Instant Pot Pork Ribs

Learn how to make Instant Pot Ribs in just 30 minutes using a simple dry rub recipe. You can brush these delicious Instant Pot Pork Ribs with your favorite BBQ Sauce, perfect for dinner any day of the week.

Typically summertime is known for “rib” season, but honestly, they are just too good not to be eaten all year round, right? We have already shared our Oven Baked BBQ Rib recipe with you all a while back, but now we have a new fantastic rib recipe for you. 

Did you know that you can actually make ribs in your Instant Pot?? Crazy right? The more I use my Instant Pot the more I absolutely love it and have learned that you can just cook sooooo many things in it including a whole rack of pork ribs. 

Let’s get into exactly how to make these delicious instapot pork ribs.

Why Cook Pork Ribs in an Instant Pot?

To be honest, why NOT cook your pork ribs in an Instant Pot? There are no reasons not to cook them in your IP. 

The number one reason is that it’s quick, easy, and perfect for those weeknight busy nights when you don’t want to stand over a hot stove for an hour. They also come out juicy and tender, so there is no stress about drying them out.

Cooking baby back ribs in the instant pot is going to be a life changing way of cooking dinner.

What Ingredients are in Pressure Cooker Ribs?

• Baby Back Ribs – This is my preference, but you can use spare ribs if you prefer. 
• Dry Rub Spices: smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.  
• Brown Sugar – I use regular brown sugar, but if you are making it keto then I recommend using Swerve Brown Sugar instead, it has ZERO NET CARBS. The ingredients in Swerve products will not affect your blood sugar, so the few carbs it does contain are considered non-impact. 
• Beef Stock, Chicken Stock, or Water – This is to put inside the Instant Pot, you always need some liquid when pressure cooking anything. 
• Liquid Smoke – Optional, but it helps give you the “smokey” flavor you would normally get by slowly baking them in the oven. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite BBQ Sauce. Brush on some bbq sauce after the ribs are cooked, then pop in the oven and broil until crispy. You can also use a sugar-free BBQ sauce if on a low carb diet.

What Type of Ribs Should I Use?

How to choose the right kind of ribs? Should you use baby back ribs or spare ribs? 

It’s really up to you and what you prefer. Whenever in doubt, you could always try making both….sounds like a plan right? 😉  Let’s look at the differences:

Spare Ribs vs. Baby Back Ribs

When it comes to picking which kind of ribs to make, it’s a matter of deciding what you like. I’m always going to lean towards pork baby back ribs but a lot of people love spare ribs. 

Here’s a brief overview to help you decide which kind of ribs to buy: 

Baby Back Ribs: Also known as Memphis-Style Ribs, and let me tell you those from Memphis don’t mess around with ribs. They don’t really add a lot of sauces, but instead, they favor dry rubs. 

They will typically include paprika, a bit of cayenne, and also a touch of brown sugar just to give it a little sweetness. Hence part of the reason they don’t load it up with sugary sauces. 

Baby back (loin back) ribs are taken from the top of the rib cage, close to the loin of the pig. This is why they are a little bit smaller than Spare ribs and don’t have quite as much meat on them, but the meat is leaner and very tender. 

Because of them being so tender, they tend to be in higher demand than St. Louis-style spareribs and tend to be a bit more expensive. 

A rack of baby back’s will average about 10-13 curved ribs that are between 4”-6” long. One rack typically feeds 2-3 people. (Depending on how big their appetite is)

St. Louis Style Spare Ribs: Another name for these is Breastbone-off Pork Spare Ribs. These ribs are a very meaty cut of rib from the belly of the pig. 

Usually, they are trimmed down into the common St. Louis-style spare rib by cutting and taking away the chewy cartilage and hard breastbone, making the slab more of a rectangular shape.  

A rack of these spare ribs are flatter than baby backs, which can make it easier to brown them. They have a lot more meat on them, but also they have a higher fat content, which if cooked properly can be so flavorful. 

Give or take a little bit, each slab is around 2 ½ pounds and can feed about 3-4 people. So it definitely can feed more than 1 rack of baby backs can, and they are a bit cheaper per rack as well.

Cooking either Baby Back, or Spare Ribs in the oven is a very similar process. In order for them to be nice and tender, they need to be cooked on low for several hours. 

You can cook them both in the oven, grill them or even cook them in a smoker. Depending on where you live you might only be able to find one kind of ribs, if that’s the case don’t worry. 

You can substitute one for the other, but please keep in mind that Baby Backs, are smaller so you will need more Baby Back Ribs if you are using them instead of Spare Ribs. Also because the St. Louis-Style ribs are larger, they will take longer to cook.

How to Make a Dry Rub

Here are all the simple ingredients to make the perfect dry rub:

• Smoked Paprika – make sure it’s smoked paprika, that’s key for a nice smokey flavor.
• Cumin 
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Chili Powder
• Salt and Pepper  
• Brown Sugar 

I love the combo of all of these spices because it has the best flavor and makes the perfect baby back rib dry rub! The brown sugar adds a little bit of sweetness, which I think is perfect, especially if you aren’t loading it up with sugary BBQ sauces. 

• Something to keep in mind if you need to make this rub sugar-free and low carb is to use Swerve Brown Sugar instead. It has 0 net carbs and will NOT spike your blood sugar.

Different Variations

I used baby back ribs in this recipe, they are pretty much always my go-to ribs. I tend to buy them at Costco, but your local grocery store should have them as well. 

If you don’t want to use baby back ribs, you can use spare ribs instead. Keep in mind though that the meat is tougher, so they will take longer to cook and longer to naturally release in the Instant Pot. 

BBQ Sauce or no BBQ Sauce? It’s totally up to you! I’m not a huge fan of super saucy ribs so I tend to use either no sauce at all or just very little. But if you are like my husband then go ahead and slather on the sauce.

Seasonings

Above are my favorite seasonings to use when making a dry rub, but if there is one you don’t like then go ahead and leave it out. 

If you like a little extra kick, then add in ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper.

How Long to Cook Ribs in the Instant Pot?

• Baby Back Ribs: 25 minutes on high pressure + 5 minutes natural release. 
• Spare Ribs: 35 minutes on high pressure + 20 minutes natural release.

Instant Pot Setting for Pork Ribs

You are going to cook the pork ribs on HIGH PRESSURE for 25 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes. It’s that simple.

How to Cook Ribs in the Instant Pot 

To start, let’s prep our baby back ribs. 

STEP 1: Place the ribs on a tray or cutting board. Locate the membrane on the backside of the rack of ribs. Slide a butter knife in between the membrane and the bones. Then pull the membrane completely off, you may want to use a paper towel to get a better grip.

STEP 2: Spice time. Place all your spices into a bowl, and mix together. Don’t skip mixing the spices first, otherwise, the flavors just won’t mix correctly.

STEP 3: Cover all sides of the ribs with the seasoning mixture, top and bottom.

STEP 4: Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot.

STEP 5: Pour the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke into the IP.

STEP 6: Place the ribs on top of the trivet, wrapping them around the edge of the IP.

STEP 7: Close the lid, set the valve to the “sealing” position, and press the “pressure cooker” button. Set the timer to 25 minutes. The IP will beep and start coming to pressure. It is already hot, so it won’t take too long.

STEP 8: Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Once 5 minutes has passed, release any remaining pressure by hitting the vent knob from sealed to venting (be sure to do this in an open space and stand back from the Instant Pot.)

STEP 9: Carefully open the lid away from your face.

STEP 10: Remove the rack of ribs and place them onto a baking tray.

Finishing the Ribs in…

Option 1: Brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce, then place in the oven and broil on High for 5-8 minutes or until it’s reached your desired crispiness.

Option 2: Brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce, then cut the ribs in half so they will fit inside the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees, and cook for 5 minutes. Check for desired crispiness.

What Release Should I Use on the Instant Pot?

When making any recipe in an Instant Pot, you’ll need to either quick release or natural release the pressure before opening. In this exact instapot rib recipe, I let the pressure do a natural release for about 5 minutes or so, then open the valve to release the rest of the pressure. 

• Natural Release: This means that you allow the pressure to gradually release without opening the valve. 
• Quick Release: Immediately open the valve to release the pressure.

The Best Sauce for Ribs

Use your favorite BBQ sauce! But if you are looking for a couple of suggestions, here are some of my favorites. 

• Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ Sauce – This is going to be one of the cleanest BBQ sauces on the market. It’s sugar-free and will not spike your blood sugar. 
• Sweet Baby Ray’s – Ok it’s not the “cleanest” option but honestly, it’s always a solid sauce. 
• Homemade Keto BBQ Sauce – This is our homemade low carb BBQ sauce recipe that is so easy to make and will not spike your blood sugar.

FAQs and Best Tips

• Always combine your seasonings together first to make the dry rub. 
• Pulling the membrane off the ribs prior to cooking helps the flavors and seasonings soak into the meat, and will make them more tender. 
• Broil ribs on high for 5-8 minutes or Air Fry at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes or until desired crispiness has been reached. 
• BBQ Sauce is optional 
• If using frozen ribs: Season and cut the rack into thirds before initially freezing. Pressure cook on High for 35 minutes.

How Many Ribs Can Fit in an Instant Pot? 

Depending on how big your Instant Pot is will determine how many racks of ribs you can fit. I have the standard 6 quart IP, and I can fit 2 racks of ribs. It may be a little tight, but it does fit.

Do You Add Water to the Instant Pot When Cooking Ribs?

You ALWAYS need a liquid in the bottom of the Instant Pot when pressure cooking ANYTHING. You can use water, chicken stock, chicken broth, beef stock, or beef broth. 

Use whichever one you want, but I found that using broth or stock will add more flavor to your instapot ribs.

Do I Have to Use a Trivet?

Yes, use the trivet at the bottom of the Instant Pot then place the ribs on top of the trivet. I found that it cooks more evenly, rather than letting part of the ribs sit in liquid. 

Can I Use Frozen Ribs in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use frozen ribs when making this Instant Pot pork rib recipe. Before freezing the rack of ribs, you are going to season them first, then cut the rack into thirds. A whole rack of frozen ribs will not fit into the IP.

• Pressure cook on High for 35 minutes if using frozen ribs.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Ribs?

So the question is are you looking for regular delicious “full of carbs” side dishes, or are you looking for tasty “low carb” options? You don’t need to decide, I have you covered. 

Keto Side Dishes: 

• Low Carb Cornbread
• Coleslaw 
• Loaded Cauliflower Casserole 
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese 
• Creamy Keto Brussel Sprouts

Non-Keto Side Dishes: 

• Cornbread – homemade or boxed
• Mac and Cheese 
• Collard Greens 
• Coleslaw 
• Baked Beans

Make-Ahead & Storing Options?

Because these Instant pot ribs are ready so much quicker than baking them, you really don’t need to make them too far ahead. 

But when it comes to storing your leftover instapot ribs, place them in a container and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

• Microwave: Place the pressure cooker ribs in a microwave-safe bowl or plate, and heat for 60-90 seconds. 
• Oven: Place the leftover pressure cooker ribs in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through.

Can You Freeze Pressure Cooker Ribs?

Sure thing! Wrap your leftover ribs in freezer paper or foil and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Just keep in mind that you should not freeze the leftover ribs if the ribs were already previously frozen.

Tools to Use

• Instant Pot 
• Measuring Spoons 
• Pastry Brush – Brushing on the BBQ sauce 
• Large Chef’s Knife – Cutting the ribs

There are a few different models of Instant Pots, so anyone you have will work when making these instapot ribs. 

I have the Classic Duo 6 Quart Model, and it’s super easy to use. It comes in 3 sizes: 3QT, 6QT, and 8QT so buy according to your family’s size.

Other Diets This Recipe is Good For

• Gluten-Free: Our recipe is completely gluten-free and perfect for those who have gluten allergies. 
• Paleo: To make this recipe paleo friendly, replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar instead. 
• Keto and Low Carb: To make this recipe low carb you need to replace the brown sugar with Swerve Brown Sugar which is perfect for those who are eating low carb.

Other Instant Pot Recipes

Here are a few other instant pot recipes on our website that you will love:

• Instant Pot Pulled Pork 
• Instant Pot Pork Loin
• Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
• Instant Pot Pork Roast (Coming Soon)
• Instant Pot Pork Chops
• Instant Pot Pork Loin
• Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Other Delicious Pork Recipes

Here are some of our other favorite pork recipes:

• Easy Baked Baby Back Ribs 
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork 
• Perfect Keto Pot Roast 
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Baked Pork Shoulder
• Perfect Pork Butt
• Stuffed Pork Chops
• Crispy Pork Belly 
• Baked Pork Tenderloin

All of them are easy-to-make dinners and will have your friends raving!

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