If you’re dreaming of juicy, tender ribs without hours of grilling, these Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are the answer.
Cooked under pressure and finished in the oven for that caramelized crust, they’re smoky, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy – The Instant Pot gets the job done in under an hour.
Tender results – Ribs cook to perfection without drying out.
Bold BBQ flavor – Apple juice, vinegar, and liquid smoke infuse rich taste.
Great for parties – Double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
No grill required – Perfect for indoor cooking year-round.
Ingredient Highlights
Baby back ribs – Naturally tender and perfect for pressure cooking.
Apple juice & vinegar – For subtle sweetness and tang.
Liquid smoke – Adds that outdoor BBQ vibe without a smoker.
Dry rub – Seasoning salt and BBQ rub make a bold base layer.
Sweet BBQ sauce – Caramelizes beautifully in the final broil.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Remove membrane – For extra tender ribs, peel off the silver skin on the back.
Use a trivet or coil ribs – Helps them cook evenly.
Natural release is key – It locks in moisture and flavor.
Broil for texture – Gives a crispy, sticky finish.
Double the sauce – For dipping and drizzling after serving.
How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Ribs – Step by Step
Step 1: Season the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.
Rub both sides with seasoning salt and your favorite BBQ dry rub. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Instant Pot
Pour in apple juice, apple cider vinegar and a little liqu
Step 3: Press
Roll the ribs to fit the pot, arrange them side by side.
Step 4: Broil to
Transfer ribs to baking sheet.
Grilling
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the ribs rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Coleslaw – For crunch and balance.
Cornbread or mac & cheese – For comforting sides.
Grilled corn – Perfect summer pairing.
Pickles or pickled onions – Add tangy contrast.
Variations & Swaps
Use pork loin ribs – Just as delicious and often meatier.
Skip liquid smoke – If you prefer a milder flavor.
Try spicy BBQ sauce – For a kick.
Use pineapple juice – For a sweeter twist.
Storage Tips
Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat – Bake at 300°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ribs?
Yes, just add 5–7 minutes to the cook time, but skip the dry rub until after pressure cooking.
Do I need to cut the ribs before cooking?
No, a full rack fits when coiled inside the pot.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this?
A sweet, thick BBQ sauce works best—it caramelizes under the broiler.
Can I skip the broiling step?
Yes, but it adds texture and locks in flavor, so it’s highly recommended.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just stack the ribs standing up or layer them with a trivet.
Final Thoughts
These Instant Pot BBQ Ribs are a no-fuss way to get that rich, smoky flavor without the grill.
They’re quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests.
Once you try them, they’ll be your new go-to rib recipe.
