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Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs are tender, quick, and taste like they have been cooking all day! Pressure Cooked to perfection and caramelized under the broiler for 5 minutes. There you have it, finger-lickin’ good ribs!
There are days when I just crave some BBQ Baby Backs or my son BEGS for them and who has hours to cook during the week? These are the perfect solution to giving the family a special meal on a weeknight. Heck they are so easy my hubby says why not make them like this all the time. I think he is trying to get out of grillin’ ya’ll.
Napkins are optional because these are finger lickin’ good!
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: Smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of heat—BBQ perfection.
- Texture: Tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone good with a slightly sticky glaze.
- Ease: Super simple! The Instant Pot does the hard work, and the broiler adds the finishing touch.
- Pros: Quick cook time, minimal effort, and that backyard BBQ taste without the grill.
- Considerations: If you’re cooking for a crowd, you may need to do multiple batches since the Instant Pot can only hold so many ribs at once.
- Repeat Worthy?: Oh, 100%! This one is a family favorite and perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or rained-out cookouts.
How to Cook Ribs in an Instant Pot
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
Rinse the ribs and pat them dry.
If your ribs still have that thin, shiny membrane on the back, you can remove it. (or skip this if you’re short on time—I won’t tell!).
Just flip the ribs over, meat-side down. Use your fingers or a dull knife (like a butter knife) to loosen the membrane from the bone. Then, grab a paper towel for a good grip and peel it right off. Easy peasy! Toss it, and you’re good to go.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
Mix the garlic salt, brown sugar, cayenne, and paprika, then give those ribs a good rub-down on both sides. Make sure every inch is coated—this is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Arrange Ribs Inside Instant Pot
Place the trivet (or rack) in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot.
Pour in your choice of Coke, beer, or root beer.
Then, add a few drops of liquid smoke for that deep, smoky flavor in the bottom.
Next, stand the ribs up on top of the rack, curving them around the pot (meaty side facing out).
If the ribs are too large, you can cut them into halves or thirds so they fit nicely in the Instant Pot.
Step 4: Cover and Pressure Cook
Cover and seal “lock” the instant pot.
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Time
Baby Back Ribs: Cook on high pressure for 23 minutes or increase to 25 minutes (if extra meaty or cooking multiple racks). Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully vent or “manually release” the pressure.
Spare Ribs: Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release completely (takes about 15 minutes). You’ll know it’s done when the pin drops!
Step 5: Broil for the Perfect Finish
Preheat your oven to broil. Transfer the cooked ribs to a baking sheet, slather on your favorite BBQ sauce, and broil for about 5 minutes—just long enough to get that sticky, caramelized finish. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!
My favorite bottled sauce is KC Masterpiece. It has a little kick and a little sweetness. I also use the one from my Honey Chipotle BBQ Wings sometimes.
Here is where the finger lickin’ comes in!! Drew got to model for me and he was glad to volunteer!! When you can have ribs this good in under an hour all is golden in the world!
Tips for Cooking Ribs (in Instant Pot)
- Don’t skip the seasoning! A good spice rub is the foundation of flavor, so make sure to coat those ribs generously.
- Membrane removal is optional. If you want extra tender ribs, peel it off. But if you’re short on time, no worries—it’ll still be delicious!
- Stand the ribs up. Arranging them in a circle inside the Instant Pot ensures even cooking and maximizes space.
- Natural release matters. Letting the pressure release naturally (at least 5 minutes for baby backs and fully for spare ribs) keeps the meat tender and juicy.
- Broil for the perfect finish. Brushing on BBQ sauce and broiling for a few minutes gives you that caramelized, sticky, finger-licking goodness. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
- Experiment with cooking liquids. Coke, beer, or root beer all add their own unique depth of flavor—use what you love!
Storage
- Make-Ahead: Season the ribs up to a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Storage: Leftover ribs? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes, or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up.
- Freezing: Cooked ribs freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.
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Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack ribs, baby back or spare ribs
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 can coke, beer or root beer
- ¼ tsp liquid smoke
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce, (or to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse the ribs and pat them dry. If your ribs still have that thin, shiny membrane on the back, you can remove it.Flip the ribs over, meat-side down. Use your fingers or a dull knife (like a butter knife) to loosen the membrane from the bone. Then, grab a paper towel for a good grip and peel it right off. Then, discard the membrane.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, and brown sugar.
- Place the trivet (or rack) in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. Pour in your choice of Coke, beer, or root beer, then add liquid smoke.
- Place the ribs upright on the rack, with the meat side facing out. If you’re using one large rack of ribs, curve them around the pot.If the ribs are too large, you can cut them into halves or thirds so they fit.
- Cover and seal the instant pot. It will take the Instant Pot about 10 minutes to come to pressure.Baby Back Ribs: Cook on high pressure for 23 minutes or increase to 25 minutes (if extra meaty or cooking multiple racks, increase to 25 minutes). Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully vent or "manually release" the pressure.Spare Ribs: Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release completely (takes about 15 minutes). You’ll know it’s done when the pin drops!
- Set oven to broil. Place ribs on a baking sheet linde with foil for easy cleanup. Brush BBQ Sauce on the ribs. Put the baking sheet in the oven and broil for about 5 minutes or until sauce in cooked in and caramelized. Keep an eye on them as ovens vary.
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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If I am doing a second batch can I just use the same cooking liquid or do I empty and redo?
I have never tried doing a second batch like that. I’d love to know if you tried it.
I have got to get me one.!
Yes you do! I so love mine. Today is Amazon Prime day. Here is an affiliate link to one on sale for a great price. https://amzn.to/2NSDmYy
I’m going to end up breaking down and buying an Instant Pot. lol With my kitchen under construction Grumpy will likely chew me out, but dang, I am seeing so many possibilities with this and we LOVE ribs!!
Once you cook for Grumpy in it he will not chew ya out lol!! Love how easy and quick you can get delicious ribs in this!
These ribs look amazing!!
Thank you so much Jocelyn! I love being able to get so much flavor in so little time! Now, I have to mention how excited I am for you! Congratulations on your Baby Cakes! I cannot wait to see that bundle of joy!