Air-Fried Pork Ribs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Yes, you can cook pork ribs in an air fryer! In fact, cooking pork ribs in an air fryer is a great option for a quick and easy meal. The cooking time for pork ribs in an air fryer is usually around 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the recipe and the size of your air fryer. Before cooking, you'll need to cut the ribs so they fit into the air fryer basket, and remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to allow the seasonings to absorb better. Then, simply season the ribs with your chosen spices and sauces, preheat the air fryer, and cook according to your recipe instructions.

Air fryer pork ribs cooking time and temperature

Air fryer pork ribs are a quick and easy meal to prepare. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of pork ribs you are cooking and your desired level of doneness.

For pork baby back ribs, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cut the ribs into four equal portions and remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Season the ribs with a dry rub of brown sugar, white sugar, sweet and smoked paprika, granulated garlic, pepper, cumin, onion, and Greek seasoning. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and air fry for another 5 minutes at 400°F.

If you prefer your ribs to be fall-off-the-bone tender, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature. One source suggests cooking the ribs at 300°F for 20 minutes, then increasing the temperature to 400°F and cooking for an additional 10 minutes. Another source recommends cooking the ribs at 325°F for 35 minutes, then increasing the temperature to 400°F and cooking for a further 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 170°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the ribs. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The USDA recommends that pork be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, but for more tender and juicy ribs, you may want to aim for an internal temperature of 190°F to 200°F.

How to season pork ribs for the air fryer

To season pork ribs for the air fryer, you can either use a store-bought seasoning or make your own.

If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought BBQ seasoning and your favourite BBQ sauce. You can also add some Hoisin Sauce for extra flavour.

If you'd prefer to make your own seasoning, you can mix together salt, sugar, smoked paprika, chilli powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also add some Greek seasoning, cumin, onion powder, and mustard powder to the mix. Once you've combined the spices, rub the mixture all over both sides of the ribs.

It's important to preheat your air fryer before cooking the ribs. The ideal temperature for cooking pork ribs is between 325°F and 350°F. Cook the ribs for around 30 minutes, turning them halfway through. After the initial cooking time, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

The best type of pork ribs for the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork ribs, and the best type of pork ribs to use will be the pork baby back ribs. These ribs come from the upper rib cage of the pig and are tender and lean. They are also a good size for the air fryer basket, especially if you cut a full rack in half.

The benefit of using an air fryer is that you can cook the ribs quickly and easily, and they will turn out tender and juicy with a nice crispy texture. You can also use a variety of seasonings and sauces to flavour the ribs, from homemade spice rubs to store-bought BBQ sauce.

When preparing the ribs, you will want to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help the seasonings absorb better. You can then season the ribs with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like, such as garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, or smoked paprika.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the ribs into smaller portions to ensure they fit in the basket. You can then preheat your air fryer to around 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ribs for about 20-30 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

Once the ribs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can brush on your favourite BBQ sauce and return the ribs to the air fryer for another 5 minutes to seal in that flavour.

With these tips and the convenience of an air fryer, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, tender, and juicy pork ribs in no time!

How to reheat air fryer pork ribs

Yes, you can cook pork ribs in an air fryer! The air fryer is a great way to cook pork ribs quickly and easily, achieving a delicious, tender, and juicy result.

Now, if you have leftover pork ribs and want to reheat them in an air fryer, here's a detailed guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature while you preheat the air fryer. If the ribs are frozen, you can also reheat them, but they will take a bit longer. Cut the ribs into portions if needed to fit your air fryer basket.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to the desired temperature. Most sources recommend preheating to around 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). However, some suggest lower temperatures of 270 degrees Fahrenheit for larger ribs.

Step 3: Arrange the Ribs in the Air Fryer

Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper spacing for air circulation. If your air fryer is small, you may need to reheat in batches. If the ribs have sauce on them, consider using a parchment round or silicone liner for easier cleanup.

Step 4: Reheat the Ribs

Place the ribs in the preheated air fryer and cook for 3-7 minutes for fresh or refrigerated ribs, and 10-15 minutes for frozen ribs. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the ribs and your air fryer model. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Baste and Serve

Check if the ribs are heated through and tender. If they need more time, continue cooking in short intervals. Once they're heated to your desired level, baste the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to enhance their moisture and flavor. Finally, remove the ribs from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can add more sauce or garnishes as desired.

Remember, the key to successful reheating is monitoring the ribs closely to prevent overcooking and drying out. Enjoy your tender and juicy air-fried pork ribs!

How to cut pork ribs to fit in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook pork ribs in an air fryer! The benefit of cooking ribs in an air fryer is that they cook quickly and easily.

The best ribs for the air fryer are Baby Back Ribs as they are tender and lean, coming from the upper ribcage of the pig. If you are using Baby Back Ribs, cut a full rack of pork ribs in half to fit into the air fryer basket.

If you have a bigger air fryer, you may not need to cut the ribs at all. You can put them in the air fryer with as little overlap as possible. They can touch, but they shouldn't cover each other up, and they can go up the sides of the basket a bit if needed.

If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cut the rack into three or four equal parts to fit in the basket.

If you are cooking a large number of ribs, you may need to cut them up and cook them in batches.

Frequently asked questions