on “manual” mode for 20 minutes. When the time is over, turn it off and let the pressure release on its own, this will take about 8-10 minutes. Carefully turn the vent to “Venting,” to release any extra pressure that might still be in there. Then remove the lid.
- Crisp On
Preheat oven to broil. Transfer cooked ribs to a large baking sheet. Brush barbecue sauce all over the ribs on all sides, including the bones. Broil for 5 – 8 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes.
How To Remove Membrane From The Back Of Ribs
- Insert a table knife under the silverskin anywhere along the rack. Lift and loosen it with the knife until you can grab it with a paper towel.
- Pull it off the ribs; it should peel away in one large piece, but if it breaks, repeat step one.
Can I Make Two Racks Of Ribs In The Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make two racks. To do so, double the meat rub and barbecue sauce quantity, but keep the same amount of liquid (broth, apple juice, and liquid smoke) underneath. Increase the cooking time to 30 minutes.
Pressure Cooking Times for Ribs
It will depend on how you like your ribs! Adjust the Instant Pot cooking time according to your preference:
- 15 minutes for tender with a bit of chew,
- 20 minutes for tender but not falling off the bone,
- 25 minutes to fall off the bone ribs.
Broil For Crisp & Caramelized Ribs
After the ribs are finished cooking in the Instant Pot, you only need to smother the ribs with plenty of BBQ sauce and throw ’em on the broil to get that beautiful char and smoky flavor.
Don’t skip this step! So brush them with BBQ sauce and place them under the broiler for 5 – 8 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes.
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Recipe Card 📖
Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs (about 2.5 – 3 lb | 1.1 – 1.5 kg)
- 4 – 6 tablespoons barbecue meat rub (store-bought or homemade) (see notes below for homemade)
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) liquid smoke (optional but recommended) (see notes)
- 1 ½ cup (360 ml) barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. To do so, insert a table knife under the silverskin anywhere along the rack. Lift and loosen it with the knife until you can grab it with a paper towel. Pull it off the ribs; it should peel away in one large piece, but if it breaks, lift it up again and remove the rest.
- Rub the ribs with the meat rub on all sides. Be generous!
- Place the ribs rack into the Instant Pot. Add vegetable broth, apple juice, and liquid smoke (if using). Close the lid and set it to cook on “manual” mode for 20 minutes. When the time is over, let the pressure release on its own, this will take about 8-10 minutes. Carefully turn the vent to “Venting,” just to release any extra pressure that might still be in there. Then remove the lid.
- Preheat oven to broil.
- Transfer the cooked ribs to a large baking sheet. Brush barbecue sauce all over the ribs, including the bones. Broil for 5 – 8 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes. Serve and enjoy!
Video
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 15 minutes for tender with a bit of chew,
- 20 for tender but not falling off the bone,
- 25 minutes to fall off the bone ribs.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in June 2017. The recipe remains the same, but more notes, tips, photos, and information were added to the post in March 2023 to make it as helpful as possible!
Dianna says
We love this recipe. Delicious every time. Simple and helpful instructions and tips. Thank you VERY much Oriana!
Oriana Romero says
Hello Dianna! I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that you love the recipe and that it turns out delicious every single time! 🌟 It’s wonderful to know that the instructions and tips have been helpful for you. Your kind words truly mean a lot—thank you so much for your appreciation! 😊 It’s my pleasure to share recipes that bring joy to your kitchen. If you ever need more recipes or tips, feel free to reach out.
Michelle says
My son says these are the best ribs he has ever had! I am whole food plant based so I didn’t try them. Sent the recipe to my neice.
Oriana Romero says
Hello Michelle! I am so glad you son love it. Thanks a lot for the review and good feedback.
Wanda says
We loved the ribs! Best ever. Will definitely cook again!! Thank you!!
Oriana Romero says
Hi Wanda! We LOVE this recipe too and make it pretty regularly. Great to hear that it was a hit! Thanks a lot for the review and good feedback.
Dianne Taylor says
This recipe was my second time using the Instant Pot. I was doubtful they would turn out very good, but I was very surprised! The ribs were so good and very tender. My husband was so pleased – he said they were super and told me I should cook more tomorrow night 🙂 Thanks for a wonderful recipe.
Oriana Romero says
Hello Dianne! It sounds like you nailed it! Thanks so much for trying my recipe and taking the time to come back and let me know.
Denise says
Really a good easy recpie.
Oriana Romero says
Hello Denise! I’m glad you found it easy to make =)
Monidipa says
I love barbecue ribs but have never tried them at home. Now that you have provideda recipe. I am saving it and will make it after lockdown is over.
Oriana Romero says
Hello Monidipa! These are soooo easy to make and sooo delish. Hope you give it a try soon. Thanks for your interest in my recipe. Please come back and let me know how you like it =)
C Daniel says
Third time making these ribs! Awesome and easy!
Oriana Romero says
Hello Daniel! Wow, what a compliment =) I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know!
Teree says
These were fabulous. No standing over a hot grill for hours. Here in Arizona, it’s HOT in the summer, and the instant pot is a great way to get delicious meals without heating up the kitchen. I loved these. Will definitely
make them again.
Oriana Romero says
Hello Teree!! Sounds like you nailed it. We love the ribs and make this recipe often. I’m SO GLAD you loved it too. Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know! =)
Denise says
Easy and delicious
Oriana Romero says
Hello Denise! Thanks so much for your feedback and for trying my recipe.
El says
How would you adjust the cooking time for this recipe for frozen ribs?
Oriana Romero says
Hello El! The cooking time remains the same, it just will take more time for the pot to build up the pressure. Thanks for your interest in my recipe. Please come back and let me know how you like it. ?
Susan says
These ribs were fabulous! Have fixed them 3 times and they have been perfect each time! Easy and fast! Thank you for sharing! I must try some of your other recipes!
Oriana says
Hello Susan! I’m SO GLAD you liked this recipe. What I love most about this cooking method is that you can have BBQ ribs all year long, not just in Summer. Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know!?
Justin says
I love this recipie. I was a little iffy because of how short of a time it took to cook but it turned out great. They were close to fall off the bone at 20 minutes but still a little chewy. I will probably try 30 minutes next time as they weren’t as tender as I prefer but definitely still delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipie!
Oriana says
Hello Justin! I’m SO GLAD you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know!?
Chris Garrison says
When cooking two racks, will the 30 minute cooking time come out more “tender with a bit of chew” or ” fall off the bone”?
Oriana says
Hello Chris! Thanks for your interest in this recipe. 30 minutes will make fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Stacey C says
With Instant Pot directions, I automatically assume that the time given is after the pot comes to full pressure. It’s impossible for the writer to post the full amount of time given the different size and brands of pots , area you live, the temp of the liquids, meat, etc.
Can’t wait to try this. My husband will be making these and it will be his first time using the Instant Pot. Thanks!
Oriana says
Hello Stacey! I hope you and your family love this recipe. It’s one of our faves. Thanks for your comment ?.
Jamin P Gray says
This recipe is fantastic and so incredibly easy. I’m kind of blown away that you can make fall-off-the-bone tender ribs in like 40 minutes start to finish that taste like they’ve been in a smoker for hours. Thanks for this!
Oriana says
Hello Jamin! Yes, these are awesome. I’m SO GLAD you enjoyed the recipe. Thank YOU for taking the time to come back and let me know!?
Scott says
Made this recipe tonight and it was SOOOOOOOOOOO darn good. I wouldn’t compare it to a cook on a ceramic grill/smoker because I think the flavors would be a bit different. But this was AMAZING. Thank you for posting.
Hollie says
This was our very first recipe with our new instant pot! It was super easy and turned out super tender and delicious! The bones fell out while we were putting the ribs on our plate 🙂 we couldn’t fit the second rack of ribs in the cooking pot, so it had me thinking… if we wanted to cook the second rack after the first one is finished, could I leave the liquid in the pot and just put them in to cook and repeat with the same settings and cook time?
Oriana says
Hello Hollie! I’m glad you found it easy to make. Yes, you can cook the second rack in the same liquid. Thanks so much for trying my recipe. ?
Darcie says
Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Oriana says
Thanks so much, Darcie! I am glad you liked it. ?
Krystal says
Broil on high or low?
Oriana says
Hello Krystal! Whatever is closer to 500º F. Thanks for your interest in my recipe.
Deborah Collins says
I cooked these tonight, my husband doesn’t like dry rub so I did them with just the veggie broth and apple juice. They were absolutely delicious!! Thanks for the recipe! I’m loving my instapot. This is my second attempt at using my new pot. Cooked dry black eyed peas last night!! Lord I’m gonna gain 100 lbs!
Oriana says
Hi Deborah!! I am so glad you like this recipe. I love my Instant Pot! Make sure to check my other IP recipes. Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know!
Christopher says
Cooked exactly as instructed. 23 minutes in and 10 minutes in oven on broil. Not good. Tuff and tasted boiled. I will stick to grill.
Oriana says
Hello Christopher! I am sorry this recipe didn’t work for you. Thanks for trying my recipe though.
J.Floriano says
I scored 2 racks of Baby Backs for 3.99 a pound. I cooked for 30 minutes as per the two rack instruction. These ribs were so tender they were falling off the bone and were difficult to remove from the pot. next time I’ll cook them for 23 minutes instead of 30. thanks for the recipe my whole family loved them and we will be making these many more times.
Oriana says
Hello Jason!! WOW…2 racks for $3.99? Awesome!! After testing different cooking times, I found that 20 minutes is what for best for me. I am so glad you like my recipe. Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know!
AllyBeth Hannah says
Absolutely divine baby backs??❤️ The flavor and texture were incredibly delicious! Will be making these over and over. I will tell you this is the second recipe I’ve tried for my new instant pot and THIS right here convinced me to keep it and keep exploring recipes. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Oriana says
Hello Ally! Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!! Make sure to check out my other Instant Pot recipes. https://mommyshomecooking.com/category/recipes/instant-pot/
Jenny says
I was very nervous to try my instant pot. I picked your rib recipe to try. OMG it was so good! Thanks
Oriana says
Hello Jenny! I’m so glad you love this recipe too. Thank you so much for letting me know ? Make sure you check out my other Instant Pot recipes. https://mommyshomecooking.com/category/recipes/instant-pot/
jessica says
I have the DUO Plus 60 pot and I don’t see a “manual” mode. Can you tell me which option to use with this model?
Oriana says
Hello Jessica! Use “pressure cook” mode and adjust the time accordingly. Thanks for Trying my recipe ?
Erica says
Wonderful recipe, my only issue is kind of small, bjt this drives me crazy witj all sorts of recipe posts: “Ready in just 30 minutes” is a bit off. Prep is abiut 5-10 minutes depending on ribs, come to pressure time can be about 10 minutes, 20 minutes cooking time, 10 minutes pressure relief, plus 10 to broil and 5 to rest. I get 50-55 minutes to be ready. I dont mind the extra time, just wish recipe posters would consider that when posting so ppl using recipe allot enough time.
Erica says
So much for spell check! 😉
Oriana says
I am glad you like the recipe, Erica!! Thanks for your feedback ????
Jamie says
I agree with Erika. You’re cook time it way off. Takes an hour to cook alone not 20 minutes. Should update that.
Oriana says
Hello Jamie! Thanks so much for your feedback. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. ?
Jon says
This recipe looks great! I was wondering if making 2 racks in the instant pot…should the recipe be doubled?
Oriana says
Hello Jon! Yes, you can double the recipe just make sure that the 2 racks are not too big to fit into the Instant Pot. Thanks for leaving your feedback.
Alex says
I was wondering the same about cooking two racks.
Does the time need to be adjusted?
Oriana says
Hello Alex! You can make two racks, just double the meat rub and barbecue sauce quantity, but keep the same amount of liquid (broth, apple juice, and liquid smoke) underneath. Increase the cooking time to 30 minutes. Thanks for your interest in my recipe.
Travis says
What level of pressure do you set the instant pot to?
Oriana says
Hello Travis! My Instant pot does not have the option to adjust the pressure levels so I use the pre-sets. I believe that it uses the max. high pressure for all the functions except the rice function, which uses low pressure. I hope this helps.
Stephanie Raffaele says
Awesome recipe! My family loves it, I have made it 3 times within a matter of weeks. Now, It has become a go-to recipe in our house!
Oriana says
Thank you so much for trying my recipe, Stephanie!! I’m SO GLAD you and your family enjoyed it!!
Patrick says
First time cooking ribs in the Instant Pot and they were so good I forgot to put the Bar-B-Que sauce on. I used Spare Ribs instead of Baby Backs. I have had problems getting Spare Ribs to come out right but these were bang on and as tender as Baby Backs. I didn’t have any liquid smoke so I used Worcestershire and Browning sauce and Chicken Stock instead of Vegetable broth. I think the veggie broth would have given more flavor, but the chicken stock worked fine. The time was perfect at 20 minutes, a little chew but still falling off the bone tender without just disintegrating. I have been getting accolades from my family for my slow cooker ribs (about 10 – 12 hours). I think they are going to love these even more at only 2 hours from thaw to finish baking with BBQ sauce. I’m looking forward to trying some of your other recipes, especially the Mojo Chicken Tacos. Thanks.
Oriana says
Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know, Patrick! I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed it so much.