Instant Pot Ribs
User Reviews
5
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
2 - 4
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Calories
348 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Instant Pot Ribs
Description
This recipe begins by removing the membrane from baby back ribs to improve tenderness and seasoning penetration. The ribs are seasoned generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Optional liquid smoke adds subtle smoky flavor during cooking. Ribs are placed on a trivet within the Instant Pot with water or apple cider vinegar, pressure cooked at high pressure for 16 to 25 minutes, depending on desired tenderness.
After natural release, ribs are coated with a barbecue sauce and finished by broiling or air frying to caramelize the sauce, adding texture and flavor contrast. The timing is adjustable to suit the thickness of the ribs and personal preference between a firmer bite or very tender ribs.
This method is suitable for those seeking an easy and basic way to cook ribs without slow cooking or grilling. The recipe emphasizes using baby back ribs specifically, as other ribs require different approaches. Finishing the ribs under high heat creates a traditional sauced crust.
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce We used Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce, your favorite
- kosher salt
- black pepper ground
- A few drops liquid smoke (Optional)
Instructions
- Prepare & Season Baby Back Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs with a paper towel. Season the ribs with a generous amount of kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Pressure Cook Baby Back Ribs: Add 2 – 3 drops of liquid smoke in Instant Pot (optional). Add in 1 cup (250ml) of cold water (or apple cider vinegar) and a trivet. Place the baby back ribs on top of the trivet. With Venting Knob in Venting Position, close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position. Pressure cook at High Pressure for 16 minutes to 25 minutes, then Full Natural Release. *Cooking Time Tip: Adjust the cooking timing according to the thickness of your ribs & preferences: 16 minutes (tender with a bit of chew) to 25 minutes (fall-off-the-bone tender). Open the lid carefully.
- Apply Sauce and Broil in Oven/Air Fryer: Carefully set the ribs on an oven tray or chopping board, then generously brush your BBQ sauce all over the ribs on all sides. *Note: You can use an oven, toaster oven, Instant Pot Duo Crisp or Air Fryer Lid for this finishing caramelization step. *Pro Tip: If you have a large oven, you can finish the ribs in one batch. If you're using the Duo Crisp lid or Air Fryer lid, cut the ribs into halves, then finish them in 2 batches. *Pro Tip: It's best to broil the ribs before cutting it into serving size to retain more moisture.Option 1 - Oven/Toaster Oven: Place the BBQ Ribs on an oven tray under the "Broil" function (or the highest temperature setting) for a few minutes until the BBQ sauce is caramelized.Option 2 - Air Fryer Lid: Place air fryer basket with the tray on the middle rack in Instant Pot. Layer ribs on the air fryer tray in Instant Pot. Place the Air Fryer Lid on Instant Pot. Press "Airfry" button, set Temperature to 400°F and Cooking Time to 15 minutes (takes roughly 9 - 11 minutes + preheat time. You can open the lid to check the progress). Air fry the second batch of BBQ ribs in Instant Pot.
- Serve: Chop up the Instant Pot BBQ Ribs to finger-licking serving sizes. Serve these tasty BBQ Ribs immediately!
Notes
- This simple recipe is a good starting point for Instant Pot users and can be customized with dry rubs or different sauces.
- Baby back ribs are recommended due to cooking time and texture; choose ribs with consistent thickness and marbling.
- Removing the rib membrane before cooking improves tenderness; slide a knife under and peel off with a paper towel.
- Adjust pressure cooking time between 16 to 25 minutes to control tenderness from tender-chewy to fall-off-the-bone.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2- 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 348 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 348kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 98mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 307mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 392mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 71IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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