Air-Fried Baby Back Ribs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it seems like you can make almost anything in them these days. They are a great option for cooking baby back ribs, which are smaller and leaner with meatier bones and a quicker cooking time. The air fryer gives the ribs a beautiful crust on the outside while the inside cooks to tender perfection. They are also healthier than traditionally fried ribs, as they require less oil. You can cook baby back ribs in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, making them a quick and easy weeknight dinner option.

How to prep the ribs

Preparing baby back ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The first step is to peel the silverskin membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by slicing off a small piece of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off. If your butcher has not already done so, you may need to remove the membrane with your hands while wearing rubber gloves. Next, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the ribs.

Once the ribs are dry, it's time to season them. You can use a variety of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or mustard powder. Combine the spices in a small bowl and then rub the mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. You can also wrap the ribs in tin foil before seasoning to contain the mess and prevent sticking. Let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.

After the ribs have rested, it's time to cut the rack into sections that will fit into your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the rack in half or into three or four even pieces. You want to ensure that the ribs fit comfortably in the basket, leaving a little space for airflow. Now, your ribs are prepped and ready for cooking!

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (about 195 degrees Celsius). However, some recipes suggest preheating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) or 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Adjust the temperature setting on your air fryer accordingly.

Preparing the Ribs

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your baby back ribs. Remove any membrane or silverskin from the back of the ribs, as this can impact the final texture and tenderness. Cut the rack of ribs into portions that will fit into your air fryer basket; some recipes suggest cutting it into two halves, while others recommend dividing it into three or four equal pieces.

Seasoning and Marinating

Drizzle oil over the ribs and season them generously with your chosen spices and herbs. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, and chilli powder. You can also try adding soy sauce, ginger, or sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist. If you have time, marinate the ribs in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight to enhance the flavour.

Cooking the Ribs

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have minimal overlap. Set the air fryer temperature to your desired setting, considering the preheat temperature and the desired doneness of the ribs.

Cooking times vary among recipes, but a common method is to cook the ribs for 15 minutes meat-side down, then cook for an additional 10 minutes meat-side up. This initial cooking time ensures the ribs are cooked through.

Glazing and Finishing

Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer and generously brush your desired amount of BBQ sauce onto the ribs. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky glaze.

Resting and Serving

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the ribs are tender and juicy. Finally, serve the ribs with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Please note that cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the doneness you prefer. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach a safe internal temperature of 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (88 to 95 degrees Celsius).

Cooking times

The cooking time for baby back ribs in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired doneness of the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking baby back ribs in an air fryer, along with the cooking times for each step:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 380°F (175°C to 190°C). This step ensures that your air fryer is ready to cook the ribs at the optimal temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs

Remove any membranes or silverskin from the underside of the ribs. This step is important as it helps the ribs cook evenly and improves their texture. Cut the rack of ribs into several portions, typically 2-4 pieces, to ensure they fit properly in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Season the Ribs

Combine a variety of spices, such as brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder, in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated. Some recipes suggest wrapping the ribs in tin foil at this stage.

Step 4: Initial Cook

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, bone-side down, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook the ribs for 12-15 minutes on this side, depending on the desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Flip and Continue Cooking

After the initial cook, flip the ribs so that they are meat-side down. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes. This step ensures that both sides of the ribs are cooked evenly.

Step 6: Brush with BBQ Sauce

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and generously brush them with your favourite BBQ sauce. This step adds flavour and helps create a caramelized exterior.

Step 7: Final Cook

Place the ribs back in the air fryer for the final cook. This step typically lasts for about 5 minutes, allowing the BBQ sauce to bubble and caramelize.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the ribs are tender and juicy. The total cooking time for baby back ribs in an air fryer is typically around 30 minutes, including the initial preparation and seasoning steps.

Sauces and seasonings

There are many different sauces and seasonings that you can use to cook baby back ribs in an air fryer.

Firstly, you can use a dry rub. A dry rub is a mixture of spices that is rubbed onto the surface of the ribs before cooking. This helps to create a flavourful crust on the ribs. Common ingredients in a dry rub for baby back ribs include paprika, garlic powder, salt, brown sugar, chilli powder, pepper, onion powder, oregano, thyme, celery salt, cumin, and mustard powder. You can also add some baking powder to your dry rub, which will help to make your ribs extra crispy.

You can also experiment with different types of mustard in your dry rub. For example, yellow mustard can help the seasoning stick to the ribs without overpowering the other flavours. You can also try dry mustard as a coating after cooking, which will give your ribs a nice kick.

In addition to dry rubs, you can also use wet sauces to flavour your ribs. BBQ sauce is a popular choice and can be brushed onto the ribs during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. You can also mix your BBQ sauce with a little water to thin it out before brushing it onto the ribs. If you're looking for something a little different, you can try an Asian-inspired glaze made with soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. This can be brushed onto the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking. For a sweet and tangy flavour, mix equal parts honey and mustard, add a dash of apple cider vinegar, and brush the mixture over the ribs before and after air frying.

If you're feeling creative, you can also make your own sauce or seasoning blend. You can experiment with different spices and ingredients to find a combination that you like. You can also try using melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan as a flavour twist.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of ribs and cooking methods. Baby back ribs tend to work best in an air fryer, as they are smaller and can fit more easily into the basket. However, you can try cutting up larger ribs, like St Louis-style ribs, to make them fit. You can also try reheating your ribs in the air fryer, but be careful as the sauce may burn.

Reheating and storing

Baby back ribs can be cooked in an air fryer in under an hour, making them a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner.

Leftover baby back ribs can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, they can be kept in the freezer for up to two to three months.

To reheat the ribs, it is recommended to use the air fryer as it is one of the best methods to ensure the ribs remain tender, juicy, and flavorful. The air fryer should be preheated to around 350°F (175°C). The ribs should then be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket with some space around each piece to ensure proper air circulation. The ribs should be reheated for approximately 3-5 minutes, but this may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and the specific air fryer model. It is important to monitor the ribs closely to prevent overcooking or drying out.

For saucy BBQ ribs, it is recommended to add the sauce after reheating the ribs, as adding sauce before reheating may cause a mess and burn the sugars in the sauce.

Additionally, it is recommended to only reheat the amount of ribs you plan to eat and store the rest, as the quality of the meat decreases slightly each time it is reheated.

Frequently asked questions