Ninja Foodi pork spare ribs are one of the easiest ways to get tender, juicy ribs at home without using a grill or waiting all day. This method uses the pressure cooker to make the ribs incredibly soft and then finishes them under the broiler for that sticky BBQ-style texture everyone loves.
This is one of those recipes that looks impressive on the plate but is actually very hands-off. If you love ribs but don’t love complicated cooking, this Ninja Foodi method is hard to beat.
Why Make Pork Ribs In The Ninja Foodi
The Ninja Foodi is perfect for ribs because it combines pressure cooking and broiling in one appliance. Pressure cooking breaks down the connective tissue in spare ribs quickly, which is what gives them that tender texture. Broiling at the end adds caramelization and that classic BBQ finish.
Another bonus is how flexible this recipe is. You can cook the ribs until they’re tender but still holding together, or go for true fall-off-the-bone ribs just by adjusting the pressure cook time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients for these ribs:
- Pork spare ribs
- Traeger pork seasoning
- BBQ sauce
That’s it. No marinade, no long prep, and no complicated ingredient list.
How To Cook Pork Spare Ribs In The Ninja Foodi
Start by patting the ribs dry with paper towels. Season them generously on all sides with Traeger pork seasoning. Ribs can handle a lot of seasoning, so don’t be shy.
Place the ribs into the Ninja Foodi pot. If the rack is too large, you can cut it in half or curl it around the inside of the pot.
Close the lid and set the Ninja Foodi to Pressure Cook on High for 30 minutes.
Once the cooking time is finished, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. This step helps keep the ribs juicy and tender. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
If you want very soft, fall-off-the-bone ribs, pressure cook them for 40 minutes instead of 30. This is my preferred option when I want ultra-tender ribs.
Carefully remove the ribs from the cooker using tongs. They will be very tender, so support them from underneath to keep them from falling apart.
Brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce on all sides. Place them on the Ninja Foodi rack or a broil-safe tray.
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Switch the Ninja Foodi to Broil and cook until the sauce is bubbly, sticky, and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them during this step, as BBQ sauce can burn quickly. Or you can alway apply sauce after broiling.
If you cook the whole rack at the time, try broiling it in the oven instead.
30 Minutes vs 40 Minutes Pressure Cook
Both cooking times work well, but the texture will be different.
- 30 minutes pressure cook
The ribs are tender, juicy, and still hold together nicely. - 40 minutes pressure cook
The ribs are very soft and fall off the bone easily.
Choose the option that matches how you like your ribs.
Texture And Flavor
These Ninja Foodi pork spare ribs turn out juicy on the inside with a sticky, flavorful outside. The Traeger pork seasoning adds a savory base, and the BBQ sauce gives sweetness and depth.
Because the ribs are pressure cooked first, they stay moist even after broiling. You get the classic rib texture without worrying about drying them out.
Tips For Best Results
- Handle the ribs carefully after pressure cooking — they’re very tender
- Use a thicker BBQ sauce for better caramelization
- Don’t skip the natural pressure release
- If your ribs are extra meaty, go with the 40-minute cook time
What To Serve With Pork Spare Ribs
These ribs pair well with simple sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. They’re also great with roasted vegetables or corn on the cob.
More Ninja Foodi Recipes To Try
If you enjoy cooking with your Ninja Foodi, you may also like:
These recipes are great for building out your Ninja Foodi recipe collection.
Ninja Foodi pork ribs are one of those recipes that make the appliance worth owning. Minimal ingredients, simple steps, and consistently great results. Whether you like ribs that hold together or fall completely off the bone, this method delivers every time.
If you want ribs without the grill, without long oven cooking, and without complicated prep, this Ninja Foodi recipe is a solid go-to.
Recipe
Ninja Foodi spork ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack pork spare ribs
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoon Traeger pork seasoning or use your favorite seasoning
Instructions
- Add 1 cup water to the Ninja Foodi pot. Add trivet.
- Pat pork spare ribs dry and season generously on all sides with Traeger pork seasoning.
- Place ribs into the Ninja Foodi pot. Cut the rack in half or curl the ribs if needed to fit.
- Close the lid and set to Pressure Cook (High) for 30 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- For extra tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, pressure cook for 40 minutes instead of 30.
- Carefully remove ribs from the cooker and place them on the Ninja Foodi rack or a broil-safe tray.
- Brush ribs generously with BBQ sauce on all sides. Sauce could be added after broiling as well.
- Select Broil and cook until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
Notes
- Ribs will be very tender after pressure cooking; handle carefully when removing.
- Cooking time may vary depending on rib thickness.
- Do not skip the natural pressure release for best texture.
- Broiling can also be done in the oven on high broil until the BBQ sauce is caramelized.
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