Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

If you’re dreaming of tender, juicy ribs with a sticky, crave-worthy glaze—all in under an hour—this Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe is for you. With the help of a trusty pressure cooker and a flavor-packed spice rub, you can have impossibly succulent ribs on the table, with hardly any effort and zero guesswork. This one’s genuinely a family favorite, and it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for a backyard barbecue!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe comes down to a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one brings something wonderful—whether it’s smoky depth, sticky sweetness, or irresistible juiciness—to every delicious bite.

• Brown sugar: Gives the spice rub its signature caramel sweetness and helps create a gorgeous crust.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and lovely color to the ribs.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These are the base flavors that seep right into the meat and make every bite pop.
• Chili powder: Brings subtle heat and that classic BBQ warmth; don’t worry, it’s not overwhelmingly spicy.
• Ground cumin & cayenne pepper: Just a hint creates depth and a gentle tingle that rounds out the flavor.
• Black pepper & salt: The dynamic duo that lifts every other spice in the rub.
• Baby back pork ribs: The star of the show! Tender, meaty, and perfect for soaking up all those bold flavors.
• Apple juice: Keeps the ribs juicy and imparts a mild, natural sweetness as they cook.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and helps tenderize the meat, balancing out all the sweet and savory notes.
• BBQ sauce (store-bought): Your favorite brand acts as the foundation for a killer glaze—choose one you love!
• Ketchup & maple syrup: Ketchup brings tang, while maple syrup gives a hint of smoky sweetness to the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the sauce with umami and depth.
• Hot sauce: Adds a gentle kick; adjust to your preferred heat level.
• Ribs cooking liquid: Don’t toss that flavorful Instant Pot juice! It’s the secret to bringing everything together in the sauce.

Variations

One of the absolute joys of this Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you want to cater to spice lovers, play with regional flavors, or need to adapt to what’s in your pantry, these ribs are ready for your creative twist.

• Switch up the rub: Swap smoked paprika for regular, or add dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or even a hint of cinnamon for a new layer of flavor.
• Go sauce-free: Prefer dry ribs? Skip the glaze and finish with just a sprinkle of the reserved spice rub after baking—or drizzle with hot honey for a sticky, thinner finish.
• Make them smoky: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the apple juice before pressure cooking for that authentic backyard BBQ vibe—no smoker needed.
• Low-sugar option: Replace the brown sugar and maple syrup with a sugar substitute or simply reduce the quantity for a lighter, less sweet version.

How to Make Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for your dry rub: brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Give it a good mix—this is the flavor heart of your Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe, and a thorough blend ensures every bite is deliciously seasoned.

Step 2: Prep the Ribs

Rinse your rack of baby back ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. Now, for ultra-tender ribs, use a knife to loosen the thin membrane on the back of the ribs and peel it away—it’ll make a huge difference in texture! Once trimmed, generously coat both sides of the ribs with your spice rub, pressing it in so every nook is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Load and Pressure Cook

Pour the apple juice and apple cider vinegar into the bottom of your Instant Pot, and set the trivet (or a pressure cooker rack) inside. Carefully coil the ribs around the trivet, standing them up so the steam penetrates every inch. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 23 minutes (go for 25 if the ribs are especially meaty). When time’s up, let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick-release the rest of the pressure.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While your ribs are pressure cooking, whip up the BBQ sauce on the stove. Combine your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, ketchup, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a small saucepan. Stir it all together and let it simmer on low, so the flavors meld and thicken—about 15 to 20 minutes. When the ribs are done, ladle out ¼ cup of the cooking liquid and stir it into the sauce; simmer for another five minutes to bring it all together.

Step 5: Broil and Serve

Lift the cooked ribs gently onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush them generously—top and bottom—with your luscious BBQ glaze. Pop them under the broiler for 5 minutes until bubbling and just charred around the edges (watch closely, they go fast). Serve with a dish of extra sauce on the side—get ready for finger-licking smiles all around!

How to Serve Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished ribs with a light shower of sliced green onions, fresh chopped parsley, or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving. These quick touches add sparkle, freshness, and a hint of crunch that play beautifully with the sticky glaze.

Side Dishes

This recipe begs for classic BBQ sides: think creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or smoky baked beans. For something a little lighter, try a crisp cucumber salad or grilled corn on the cob—the sweet and savory combo is unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange ribs on a rustic wooden board with ramekins of extra sauce, or cut them apart and stack high for a finger-food feast. For parties, slice and skewer small sections for easy appetizers that are sure to disappear in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover ribs can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store with a little extra sauce drizzled on top so they stay moist and keep that barbecue flavor fresh.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe! Wrap cooled ribs tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag—freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out—about 15–20 minutes should do the trick. For extra juiciness, brush on a bit more sauce before warming, or heat briefly in the microwave for lunch on the go!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Fall Off the Bone Instant Pot Ribs Recipe—honestly, it’s pure comfort, a little messy, and absolutely satisfying. Whether for weeknight dinners or special weekends, these ribs bring the party to your table every single time. Grab some napkins, gather your favorite people, and dig in!

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