Dinner

Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

ByIsabella Vance January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

Introduction

These Instant Pot ribs are tender, flavorful, and quick to prepare. Using the pressure cooker allows you to enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs without spending hours slow-cooking. Finish them under the broiler for a caramelized barbecue glaze that’s sure to impress.

A white plate holds a rack of ribs cut into twelve pieces, each piece coated with a thick, shiny reddish-brown barbecue sauce covering the entire top and sides. The ribs have a slightly charred texture beneath the sauce, showing hints of the grilled meat. To the right, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with more dark reddish-brown sauce, next to a red silicone brush resting on the bowl edge. On the left side of the plate, a small bunch of fresh green parsley adds a touch of color. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1-2 racks pork ribs (see note below)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup apple juice or 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

Step 1: Remove membranes from the back of the ribs, if needed, to ensure tenderness.
Step 2: Rub the salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, and light brown sugar evenly over both sides of the ribs.
Step 3: Place the wire trivet rack in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Step 4: Add the water, apple juice (or apple cider vinegar), and liquid smoke (if using) to the pot.
Step 5: Position the ribs upright on the trivet with the meat side facing out. If using one large rack, arrange it in a circle around the pot.
Step 6: Secure the lid and close the vent.
Step 7: Select “manual” or “pressure cook” and set the timer for 25 minutes on high pressure.
Step 8: When the cooking time ends, allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to quick release remaining pressure.
Step 9: Remove the ribs carefully and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Slather generously with barbecue sauce.
Step 10: (Optional) Broil the ribs in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the barbecue sauce caramelizes and becomes sticky.

Tips & Variations

Removing the membrane from ribs helps achieve more tender results and better flavor absorption.
For smoky flavor without liquid smoke, use smoked paprika in the rub.
Try different barbecue sauces such as spicy, sweet, or smoky to customize your ribs.
If you don’t have apple juice, apple cider vinegar works well and adds a slight tang.

Storage

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm. To retain moisture, cover ribs with foil while reheating. You can also freeze cooked ribs wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw thoroughly before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a long rack of sliced ribs arranged lengthwise, each slice showing a tender meat layer covered in a glossy, dark brown barbecue sauce that drips slightly around the edges. The ribs have a well-grilled texture with some charred marks and a juicy interior visible between the slices. To the side, there is a small clear bowl filled with the same dark barbecue sauce and a red brush resting beside it. A bunch of fresh green parsley leaves sits on the white marbled surface next to the plate, adding a touch of vibrant color. The image is bright with clear focus on the ribs, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen ribs in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can pressure cook frozen ribs, but increase the cooking time to about 35 minutes on high pressure and allow natural pressure release for best results.

Do I need to broil the ribs after pressure cooking?

Broiling is optional but recommended for a caramelized, sticky barbecue finish. If you prefer, you can skip this step and serve ribs straight from the Instant Pot with sauce.