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 without the fuss of a grill or smoker. While the ribs may not be fall-off-the-bone, they will still be very tender, and you'll be able to clean the bone entirely.

Choosing the right ribs

Types of Ribs

When selecting ribs, you have various options, including baby back ribs, spare ribs, or St. Louis-style ribs. Each type has distinct characteristics and flavours. For instance, baby back ribs, which come from the upper rib cage of the pig, are known for being tender and lean. Choose the variety that aligns with your taste preferences.

Freshness and Meat Quantity

Ensure you pick ribs that are fresh and have a generous amount of meat on them. This will ensure a more satisfying dining experience.

Bone-in Ribs

When cooking ribs in an air fryer, opt for ribs with most of the bone still intact. The bone imparts flavour to the meat, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

Size and Thickness

Consider the size and thickness of the ribs, as this will influence the cooking time and temperature. If you're using a smaller air fryer, you might need to cut the ribs into smaller portions to ensure they fit properly.

Marbling

Look for ribs with a good amount of marbling, which refers to the distribution of fat within the meat. Well-marbled ribs will be more flavourful and tender.

Weight

If you're cooking for a larger group, pay attention to the weight of the ribs. A typical serving size for ribs is about 1/2 pound per person.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to select the ideal ribs for your air fryer, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.

Removing the membrane

To remove the membrane, start by slicing off a little corner of it with a knife. Then, use a paper towel to grip the corner and pull the rest of the membrane off. You can also use a knife or paper towel to grip the membrane and peel it away in one swift motion. It is easier to do this by sliding your finger underneath a few inches and slowly pulling up the rest. Once the membrane is removed, pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

Seasoning and saucing

Choosing the Right Ribs

The type of ribs you choose can impact the flavour and tenderness of your dish. Baby back ribs are a popular choice as they are tender, lean, and fit well in most air fryers. Spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs are meatier and larger, requiring longer cooking times and possibly needing to be cut into smaller pieces.

Seasoning

Seasoning your ribs generously is essential for adding flavour. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, cumin, onion powder, and mustard powder. Combining these spices creates a delicious BBQ rub that enhances the taste of the ribs. You can also purchase a pre-made BBQ seasoning blend if you prefer convenience.

Removing the Membrane

Before seasoning, it's important to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively. Use a kitchen knife to lift a small corner of the membrane, then grip it with a paper towel and pull it off.

Marinating (Optional)

For even more flavour, you can marinate your ribs in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight before air frying. This extra time allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more intense flavour.

Saucing

Choosing the right barbecue sauce is crucial to completing your ribs. You can opt for a classic like Sweet Baby Ray's, or make your own. If you're feeling adventurous, try a honey garlic glaze or a Carolina Gold BBQ sauce for a tangy twist. Remember to apply the sauce towards the end of the cooking process to avoid burning.

Timing

The timing of when you apply the sauce is crucial. For the best results, brush the sauce on the ribs during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This ensures the sauce caramelises and adds a glossy finish to your ribs without burning.

Air-frying techniques

Air fryers are a convenient way to make ribs without the fuss of grilling or smoking. Here are some tips and techniques to help you achieve juicy and tender ribs in your air fryer:

Preparation:

First, choose the right type of ribs. Baby back ribs are typically preferred as they are more tender, cook faster, and fit better in most air fryers. If you're using a different type of rib, like St. Louis-style ribs, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they fit in your air fryer.

Before seasoning, use a paper towel to pat the ribs dry and remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by slicing off a small corner of the membrane and then gripping and pulling it off. You can also choose to score the membrane with a few light cuts instead of removing it entirely.

Seasoning:

A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is a good starting point, but you can also add other spices like garlic powder, cayenne, or a BBQ spice rub. Make sure to season generously on both sides of the ribs. You can also marinate the ribs in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper flavour infusion.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the ribs in the air fryer basket with the meat side down. Cook for 20-25 minutes, then flip the ribs over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ribs and your desired level of doneness.

Adding Sauce:

Once the initial cooking time is up, brush your favourite BBQ sauce onto the ribs. Place the ribs back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at a higher temperature, around 400°F (200°C), until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

Resting and Serving:

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can brush on additional BBQ sauce during this time if you prefer your ribs extra saucy. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side and traditional BBQ side dishes like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.

Troubleshooting:

If your air fryer starts to smoke, this is typically due to grease from the ribs dripping onto the bottom of the hot air fryer basket. To prevent this, you can add a small amount of water to the bottom of the basket to catch the grease and prevent smoking.

Additionally, if you prefer your ribs to be fall-off-the-bone tender, you may want to consider a different cooking method, as air-fried ribs tend to have a bit of a tug to them. However, you can still clean the bone entirely, and they will be very tasty!

Reheating and storing

Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and/or aluminium foil and then put them in a freezer bag to be frozen for up to 3 months.

When reheating ribs, it is best to avoid using the air fryer as the barbecue sauce will burn. Instead, you can reheat them in the oven or the microwave. To reheat in the oven, place the ribs in a foil packet with a splash of water and heat until warmed through. To reheat in the microwave, simply heat for 20-30 seconds.

If you are reheating ribs that have been frozen, it is best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently asked questions