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Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs in an instant pot
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5 from 2 votes

Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Tender and flavorful baby back ribs prepared in a pressure cooker.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Building Pressure10 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 407kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi

Ingredients

  • 1 rack pork baby back ribs
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 4-6 tablespoon dry rub seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)

Instructions

  • Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs. Cut into 3 to 4 sections, or leave whole.
  • Mix liquid smoke and vinegar then brush on both sides 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 a 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 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.
  • When finished cooking, quick-release pressure. 

Browning the Ribs

  • 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).
  • Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.

Video

Notes

  • 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. I recommend heating it first in a small saucepan. If you like it extra smoky, stir 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke into the sauce.
  • My favorite side to serve with ribs is potato salad. My Potato Salad with Dill is the bomb, so you might want to serve it on the side!

Nutrition

Serving: 3ribs | Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1571mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 5g