If you’ve ever craved smoky, tender, fall-apart ribs but didn’t want to wait hours for them to slow-cook — your solution is here. These Instant Pot ribs are juicy, packed with flavor, and done in just over an hour. Thanks to pressure cooking and a quick broil finish, they come out perfectly tender every single time, with a sticky BBQ glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. 🙌🔥
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Faster than Oven or Smoker – From prep to plate in just over an hour
✅ Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender – No knife needed
✅ Deep BBQ Flavor – From dry rub to caramelized finish
✅ Hands-Off Cooking – Let the Instant Pot do the heavy lifting
✅ Customizable Heat & Sauce – Make it spicy, sweet, tangy — your call
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (with Notes)
- 1 rack of pork ribs – Baby back ribs are ideal for tenderness and flavor, but you can also use spare ribs (just adjust the cook time). Remove the membrane for best texture.
- 2 tsp paprika – Adds earthy flavor and rich color. Smoked paprika works well too.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Boosts the savoriness and enhances the BBQ depth.
- 1 tsp onion powder – Provides an aromatic base to the dry rub.
- 1 tsp chili powder – A little heat and smoky complexity. Use chipotle chili powder if you like it spicy. 🌶️
- 1½ tsp kosher salt – For balanced seasoning throughout the meat.
- 1 tsp black pepper – Adds bite and boldness.
- 1 cup water – Essential for pressure cooking. You could also use apple juice or broth for added flavor.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce – Pick your favorite: sweet, smoky, spicy — or homemade! Reserve extra for serving.
👨🍳 How to Make Instant Pot Ribs
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
If there’s a membrane on the back of the ribs, remove it — this allows the seasoning to penetrate and improves texture. Slide a butter knife under the membrane, grip it with a paper towel, and peel it off in one strip.
Step 2: Mix & Apply the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub generously over both sides of the ribs to coat them completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of water into the pot and place the metal trivet inside. Position the ribs upright, curling or halving as needed to fit. Bone side in, meat side out is ideal.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and seal the steam valve.
- Baby back ribs: Pressure cook on High for 25 minutes
- Spare ribs: Pressure cook on High for 35 minutes
Let the Instant Pot come to pressure (about 15 minutes), then the cooking time will begin.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
Allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully vent the remaining pressure manually. For spare ribs, let the pressure release fully on its own.
Step 6: Broil to Finish
Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with BBQ sauce and place under the broiler for 3–6 minutes, until the sauce bubbles, caramelizes, and begins to brown. Watch closely — it can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Slice between the bones and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side. 🍽️
🍽️ Perfect Pairings for Ribs
- 🥔 Creamy mashed potatoes or baked potato wedges
- 🌽 Grilled or Instant Pot corn on the cob
- 🥗 Crunchy coleslaw or tangy vinegar slaw
- 🥖 Cornbread muffins or garlic toast
- 🧉 Sweet tea, lemonade, or a smoky bourbon cocktail
💡 Pro Tips for Rib Success
- Always remove the membrane – It makes a huge difference in texture
- Use a flavorful BBQ sauce – Don’t skimp! The broiling step is all about finishing strong
- Cook to temperature, not just time – Internal temp should hit at least 190°F for ultra-tender ribs
- Broil with care – Caramelized = good, charred = sad
- Try different rubs – Add brown sugar for sweet BBQ, or cumin and smoked paprika for Texas-style ribs
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven, or use the microwave with a splash of water
- Freezer: Ribs freeze well — wrap tightly and reheat with added sauce for moisture
❓ FAQs About Instant Pot Ribs
Q: Can I stack two racks?
A: Yes! Just curl them around each other or slice into thirds. No need to change the cook time.
Q: Can I skip the broiling step?
A: Technically yes, but you’ll miss that sticky, caramelized finish that makes ribs unforgettable.
Q: Can I use a different cooking liquid?
A: Try apple cider, beer, or broth instead of water for extra flavor.
Q: Are spare ribs and baby back ribs interchangeable?
A: Mostly! Spare ribs need more cook time and are meatier, while baby back ribs are leaner and quicker.
❤️ Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling apart a rack of ribs that’s been cooked just right — tender, juicy, full of bold BBQ flavor, and kissed with caramelized edges. And now, thanks to the Instant Pot, that experience doesn’t have to take half your day or fill your kitchen with smoke.
These Instant Pot ribs are a total weeknight (or weekend!) win. They’re easy enough for casual dinners, yet impressive enough to serve at summer cookouts or game day parties. Pressure cooking makes them effortlessly tender, while broiling gives you that signature BBQ finish without the need for a grill.
Want to make it your own? Change up the rub, try different sauces, or add a splash of liquid smoke to the cooking water for backyard smoker vibes — no smoker required. 💨🔥
So if you’ve ever doubted whether fall-off-the-bone ribs could be quick and foolproof, this recipe is your proof. Just rub, cook, broil, and enjoy. You might never make ribs any other way again. 🍖💥
Short version
Instant Pot Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack of pork ribs membrane removed if needed
- 2 teaspoons paprika for color and mild smokiness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder to boost the savory flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder for extra depth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder to add a little heat
- 1½ teaspoons salt to season the ribs thoroughly
- 1 teaspoon black pepper for balance and spice
- 1 cup water for pressure cooking or steaming
- ½ cup BBQ sauce plus extra for brushing or serving on the side
Instructions
- If the ribs have a thin white membrane on the back, remove it by sliding a butter knife underneath to loosen, then grip it with a paper towel and peel it off.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend all over both sides of the ribs.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot insert and place the metal trivet inside.
- Position the ribs upright on the trivet, with the bones vertical. You can lean the ribs against the sides of the pot. If the rack is halved, it’s fine for the pieces to touch. If it’s whole, curve the rack to fit.
- Secure the lid and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 25 minutes for baby back ribs (use 35 minutes for spare ribs).
- Allow the pot about 15 minutes to come to pressure, then the cook time will begin. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the steam release valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. (For spare ribs, let the pressure fully release naturally.)
- Transfer the cooked ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with BBQ sauce and broil in the oven for 3–6 minutes, just until the sauce caramelizes and begins to brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve the ribs warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
