Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

November 12, 2019

Making tender, delicious, fall off the bone ribs was never easier. Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are some of the best ribs you will ever have!

sliced instant pot ribs

Ive always heard that good ribs need to be cooked low and slow and I agree that is a great way to cook ribs, but sometimes, you just dont have that kind of time and that is where the Instant Pot comes in. You need high and fast! I have a few other ways to cook delicious ribs too, try slow cooker ribs or this easy version on the grill.

What Kind of Ribs to Use for Instant Pot Ribs

I like to use baby back ribs in the Instant Pot because they are more tender. You can also use spare ribs, which are meatier and tougher. You will need to add 10 minutes onto your cooking time if you use spareribs.

pile of baby back ribs

How to Remove the Membrane from the Ribs

Depending on where you purchase your ribs, they may have a white membrane or skin on the back of the ribs (the bony side). Mine came with the membrane removed. If it hasnt been removed follow these steps to remove it:

Place the meaty side facing down, membrane side up.
Slide a knife under the membrane to loosen it.
Using a paper towel, grab the membrane and pull it off. The paper towel gives you some traction.

How to Make Instant Pot Ribs

Make Spice Rub

Spice Rub Ingredients

I think a good rub is a combination of sweet and heat.

Garlic Powder
Cumin
Paprika
Smoky Paprika
Salt
Pepper
Chili Powder
Onion Powder
Brown Sugar

Mix the ingredients together.

spice rub ingredients

Pat Dry. With a paper towel, pat the ribs dry on both sides and then rub spice mixture over the entire rack of ribs, front and back.
(insert photo)
Place the ribs into the Instant Pot using the metal trivet that comes with it. It is easier to remove the ribs this way. Place the meaty side of the ribs facing out.
Pour in apple juice and water. Be sure to pour into the middle of the pot so you dont rinse off the rub.

pouring apple juice into the instant pot

Add Liquid Smoke I also love to use some liquid smoky to give the ribs a subtle smoky flavor. You will find Instant Smoke near the BBQ sauces in the grocery store.
Set the Instant Pot to High Pressurefor 25 minutes. Be sure valve is set to sealing. Do a ten minute natural release and then a quick release. Carefully lift the ribs out of the pot. They are so tender they will easily fall apart. Place on a baking sheet.

brushing BBQ sauce on ribs

Using your favorite BBQ sauce, slather it onto the ribs, the more the better! Place the ribs under the broiler for a few minutes until the sauce binds to the ribs, bubbles and gets nice and gooey. Then slice the ribs apart and enjoy!

Instant Pot baby back ribs on the counter

Some of my other favorite Instant Pot Recipes:

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Did you know I wrote a cookbook? Check out the Holiday Slow Cooker Cookbook for 100 delicious recipes.