Best Pressure Cooker Sticky BBQ Ribs Ever

1. Pour apple cider into an 8-quart multi-functional electric pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) to about 1/2 inch below the rack line. Stir in garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Place rack into pot; heat cider completely. Place ribs on rack.

2. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 27 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a roasting rack.

4. Pour about 2 cups barbecue sauce into a large cup. Add garlic, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Purée with an immersion blender until completely smooth. Stir into remaining barbecue sauce in a large bowl. Set aside until room temperature.

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

6. Remove ribs carefully; drain cooking liquid. Fully submerge each rib into barbecue sauce. Place on roasting rack so they are not touching. Brush extra sauce on top to make them extra sticky.

7. Bake in the preheated oven until sauce is set, 15 to 20 minutes.

Cook's Notes:

You can use chicken stock or water instead of apple cider, but pressure cooking ribs with cider will cause the sweetness of the cider to infuse into the ribs and make them much sweeter and tastier.

Set timer for 23 minutes if cooking a single rack of ribs.

If you don't like a spicy sauce, simply add all the barbecue sauce to a big bowl and let it come to room temperature.

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of cider cooking liquid and barbecue sauce ingredients. The actual amounts consumed will vary.