Instant Pot baby back ribs deliver the smoky barbecue taste you love without standing over a grill. Using an Instant Pot makes it easy to turn a rack of pork ribs into tender, flavorful ribs that pull off the bone.
This recipe is a household favorite and has earned many rave reviews—people share photos and report the ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious. It’s a reliable, no-fail method and below I share the essentials so you can make great ribs at home.
Key to Success #1 – Make a Good Dry Rub
A well-balanced dry rub adds depth and caramelized flavor to the ribs. Start with light brown sugar and chili powder, then add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Press the rub onto both sides of the ribs. If you have time, wrap and chill the seasoned ribs for a couple of hours so the flavors meld, but this step is optional—ribs will still be excellent if you cook them immediately.
Key to Success #2 – Use the Instant Pot Trivet
Use the Instant Pot trivet or any metal rack to elevate the ribs above the cooking liquid. This prevents them from sitting in water and helps them steam evenly. If you don’t have the trivet, a short metal rack or a foil ring fashioned into a rack will work.
To fit a full rack, stand the ribs on their side and curve them around the inner pot. A 6-quart Instant Pot typically fits a rack with room to spare. The photo below shows how the ribs can be arranged inside the pot.
Any sturdy rack that keeps the ribs elevated will work—air fryer racks or accessories can be multi-purpose and fit inside the Instant Pot as well.
Key to Success #3 – Add Liquid Smoke
Pressure cooking requires liquid, so add one cup of water to the inner pot for a 6-quart Instant Pot; larger models may require more—check your manual. To mimic outdoor smoky flavor when cooking indoors, stir in a small amount of liquid smoke with the water. This gives the ribs a classic barbecue aroma without a smoker or grill.
Key to Success #4 – Use Natural Pressure Release
For a full, meaty rack, pressure cook on High for 30 minutes. With 30 minutes of high-pressure cooking, the ribs will be tender and will pull off the bone easily while still holding together if you lift them with tongs. If your rack is thinner or less meaty, reduce cook time to 25 minutes; for ultra-fall-apart ribs, cook 35 minutes.
After pressure cooking, allow a natural pressure release for up to 30 minutes. The ribs continue to cook during natural release, and this slow depressurization helps keep the meat moist and tender. If pressure hasn’t fully released after 30 minutes, you can finish with a quick venting release.
Key to Success #5 – Finish the Ribs Under the Broiler or on the Grill
Remove the ribs from the Instant Pot and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush both sides with your favorite barbecue sauce. Broil on high for about 3–6 minutes, watching closely, until the sauce caramelizes and a crust forms. Use a basting brush to apply the sauce evenly.
Alternatively, finish the ribs on a hot grill for a smoky char. Either method develops the exterior bark and concentrates the sauce’s flavor. Be careful not to leave them unattended under the broiler—sugary sauces can burn quickly.
Save this Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs recipe to your Instant Pot or BBQ board
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack (2–3 pounds) baby back ribs, extra meaty
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, or more for glazing
Directions
- Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off.
- Mix the dry rub: brown sugar, chili powder, dried parsley, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Rub evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Stand the ribs on their side on a metal trivet inside the Instant Pot. Add water and liquid smoke to the inner pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure, valve to Sealing, and cook for 30 minutes for a meaty rack (25 minutes for thinner ribs, 35 minutes for very tender, falling-apart ribs).
- Allow a natural pressure release for up to 30 minutes. If pressure remains after 30 minutes, carefully switch to Venting to release the remainder.
- Transfer ribs to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush both sides with BBQ sauce, and broil on high for about 3–6 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and a crust forms. Watch closely to avoid burning. Alternatively, finish on a hot grill until charred to your liking.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6-quart recommended)
- Trivet or metal rack to elevate ribs
- Foil-lined baking sheet
- Basting brush
Nutrition Facts
Carbohydrates: 29 g |
Protein: 3 g |
Fat: 4 g |
Sodium: 1079 mg |
Sugar: 23 g
For quick reference, keep a printable Instant Pot cook times chart handy when experimenting with other recipes.
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