Instant Pot Ribs

My backyard BBQ staples include BBQ pork tenderloin, cowboy baked beans, and pork belly burnt ends. Another favorite are these instant pot baby back ribs. Typically ribs are something you have to cook and babysit all day on the grill or smoker. The Instant Pot makes them SO tender and easy as can be too. They're super flavorful thanks to my secret dry rub. We like to broil them for that restaurant quality char, but you can skip this step if desired. Either way they're sure to be a hit at your picnic or on your dinner table.
Why This Recipe Works: A Sprinkle of Food Science
- High‑Pressure= Collagen Breakdown: The pressure cooker quickly converts collagen into gelatin for tender juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
- Trivet: Elevating the ribs on a trivet prevents them from sitting in the liquid and ensures even cooking.
- Natural Pressure Release: A quick release can cause the muscle fibers to contract and become tough.

Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Baby Back Ribs: These are leaner and more tender. You can use spare ribs just be aware they tend to be fattier and will take slightly longer to cook.
- Liquid Smoke: This provides that classic grilled flavor. Don't be tempted to add more than the half teaspoon called for as it is very strong.
- Paprika: Grab smoked if you can find it for even more flavor. If not just double the amount of regular paprika.
- Barbecue Sauce: My favorite store bought brand is Sweet Baby Rays. Or try my homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce or blueberry BBQ sauce.
Krystle's Tips: Steal My Culinary School Secrets
- Remove the Membrane: Use a butter knife to pull up the membrane on one corner then peel it away. Use a paper towel if needed as it can be slippery. This helps the meat stay tender AND helps the rub penetrate the meat.
- Don’t Skip the Natural Release: Releasing the pressure too quickly can cause the muscle fibers to seize and become tough.
- Never Add the Sauce to the Instant Pot: Brush the with sauce only after they are done cooking or the sugary BBQ sauce could burn.
- Rest: Allow to rest for a few minutes before enjoying to give the juices time to redistribute. We want them to stay inside the meat not run out!

Serve With
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📖 Recipe

Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs
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Ingredients
For The Instant Pot Ribs
- 1 Rack Baby Back Ribs
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- ½ Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Sweet Onion Sliced
- 6 Tablespoons Dry Rub See below
- Barbecue Sauce If Desired
For the Dry Rub
- 2 Tablespoon Paprika
- 2 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 Teaspoons Oregano
Instructions
- First, rinse ribs and pat dry. Remove the membrane.
- Mix all dry rub ingredients together. Massage dry rub into ribs.
- Place trivet into the bottom of the instant pot. Pour in broth and liquid smoke.
- Circle ribs around the trivet. Pour in onion and garlic.
- Seal pressure valve, and cook on manual high pressure for 23 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes.
- Release remaining pressure.
- Brush with barbecue sauce if desired. Broil or grill until charred.
Nutrition




These Instant Pot ribs turned out fall-off-the-bone tender and so easy to make.
These were to die for! Still dreaming about them!
Instant pot is the best for fall off the bone meats! Love the baby back ribs here!
I made these ribs tonight and they were absolutely fall-off-the-bone tender! The dry rub was packed with flavor, and I couldn’t believe they came together so quickly in the Instant Pot.
This worked exactly as written, my family loved this, thanks!