Air-Fried Ribs: A Quick, Crispy, And Delicious Treat

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender results. With an air fryer, you can enjoy succulent ribs without the fuss of grilling or smoking. Air fryer ribs are also healthier than fried or baked ribs, as they don't require excessive amounts of oil or butter. The cooking time for air fryer ribs varies depending on the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of doneness, but they typically take between 30 to 60 minutes to cook.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your appliance is hot enough to cook the ribs effectively, so don't skip it! The only exception to this rule is if you are using a basket-style air fryer, which does not require preheating.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set it to the desired temperature. The temperature you choose will depend on the type of ribs you are cooking and whether you are cooking or reheating them. For cooking ribs, a temperature of 350°F is recommended. For reheating ribs, a temperature of 270°F is suggested, although some sources recommend 380°F.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to keep in mind the size of your appliance. If you are using a smaller air fryer, the cooking time may be longer. On the other hand, if you are using an oven-style air fryer, the cooking time may be shorter. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the internal temperature of your air fryer to ensure that it reaches the desired temperature before adding your ribs.

While preheating your air fryer, you can prepare your ribs by seasoning them or coating them with a dry rub. This will ensure that they are ready to go as soon as your air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Cut and season the ribs

To cut the ribs, lay them flat with the back side facing up. Using a sharp knife, cut next to the rib, between each rib, ensuring each cut has plenty of meat on the bone. You may need to cut the rack of ribs in half to fit into the air fryer basket.

Before seasoning the ribs, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning adhere to the meat and make the ribs crispy.

You can use a store-bought or homemade spice rub. A basic dry rub can be made using salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and mustard. You can also add liquid smoke to the dry rub for extra flavour. Cover both sides of the ribs with the spice rub.

For a deeper flavour, marinate the ribs with the spice rub for at least two hours or overnight in the refrigerator before air frying. This will allow the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavourful dish.

Cook ribs for 20-25 minutes

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a great way to get delicious, juicy, and tender results without the fuss of a grill or smoker. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking ribs in an air fryer for 20-25 minutes:

Preparation:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest preheating temperatures ranging from 350°F to 380°F (195°C). It's important to refer to your air fryer's instructions for the optimal preheating temperature. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your ribs. Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs, also known as the silver skin. This can be done by slicing off a small part of the membrane and then pulling it off with a paper towel. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning adhere better to the ribs.

Seasoning:

Now it's time to season your ribs. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt and pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard, or even a BBQ seasoning mix. You can also brush the ribs with a thin coating of yellow mustard before applying the seasoning for extra flavor. Be generous with the seasoning and apply it to both sides of the ribs. Some recipes suggest letting the ribs sit for about 30 minutes after seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Cooking:

Once your ribs are seasoned and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the ribs. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping too much. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ribs in batches. Set the timer for 20-25 minutes. During this time, you may want to flip the ribs once or twice to ensure even cooking.

Finishing Touches:

After 20-25 minutes, your ribs should be cooked to a nice, juicy, and tender texture. However, to add the perfect finishing touch, brush your favorite BBQ sauce onto the ribs. You can be generous with the sauce, ensuring both sides of the ribs are coated. Place the ribs back in the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes at a higher temperature of 400°F. This final step will help caramelize the sauce and give your ribs a delicious, crispy texture.

Serving:

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the ribs are tender and juicy. Serve the ribs with extra BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy the delicious, fall-off-the-bone goodness!

Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size, thickness, and power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on your ribs to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Brush ribs with sauce and cook for 5-10 minutes

After cooking your ribs in the air fryer for 35 minutes at 325°F, remove them from the basket and brush them with your chosen barbecue sauce. You can either mix the sauce with 2 tablespoons of water or not, depending on your preference. Place the ribs back into the air fryer basket, bone side down, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

Some recipes suggest cooking the ribs for 20 minutes, flipping them over, and then cooking for an additional 10 minutes at 380°F before brushing with sauce. After brushing the ribs with sauce, return them to the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes at 400°F.

The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 170°F to 195-200°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Rest and serve

Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a sheet tray. You can then brush the ribs with barbecue sauce. Place the ribs, bone side down, back into the air fryer, ensuring they are not touching. You will need to do this in batches. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the barbecue sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. You can cover them with more barbecue sauce if you like your ribs saucy.

The ribs can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven by placing them in a foil packet with a splash of water and heating until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the air fryer, as the barbecue sauce will burn.

Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to four days. To freeze, wrap the ribs tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to preserve their moisture and flavour. Put them in a sealed bag and store them in the freezer for up to two or three months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them in the oven or air fryer.

Frequently asked questions