Dinner

Quick Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs Recipe

ByHailey Reed October 25, 2025October 25, 2025

Introduction

These quick Instant Pot baby back ribs are tender, flavorful, and ready in a fraction of the time it usually takes. The combination of smoky spices and a tangy BBQ finish makes them a weeknight favorite that everyone will love.

The image shows a white oval plate filled with about a dozen pieces of barbecued ribs, each coated with a shiny, rich reddish-brown barbecue sauce. The ribs have a slightly charred texture, adding a mix of darker brown and black along the edges. Bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled over the ribs, adding a pop of color and freshness. A gold and black fork is placed on the right side of the plate, piercing one rib. The plate sits on a clean white marbled surface, next to a small white bowl with a thick dark reddish barbecue sauce inside. Part of a white cloth napkin is visible near the bottom right corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 ½ tablespoons sea salt
2 racks baby back ribs (or spare ribs, see notes)
1 cup water
½ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the ribs and pat them dry. Remove the thin membrane on the back by sliding a butter knife beneath it, then gripping it with a paper towel and pulling it away. Discard the membrane.
Step 2: Combine the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and sea salt in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix generously all over the ribs, covering all sides.
Step 3: Place the trivet or rack inside a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. Pour in the water, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke. If you don’t have a rack, create one by rolling aluminum foil to elevate the ribs.
Step 4: Place the ribs on the rack, cover, and seal the Instant Pot. Cook baby back ribs on high pressure for 25 minutes (reduce to 22 minutes for a single rack that is very meaty). Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then release the remaining pressure manually. For spare ribs, cook on high pressure for 35 minutes and allow a full natural pressure release of about 15 minutes.
Step 5: While ribs cook, preheat the oven broiler and position the rack in the third row from the top. Line a baking sheet with foil. Transfer ribs to the sheet and brush liberally with BBQ sauce.
Step 6: Broil the ribs for about 2 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes. Remove from the oven, slice between each rib, and serve with extra sauce. These ribs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes and cabbage slaw.

Tips & Variations

For even more smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce before broiling.
If you prefer spicier ribs, add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to the rub mixture.
Spare ribs require a longer cook time but deliver a richer, fattier taste; adjust accordingly for your preference.
Removing the membrane ensures more tender ribs and better absorption of the rub.

Storage

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the meat.

How to Serve

An oval white plate holds about a dozen glazed BBQ ribs stacked in layers, each rib coated in a shiny red-brown sauce, showing a mix of tender meat and bone. The ribs have a slightly charred texture on some parts, adding a rustic feel. Small green chopped herbs are sprinkled evenly across the ribs, adding bright green contrast. A small white bowl filled with thick dark reddish-brown BBQ sauce sits to the lower left on a white marbled surface. A gold fork with a black handle is piercing one rib on the right side of the plate. A soft white cloth is lightly visible in the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?

Yes, spare ribs work well but require a longer cooking time in the Instant Pot—about 35 minutes with a full natural pressure release for the best texture.

Do I need a trivet or rack in the Instant Pot?

Yes, elevating the ribs above the liquid prevents them from steaming directly in the water and helps them cook evenly. If you don’t have a trivet, create a makeshift rack with rolled aluminum foil.