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

Yes, you can cook ribs in an air fryer! This method of cooking ribs is quick, easy, and fuss-free. The circulating hot air in the air fryer creates a crispy exterior, which is difficult to achieve in a traditional oven.

The cooking time will depend on the type of ribs you are using and your desired level of doneness. For example, baby back ribs will take less time than spare ribs, and beef ribs will take longer than pork ribs.

Ingredients:

- 1 rack of baby back pork ribs

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavouring

- 1 tablespoon brown sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

- 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder

Instructions:

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. Cut the rack into 4 pieces.

3. Mix olive oil and liquid smoke in a small bowl and rub the mixture on both sides of the ribs.

4. Combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chilli powder in a bowl. Generously season both sides of the ribs with the seasoning mix.

5. Let the ribs rest for 30 minutes to enhance the flavour.

6. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.

7. Place the ribs bone-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches.

8. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip the ribs over and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

9. Remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush the bone-side with BBQ sauce.

10. Place the ribs back in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.

11. Flip the ribs over, brush the meat side with BBQ sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until your desired level of char is achieved.

How to prep ribs for the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook ribs with minimal fuss and in a short amount of time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prep ribs for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Firstly, you will need to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. You can do this by slicing off a small corner of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Cut the Ribs

Cut the rack of ribs into 3 or 4 even pieces. This will help the ribs fit into the air fryer and ensure they cook evenly.

Step 3: Marinate and Season

Brush the ribs with a thin coating of yellow mustard or olive oil. You can also add liquid smoke to the olive oil for extra flavour. You can then add your choice of seasoning or dry rub. This could be a BBQ seasoning or a mixture of spices such as brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and chilli powder. Make sure to season both sides of the ribs generously. For extra flavour, you can leave the ribs to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F. This will ensure the ribs start cooking at the ideal temperature.

Step 5: Cook the Ribs

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook the ribs in batches. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip the ribs and cook for another 10-15 minutes. If you are cooking in batches, you can then add all the ribs back into the air fryer at the same time for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with BBQ sauce. You can then place the ribs back in the air fryer, bone-side down, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving. You can add more BBQ sauce if you like your ribs saucy. Enjoy!

The best temperature to cook ribs in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook ribs in an air fryer!

To make juicy, tender ribs in an air fryer, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 380°F.

Step 1: Prepare the ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Cut the rack into three or four equal parts. Dry the ribs with a paper towel.

Step 2: Season the ribs

Combine your chosen seasonings in a bowl and mix well. Generously season the ribs all over on both sides.

Step 3: Air fry

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching; cook in batches if necessary. If you're concerned about your air fryer smoking, you can add a small amount of water to the bottom of the basket to disperse grease. Air fry for 25 to 45 minutes, turning the ribs over halfway through.

Step 4: Add sauce and cook again

Once the initial cooking time is up, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with barbecue sauce. Place the ribs back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Allow the ribs to rest for several minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How long to cook ribs in an air fryer

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a simple way to get delicious, juicy results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook ribs in an air fryer:

Preparation

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel and remove the membrane (also called silver skin) from the underside of the ribs. Cut the rack into three or four equal portions.

Seasoning

Brush the ribs with a thin coating of yellow mustard, olive oil, or liquid smoke. You can also add a dry rub of spices such as brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or mustard powder. Make sure to season both sides of the ribs generously.

Cooking

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, bone-side down, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook the ribs in batches.

Cook the ribs for 15 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush the bone-side with BBQ sauce. Place the ribs back in the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes.

Final Steps

Flip the ribs over, brush the meat side with BBQ sauce, and cook for a final 3-5 minutes, or until the desired level of char is achieved. The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 180-203°F.

Tips

• It is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the ribs.
• For tender ribs, do not cook them for longer than the recommended time. Once they reach an internal temperature of 190°F, they will start to dry out.
• To prevent smoking, add a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to catch the dripping grease.
• For fall-off-the-bone ribs, consider using a different cooking method, such as oven-baking or smoking.

Enjoy your delicious, juicy air fryer ribs!

How to prevent ribs from sticking to the air fryer basket

Yes, you can cook ribs in an air fryer! Here are some tips on how to prevent ribs from sticking to the air fryer basket:

Choose the right oil

Avoid using oils with a low smoke point, such as olive oil, as these can break down at high temperatures and leave a sticky residue on the basket. Opt for oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in preventing food from sticking. By preheating, you allow the air fryer to reach its optimal cooking temperature, which can help create a non-stick surface on the basket.

Avoid overcrowding the basket

Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow hot air to circulate properly and cook the ribs evenly. If needed, cook the ribs in batches.

Flip or shake the basket during cooking

During the cooking process, flipping or shaking the basket can help prevent food from sticking. This allows the food to cook evenly on all sides and prevents it from becoming stuck to the basket.

Clean the basket properly

Properly cleaning your air fryer basket is essential for maintaining its non-stick properties. If food particles are left on the basket, they can burn and adhere to the surface, making it more difficult to prevent sticking in the future. To clean the basket, remove it from the air fryer, let it cool, then gently scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge and mild dish soap.

Use parchment paper

If you're still having trouble with food sticking, try using parchment paper. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the basket and place it on top before adding your food. The parchment paper acts as a barrier between the food and the basket, preventing sticking and making cleanup easier.

Use a small amount of oil

Cooking without any oil may sound appealing, but fat promotes browning and can help food crisp up. It also makes it less likely to stick. Dry the ribs, then rub them with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

How to reheat ribs

Reheating ribs in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy them without overcooking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat ribs in an air fryer:

Preparation

Firstly, remove the leftover ribs from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. If your ribs appear dry, you can spritz them with a liquid such as apple juice, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or water.

Reheating

Preheat your air fryer to between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Reheat for 3 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips

• Cut the ribs into individual pieces before reheating to ensure they cook evenly and prevent drying out.
• Only reheat the ribs for a few minutes to avoid drying out and becoming tough.
• Serve the ribs immediately after reheating for the best taste and texture.
• If you are reheating sauced ribs, use a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.

Frequently asked questions