Fall-off-the-Bone Instant Pot Ribs

4.7
(113)

These Instant Pot ribs are seasoned with a delicious spice mix and cooked with apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce. They're fall-off-the-bone delicious and ready in under an hour from start to finish. I've had zero complaints about these sweet and spicy ribs from my family of seven, so that's a win for me!

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Close up on a cutting board of sliced instant pot ribs with sauce on the side.
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
2 racks of ribs
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 2 teaspoons onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 2 small or medium racks baby back ribs, membranes removed

  • 1 cup water

  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1 (12 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray's)

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    All ingredients gathered to make instant pot ribs.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Mix brown sugar, chili powder, parsley, salt, garlic powder, pepper, cumin, onion powder, and paprika together in a bowl using a fork, breaking up any large clumps.

    All spice mixture seasonings mixed together in a bowl.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Rub spice mixture over both sides of ribs.

    Spice mixture rubbed over both sides of the ribs.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Place a steam rack inside a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot). Pour water and cider vinegar into the bottom of the pot.

    Water and cider vinegar poured into the bottom of the instant pot.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Lower ribs into the pot by curving them around the edge. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set the timer for 25 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

    Ribs lowered into the instant pot and curving them around the edge.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

    Ribs after cooking in the pressure cooker.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; place ribs on the foil. Top with barbecue sauce.

    Ribs, topped with barbecue sauce, placed on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

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  8. Broil ribs until sauce is bubbling, about 3 minutes.

    Ribs broiled until sauce is bubbling.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  9. Serve and enjoy!

    saucy instant pot ribs served on a cutting board

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

From the Editor

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of barbecue sauce. The actual amount consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

415 Calories
23g Fat
33g Carbs
19g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 415
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 8g 42%
Cholesterol 88mg 29%
Sodium 1175mg 51%
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 25g
Protein 19g 38%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 76mg 6%
Iron 3mg 14%
Potassium 469mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.