Pork ribs cooking times
How long to cook pork ribs: 2½–3 hours in the oven at 150°C (130°C fan), 6–8 hours in a slow cooker, 25–30 min in a pressure cooker and 25–30 min in an air fryer at 190°C. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook pork ribs
Times are for 1–1.5 kg rack of baby back ribs, for 2–3.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 2½–3 hours | 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2 | Wrapped tightly in foil, then unwrap, brush with sauce and give them 15 minutes at 200°C. |
| Slow cooker | 6–8 hours | on low | Cut to fit; finish under the grill with sauce. |
| Pressure cooker | 25–30 min | on high pressure | With 250 ml liquid; natural release, then glaze under the grill. |
| Air fryer | 25–30 min | 190°C (375°F) | Cut into sections; turn halfway and add sauce for the last 5 minutes. |
| Barbecue | 4–5 hours | over indirect heat at 110–120°C (225–250°F), lid down | Low and slow; sauce for the last 30 minutes. |
Before you start
Pull off the thin membrane on the back of the rack. Rub with spices.
How to tell it’s done
Tender, with the meat pulling back from the ends of the bones and coming away easily.
Food safety: Pork is safe at 63°C (145°F) with a 3-minute rest (USDA); for no pink at all, take it to 70°C (160°F).
Questions
How long to cook pork ribs in the oven?
2½–3 hours at 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2. Wrapped tightly in foil, then unwrap, brush with sauce and give them 15 minutes at 200°C.
How long to cook pork ribs in a slow cooker?
6–8 hours on low. Cut to fit; finish under the grill with sauce.
How long to cook pork ribs in a pressure cooker?
25–30 min on high pressure. With 250 ml liquid; natural release, then glaze under the grill.
How long to cook pork ribs in an air fryer?
25–30 min at 190°C (375°F). Cut into sections; turn halfway and add sauce for the last 5 minutes.
How long to barbecue pork ribs?
4–5 hours over indirect heat at 110–120°C (225–250°F), lid down. Low and slow; sauce for the last 30 minutes.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.