Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Short on time? These Instant Pot baby back ribs are done in less than an hour, start to finish!
Instant Pot baby back ribs are fast and easy enough for a weeknight meal and can also be made in any electric pressure cooker. If you’re craving tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs but don’t have hours to spare, your Instant Pot can deliver. These baby back ribs cook to juicy perfection in under an hour. Just coat them with a smoky rub, add a flavorful cooking liquid, and let the pressure cooker do the work. A quick trip under the broiler adds that irresistible charred finish and sticky barbecue glaze. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner special, these ribs are a fast and easy solution.
Recipe Variations
- Use a commercial barbecue rub instead of homemade seasoning.
- Add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid for extra smoky flavor.
- Brush the ribs with honey or maple syrup along with the BBQ sauce before broiling.
- Swap the apple juice for cola, root beer, or pineapple juice.
- Try beef back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs instead of baby backs.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with classic coleslaw and baked beans.
- Pair with cornbread or potato salad for a Southern-style meal.
- Add a green salad and grilled corn for a lighter option.
- Slice and serve over mashed potatoes or cheesy grits.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ribs
Refrigerate. Store cooled leftover ribs in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.Freeze. Wrap the cooled ribs in foil and transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat. Wrap the ribs in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot. For best texture, finish them under the broiler for a minute or two. Make sure they reach 165°F before serving.
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork ribs, 2 racks
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Dash cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup apple juice
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the silver skin from the pork rib racks and pat them dry. Leave the rack whole or cut it into 2 to 3 rib portions. Combine the paprika, chili powder, salt, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub the mixture over the ribs.
- Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add the apple juice, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stack the ribs on the trivet or roll the whole rack and stand it on the trivet.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the lid in place and turn the steam release valve (black venting knob) to the sealing position. Select the manual button, high pressure, and set the timer for 25 minutes. When the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 12 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release the remaining pressure.
- Broil: Preheat the broiler and line a large baking pan with foil. Arrange the ribs on the baking pan, meaty side up, and brush with barbecue sauce. Broil the pork ribs for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve: Cut the ribs into serving-size pieces and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
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