Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

Make tender and juicy Instant Pot ribs in just 30 minutes with a smoky seasoning rub and barbecue glaze. This easy pressure cooker recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or game day meals.

Ingredients

• 1–2 racks pork ribs (*see note)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup apple juice, or ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, but recommended)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce, homemade or store-bought (*see note)

Instructions

1. If needed, remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs.
2. Mix the seasonings and rub generously over both sides of the ribs.
3. Place the metal trivet inside the Instant Pot. Add the water, apple juice (or apple cider vinegar), and liquid smoke.
4. Arrange the ribs upright, with the meaty side facing out. If using one large rack, curl it around the inside of the pot.
5. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook and cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes.
6. When cooking is done, allow a 15-minute natural release, then carefully turn the valve for a quick release.
7. Transfer the ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with barbecue sauce.
8. (Optional) Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the sauce before serving.

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Tips

• For extra flavor, let the seasoned ribs sit for 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) before cooking.
• Use tongs to carefully remove the ribs—they will be very tender and may fall apart easily.
• Broiling at the end gives the ribs that sticky, caramelized barbecue finish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy ribs: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the rub.
• Sweet ribs: Increase the brown sugar in the rub or use a honey barbecue sauce.
• Different liquids: Substitute apple juice with cola, root beer, or beer for a unique flavor.
• Boneless option: Boneless country-style ribs also work well with the same cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ribs?
Yes. Add 5–7 extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure the ribs fit inside the pot.

Do I have to remove the membrane?
It’s optional, but removing it helps the seasoning penetrate better and makes the ribs more tender.

How long do leftovers last?
Cooked ribs will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
• Add extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Instant Pot ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor in a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional oven-baked or smoked ribs. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and finished with a caramelized barbecue glaze that makes them irresistible.