Instant Pot Pork Ribs

5 from 2 votes

Tender and flavorful baby back ribs prepared in a pressure cooker.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Building Pressure10

Total Time45

Course: Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 407kcal

Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs (see FAQ's or video for instructions). Cut into three to four sections or leave whole.
Mix liquid smoke and vinegar then brush the top and bottom of the ribs.
Sprinkle the dry rub generously on both sides and work into the meat.
Place a metal trivet (Instant Pot) or crisper basket (Foodi) into the pot. Pour the remaining vinegar/liquid smoke mixture along with one cup of water into the pot.
Place seasoned ribs on top of the trivet or crisper basket meat-side facing out, in a circle. Select the manual setting, adjust the pressure to high, and set time for 20-30 minutes depending on how you like them.
For firm ribs, cook for 20 minutes. Cook for 30 minutes if you prefer tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Allow 10 minutes for pressure to build.
Brush ribs with barbecue sauce. Lay meat-side up in the crisper basket (if using a Ninja Foodi). Air fry for 5 to 10 minutes.
If using an Instant Pot, place ribs, meat-side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil until barbecue sauce is caramelized (or approximately 5 minutes).

If you leave the rack of ribs in one piece, stand it up in the trivet or the basket, meat-side out.
If you are serving more than 2 individuals, you can add an additional rack of ribs into the pot without having to change the cooking time. The only thing you have to double is the amount of dry rub and barbecue sauce.
Always serve ribs with more barbecue sauce on the side. If you haven't already, try my huckleberry bbq sauce, it's amazing! I recommend heating it first in a small saucepan. If you like it extra smoky, stir 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke into the sauce.