20 Fall off the Bone Ribs Recipes

From smoky slabs to sticky sweet bites, this list brings together every kind of rib recipe you could want—no grill required. Whether you’re using an air fryer, Instant Pot, oven, or slow cooker, these recipes deliver big flavor and fall-apart tenderness. Some lean classic, others take inspiration from Chinese takeout or backyard BBQs, and a few even get creative with unexpected ingredients. No matter the style, there’s a rib recipe here ready to steal the spotlight.

12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)

Cooked spare ribs with a dark glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds, served on a white plate. — 12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

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This popular Chinese dish gets its name from its simple 5-part sauce ratio. The ribs simmer until coated in a glossy, sticky glaze. They’re sweet, tangy, and tender all the way through. Serve with rice and sliced green onions.
Get the Recipe: 12345 Chinese Spare Ribs (For Easy Home Cooking)

Air Fryer BBQ Ribs – Best Dry Rib Rub

These ribs crisp up in the air fryer with a flavorful dry rub that sticks to every bite. The outside gets a slight crust while the inside stays juicy. No need for sauce unless you want it. Great for a quicker take on barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Ribs – Best Dry Rib Rub

Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

A white plate with air-fried country style ribs, garnished with barbecue sauce and parsley. — Air Fryer Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Boneless and thick, these country-style ribs cook fast in the air fryer and still come out tender. The fat renders nicely, leaving behind juicy meat and caramelized edges. Season or sauce as you like. Perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

Air Fryer Short Ribs

Several pieces of seasoned and cooked beef short ribs arranged on a wooden board, with a small bowl of red pepper flakes in the background. — Air Fryer Short Ribs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These ribs go from tough to tender in under an hour with the help of the air fryer. A good marinade brings out their richness, while the air fryer gives a slight char. The result is deep flavor with crispy bits around the edges. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Ribs

Baby Back Ribs

These classic ribs are known for their curved bones and tender meat. Whether oven-roasted or grilled, they take on rubs and sauces beautifully. They’re meaty without being too fatty. A true go-to for rib lovers.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs

BBQ Lamb Ribs

A bolder option than pork, lamb ribs bring deep, savory flavor that stands up to strong rubs and sauces. They cook low and slow to keep the meat tender. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last stretch. Great for switching up your grill game.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Lamb Ribs

Beer Braised Short Ribs

These short ribs simmer in beer for hours until the meat is soft and the sauce is thick. The beer adds richness and a slight bitterness that balances out the fat. Best served over mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. A comfort food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Short Ribs

Braised Short Ribs

Red wine or broth gives these ribs their deep, savory flavor after hours of slow cooking. The meat falls apart with a fork, and the sauce turns silky and rich. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly low effort. Serve it over polenta or risotto.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Homemade Chinese spare ribs with broccoli and rice on a white plate. — Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A takeout favorite you can make at home, these ribs are sliced thin and coated in a sweet red glaze. The flavor is slightly smoky, sweet, and salty. Best roasted until the edges are caramelized. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Fall off the Bone Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs

Pineapple juice and soy sauce give these ribs a tropical, sweet-salty flavor profile. The slow cooker does all the work, breaking down the meat until it’s soft and tender. A touch of garlic and ginger brings balance. Finish under the broiler for a sticky glaze.
Get the Recipe: Fall off the Bone Slow Cooker Hawaiian Ribs

Grilled BBQ Short Ribs

These beefy ribs are thick and rich, holding up well to strong rubs and high heat. A quick marinade adds depth, and the grill gives them crispy edges. They’re best seared then finished low and slow. Slice across the grain to serve.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Short Ribs

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Instant Pot Baby Back Rib dipped in barbeque sauce in a glass bowl — Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Pressure cooking makes these ribs fall-off-the-bone tender in a fraction of the time. A dry rub or marinade adds flavor during cooking, and a quick broil finishes the surface. No need to babysit the pot. Perfect for last-minute meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

These beef ribs go from tough to tender in the pressure cooker with zero sugar or grains. The meat stays juicy while the spice rub gives it a bold, smoky taste. Great for low-carb eaters or anyone short on time. Broil after cooking for a crisp edge.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze. — Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These pork ribs cook quickly but still turn out tender and full of flavor. Use your favorite sauce or rub before pressure cooking. The meat pulls away clean from the bone. Finish with a glaze under the broiler or toss on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Crcok Pot Country Style Ribs

Slow cooking turns these thick, boneless ribs into fork-tender meat with almost no effort. They soak up sauce while they cook, becoming juicy and full of flavor. The texture is soft but not mushy. A true comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Crcok Pot Country Style Ribs

Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven

Oven-baked pork ribs with a tasty dry rub seasoning. — Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This oven-baked version relies on a solid dry rub that soaks into the meat as it bakes. Low heat keeps the meat tender while the surface gets a gentle crust. No sauce needed unless you want extra flavor. Great for when the grill’s off-duty.
Get the Recipe: Pork Ribs Dry Rub Recipe Oven

Ribs and Sauerkraut

This classic combo pairs rich pork ribs with tangy sauerkraut for a flavor contrast that just works. The ribs simmer slowly in the kraut until tender. The sharpness of the cabbage balances the fat of the meat. Serve with potatoes or rye bread.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

These boneless ribs get ultra soft in the slow cooker with minimal prep. The meat soaks up whatever sauce or spices you use. It’s easy to make in big batches for a crowd. Serve with mashed potatoes or slaw.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style

Sticky and flavorful Peking-style spare ribs on a plate. — The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These Chinese ribs use a vinegar-based sauce that’s sticky, sweet, and full of flavor. The ribs are fried first, then simmered in the sauce until coated and tender. They’re bold, tangy, and perfect with rice. A great takeout-style dish made at home.
Get the Recipe: The Easiest Peking Spare Ribs (京都排骨): Peking-Style

Unbelievably Good Smoked Baby Back Ribs – Summer BBQ Favourite

These ribs spend hours in a smoker until they’re infused with wood-fired flavor. A dry rub creates a deep bark, while the meat stays juicy inside. They’re tender but still hold their shape. Best served sliced with plenty of napkins.
Get the Recipe: Unbelievably Good Smoked Baby Back Ribs – Summer BBQ Favourite