Mastering Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection

Transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration with these incredible Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs. This recipe is your ultimate guide to achieving perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs with minimal effort, all thanks to the magic of your pressure cooker. Forget long hours over the smoker or grill; our quick and easy method delivers juicy, flavorful ribs that are truly irresistible. Whether you prefer classic baby back, hearty spare ribs, or convenient country-style cuts, this versatile approach will make you a rib-making legend in your own kitchen. Even frozen ribs can be transformed into a succulent feast!

Prepare for ribs so tender, they virtually slide off the bone, infused with a rich, savory pork rub and finished with your favorite BBQ sauce. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone craving authentic BBQ flavor without the fuss.

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This post was originally published on April 14, 2018. It has since been updated and expanded for comprehensive content.

For more amazing pressure cooker recipes, be sure to check out my Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken!

Why the Instant Pot is Your Secret Weapon for Perfect Ribs

When it comes to achieving incredibly tender, succulent meat, the Instant Pot reigns supreme. Its high-pressure cooking environment breaks down tough muscle fibers far more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in meat that truly “falls off the bone.” This pressure cooker method not only drastically reduces cooking time but also locks in moisture and flavor, giving you ribs that are consistently juicy and delicious. If you’ve enjoyed my other Instant Pot creations like Tuscan Chicken Thighs and Chicken and Rice Drumsticks, you already know the power of this appliance. Preparing ribs in the Instant Pot is no exception – it’s a game-changer!

The Kansas City BBQ Influence: Flavor You Can Trust

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: “Ribs and BBQ *have* to be grilled!” And trust me, coming from Kansas City, I understand and appreciate the art of traditional BBQ more than anyone. We pride ourselves on having some of the best BBQ on earth! While this recipe utilizes the efficiency of the Instant Pot, it doesn’t compromise on flavor. I even used my favorite local Kansas City marinade and sauce to ensure an authentic and rich BBQ experience. The goal here is to combine the best of both worlds: the tenderizing power of the Instant Pot with the deep, smoky flavors that make BBQ legendary.

Choosing the Perfect Ribs for Your Instant Pot

This recipe is designed to be versatile, working beautifully with various types of pork ribs. While baby back ribs are a popular choice for their tenderness and lean meat, you can also achieve fantastic results with other cuts. Consider these options:

• Baby Back Ribs: These are typically shorter, leaner, and more curved than spare ribs, coming from the loin section. They cook relatively quickly and are known for their tender meat.
• Spare Ribs: Cut from the belly section, spare ribs are larger, flatter, and contain more bone and fat, which contributes to rich flavor. They require a longer cooking time but are incredibly delicious.
• Country-Style Ribs: Interestingly, country-style ribs are not ribs at all but cuts from the blade end of the loin, often boneless or semi-boneless. They resemble thick-cut pork chops and are very meaty, offering a different texture.
• Frozen Ribs: Forgot to thaw your ribs? No problem! The Instant Pot can handle them straight from the freezer with a slight adjustment to cooking time, making it incredibly convenient for last-minute meal prep.

Whichever cut you choose, ensure they are fresh and have a good amount of meat on the bone. The Instant Pot will take care of the rest, delivering an unforgettable dining experience.

Essential Steps for Fall-Off-The-Bone Instant Pot Ribs

Creating tender, flavorful ribs in your Instant Pot is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple yet crucial steps. Following these instructions will ensure your ribs are perfectly cooked every time.

1. Remove the Membrane: This is a critical first step for truly tender ribs. The membrane is a thin, tough layer on the back of the ribs that, if not removed, can make your ribs chewy and prevent the rub from penetrating the meat. You can easily peel it off using a knife or spoon handle to lift a corner, then grabbing it with a paper towel for grip.
2. Seasoning and Liquid Smoke: Generously season your ribs with your chosen pork rub, salt, and pepper. For an added smoky depth, drizzle liquid smoke over both sides. This mimics the smoky flavor often achieved through grilling or smoking, enhancing the overall BBQ experience.
3. Setup in the Instant Pot: Place the metal trivet (that usually comes with your Instant Pot) at the bottom. This prevents the ribs from sitting directly in the liquid, ensuring even cooking and preventing scorching. Add water and half an onion to the pot. The water creates the steam needed for pressure cooking, while the onion adds an aromatic base to the cooking liquid, infusing the ribs with extra flavor.
4. Pressure Cook: Arrange the seasoned ribs on the trivet, usually coiled to fit if they are a full rack. Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to the appropriate pressure cooking time (details below).

Instant Pot Ribs Cooking Times: Baby Back, Spare, and Country-Style

The beauty of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to cook various cuts of ribs to perfection with just slight adjustments in cooking time. Always remember to allow for a natural release of steam for the best results, as this gentle depressurization helps the meat stay tender and juicy.

How Long to Cook Baby Back Ribs in Instant Pot

For succulent baby back ribs that fall off the bone, cook them on High Pressure for 25 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow a 10-minute natural release of steam before performing a quick release of any remaining pressure. This resting period is crucial for retaining moisture and ensuring maximum tenderness.

Cooking Spare and Country-Style Ribs in the Instant Pot

If you’re using thicker cuts like spare ribs or country-style ribs, they will require a bit more time in the pressure cooker to reach that desired tenderness. Cook spare or country-style ribs for approximately 45 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a 10-15 minute natural release of steam. This extended cooking and release time ensures that these meatier cuts are as tender and flavorful as possible.

Cooking Frozen Ribs in the Instant Pot

Forgot to thaw your ribs? No problem! The Instant Pot is incredibly forgiving. If you’re cooking frozen baby back ribs, simply increase the cooking time to 32 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural release. For frozen spare or country-style ribs, add about 10-15 minutes to their respective cooking times, then follow the natural release instructions.

Finishing Your Instant Pot Ribs: Grill or Bake?

After their pressure cooker spa treatment, your ribs will be incredibly tender, but they might lack that characteristic caramelized crust and smoky char of traditional BBQ. This is where finishing them in the oven or on the grill comes in! While optional, this step elevates your Instant Pot ribs from simply delicious to truly exceptional.

• Grilling for Authentic BBQ Flavor: For that classic BBQ taste and beautiful grill marks, transfer your pressure-cooked ribs to a preheated grill. Brush them generously with your favorite BBQ sauce and grill for about 5-10 minutes per side, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky. The direct heat and smoke from the grill will add an unbeatable depth of flavor.
• Baking for Convenience and Perfect Glaze: If grilling isn’t an option, baking your ribs in the oven works wonderfully. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the ribs on a baking sheet, brush with BBQ sauce, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized. The high heat will create a delicious glaze and a slight crust.

Even without grilling, using liquid smoke and a flavorful BBQ marinade (like McCormick’s Grill Mates BBQ Seasoning or a quality Kansas City rub) during the Instant Pot stage will infuse your ribs with a satisfying BBQ essence.

Feel free to add as much BBQ sauce as you desire. Personally, I believe the marinade and rub should be so good that BBQ sauce becomes an optional enhancement rather than a necessity. Sometimes, I enjoy these ribs plain, savoring the pure meat and spice flavors.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Instant Pot Ribs

Elevate your Instant Pot rib game with these expert tips:

• Don’t Skip the Membrane Removal: We cannot stress this enough. It’s the single most important step for tender ribs.
• Coil Ribs Properly: If you have a full rack, you might need to coil it into a circle to fit inside the Instant Pot. Ensure it doesn’t go above the max fill line.
• Natural Release is Key: While quick release is often tempting, allowing a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes (or fully for spare ribs) significantly improves the texture and tenderness of your ribs. It prevents the meat from seizing up and helps it reabsorb juices.
• Experiment with Rubs: A good pork rub is essential. While I love Kansas City Gates, don’t hesitate to try other blends or even make your own. A homemade rub can include brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a touch of cayenne, and chili powder.
• Layering Flavors: The onion in the cooking liquid isn’t just for moisture; it infuses the ribs with subtle aromatic notes. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or beer to the liquid for extra flavor.
• Broil for a Crispy Finish: If you don’t want to use the grill, a quick broil in the oven (2-3 minutes) after baking can give your ribs a fantastic crispy edge and deeply caramelized sauce. Watch them closely to prevent burning!
• Rest Your Ribs: After removing from the Instant Pot and before finishing, a short rest can help juices redistribute, although the natural release in the Instant Pot already provides a good resting period.

Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Ribs

These Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs are so incredibly tender, you’ll see the meat literally falling off the bone! They are truly scrumptious and pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides. For a traditional Southern feast, serve them with:

• White Bread: A true BBQ staple, perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Potato Salad: My Instant Pot Southern Style Potato Salad is an ideal creamy complement.
• Baked Beans: A must-have side that adds sweetness and savory depth.
• Green Beans: Try my Instant Pot Southern Green Beans for a quick and flavorful option.
• Coleslaw: A crisp and refreshing Keto Coleslaw provides a lovely contrast to the rich ribs.

Craving more delicious BBQ ideas? You may also enjoy my Air Fryer Ribs, Traeger Smoked Ribs (3-2-1 Method), How to Grill the Best Burgers, and Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipes.

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Instant Pot Fall Off the Bone BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Brandi Crawford

These Instant Pot Fall Off the Bone BBQ Baby Back Ribs offer a quick and easy pressure cooker method for unbelievably tender pork ribs. Marinated with a flavorful pork rub and finished with a rich BBQ sauce, they can be baked or grilled to perfection, bringing authentic BBQ taste to your table in a fraction of the time.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Natural Release Steam 10 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, BBQ

Servings 6

Calories 590 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds rack of baby back ribs
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 2-3 tablespoons pork rub (e.g., Kansas City Gate’s classic BBQ rub or McCormick’s Grill Mates Pork Rub)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup water
• ½ onion (halved or quartered)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (Use as much sauce as you prefer for basting)

Instructions

 

1. Carefully remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This tough layer prevents the meat from becoming truly tender. You can gently lift it with a knife or spoon and then pull it off with a paper towel for a better grip.
2. Drizzle the liquid smoke evenly over both sides of the prepared ribs.
3. Generously season both sides of the ribs with your chosen pork rub, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Pour the cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
5. Place the metal trivet (steaming rack) inside the Instant Pot. This keeps the ribs elevated from the liquid, allowing them to steam effectively.
6. Arrange the onion halves/quarters on the trivet, then carefully place the seasoned ribs on top of the trivet. If using a full rack, you might need to coil it into a circle to fit.
7. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Cook on Manual (or Pressure Cook) > High Pressure for 25 minutes for baby back ribs. (Refer to section on cooking times for spare, country-style, or frozen ribs).
8. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the steam to naturally release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release of any remaining pressure. This natural release is crucial for tender, juicy results.
9. Carefully remove the ribs from the Instant Pot. At this point, they will be incredibly tender.
10. For a delicious finish, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
11. Brush both sides of the ribs generously with your favorite BBQ sauce.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or grill for 5-10 minutes per side, until the BBQ sauce is caramelized and slightly sticky. Watch closely to prevent burning.
13. Remove from oven/grill, rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve immediately!

Video

A visual guide to making these delicious Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs can be found on our YouTube channel!

Notes

You can make your own flavorful pork rub using 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon BBQ seasoning (McCormick’s Grill Mates BBQ Seasoning is a great option), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ -1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference), and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Mix well and apply generously.

Nutrition

Calories: 590kcal

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com or similar nutrition calculators. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for your specific recipe, we recommend calculating it with the actual ingredients used, utilizing your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful for your dietary needs.