When cooler weather sets in, there’s something incredibly comforting about slow-simmered meats with warm spices—and nothing delivers that cozy, home-cooked vibe quite like Apple Cider Instant Pot Ribs with Clove. This recipe blends the natural sweetness of apple cider with the deep, aromatic complexity of clove, transforming your typical rib dinner into a festive, flavorful experience. Whether you're team pork or beef, this dish works beautifully with both, but we’ve honed in on tender, bone-in pork ribs pressure cooked to perfection. If you're hunting for the best instant pot recipe to impress at dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this one's a winner.
Apple Cider Instant Pot Ribs with Clove
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 hearty portions
Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker Essential for this ribs in instant pot how to cook guide.
Trivet or steamer basket Keeps the ribs elevated above the liquid, essential for even cooking.
Tongs For easy maneuvering of the ribs in and out of the pot.
Measuring cups and spoons Precision matters for spices.
Broiler or oven Optional but recommended for caramelizing the glaze.
Basting brush To slather on the final layer of sauce.
- 3 lbs bone-in pork ribs baby back or spare ribs work great; boneless pork ribs instant pot style can also be used
- 2 cups apple cider not vinegar—go for the sweet kind found in fall markets
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce choose a thick, smoky style
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard adds depth to the glaze
Prep the Ribs
Start by rinsing the ribs and patting them dry. If your ribs still have the silver skin on the back, remove it by sliding a knife underneath and peeling it away—it helps make the ribs more tender.
Rub in the Flavor
Mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne in a bowl. Generously rub this spice blend all over the ribs, coating every nook and cranny. Let them rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Build the Pressure Cooker Base
Pour the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cloves into the Instant Pot. Set the trivet inside and carefully coil the ribs around it, bone side in. This allows for even cooking and easy removal.
Pressure Cook the Ribs
Secure the lid, set the valve to "Sealing," and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 30 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Whether you're working with instant pot beef ribs bone in or instant pot pork ribs bone in, this timing gives you that fall-off-the-bone texture. This is what makes this one of the best instant pot meals you’ll return to again and again.
Make the Glaze
While the ribs are cooking, stir together your barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish Under the Broiler
Once the ribs are done, transfer them to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with the glaze and broil on high for 3–5 minutes, watching closely. The sugar in the glaze will caramelize and give the ribs that irresistible sticky, glossy finish.
Perfect Pairings
These clove-scented apple cider ribs are rich and slightly sweet, so they pair beautifully with:
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy texture and tanginess cut through the richness.
- Cornbread or Corn Pudding: Adds a southern charm to your meal.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Earthy flavors of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are fall-friendly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Because gravy and ribs are best friends.
- Cider Sangria or Spiced Apple Mocktail: A drink that mirrors the warm apple profile of the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless ribs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork ribs instant pot style will still yield tender, juicy results. However, bone-in ribs tend to have deeper flavor and retain more moisture. If using boneless, reduce pressure cook time to 25 minutes.
2. What kind of ribs are best: pork or beef?
Both work! For this recipe, we focused on instant pot pork ribs recipe style, but if you're in the mood for richer flavor, instant pot beef ribs bone in are a great substitute—just increase the cook time to 40 minutes.
3. Is it okay to use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider?
No, they’re not the same. Apple cider is sweet and fruity, while the vinegar is acidic. Use the real, sweet apple cider for this instant pot ribs recipe, then add a little vinegar for balance.
4. Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the ribs and refrigerate them (without broiling). When you're ready to serve, reheat, glaze, and broil. It makes excellent leftovers and is one of those instant pot ideas perfect for meal prep.
5. Can I adapt this for a slow cooker?
Yes! Place the seasoned ribs and liquids in your crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Finish under the broiler just like with the pressure cooker ribs. It’s an excellent addition to your slow cooker recipes and chicken crockpot recipes lineup (if you ever want to swap in a different protein like thighs).
