This super easy recipe for BBQ Instant Pot Ribs produces the most tender fall-off-the-bone texture in a lot less time than the slow cooker would. Included is a delicious dry rub for ribs recipe. Can be made with any cut of pork ribs you prefer or have on hand thanks to timing instructions for baby back ribs, St. Louis style ribs, and spare ribs.
1-2racksof ribsbaby back, St. Louis, or Spare Ribs
~ ¼cupBBQ sauceper rack
Rib Dry Rub
3tablespooncoconut sugaror muscovado sugar
2tablespoonpaprika powder
½tablespoonsea salt
½tablespoonground black pepper
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoononion powder
¼teaspooncayenne pepperoptional
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Instructions
In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients of the rib dry rub.
Start to prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the bones in the back. Depending on the type of ribs, you may need to use a butter knife to loosen the membrane a little at first. Use paper towels to grip the membrane and pull it off completely.
With paper towel pat dry the rack of ribs from both sides and liberally apply the dry rub seasoning and spread it out with your hands. If you have the time, let the ribs marinate in the dry rub anywhere from ½ hour to overnight.
When you are ready to pressure cook the ribs, place 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Insert a trivet and arrange the 1-2 racks of ribs on top of it.
Close the lid and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Select the manual cooking function the following times for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs:Baby Back Ribs: 25 Minutes St. Louis Style Ribs: 30-35 Minutes (the latter for high altitude) Spare Ribs: 35-40 Minutes
The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure (depends on how many racks you are cooking at once). It took 13 minutes for 1 rack for me.
Then it will start counting down the timer. Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally (~25 minutes for me).
To give the Instant Pot Ribs their final touch, brush the rack(s) with BBQ sauce and bake them for 10-15 minutes in a 450°F oven. Alternatively you could also place the ribs on a BBQ for caramelizing the BBQ sauce and giving it some cripier edges.
Or use an air fryer lid for your pressure cooker like the Mealthy Crisplid. Remove the cooking liquid from the inner liner. Add the high trivet and basket into the pressure cooker. Air fry 1 half rack of BBQ sauce brushed ribs at a time for about 5 minutes at 400°F.
Notes
If fall-off-the-bone tender isn't for you and you prefer your ribs with just a little or some more chew, reduce the pressure cooking times by 5 or 10 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Instant Pot BBQ Ribs Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
490
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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