Air-Fryer Rib Tips: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare this dish. While grilled ribs can take over an hour to cook, an air fryer can deliver tender, juicy ribs in just 45 minutes. The best ribs for the air fryer are Baby Back Ribs, but rib tips can also be cooked in an air fryer.

Seasoning and prep

Trimming and Prepping the Rib Tips:

Start by trimming your rib tips if you have a rack of spare ribs. Rib tips are the result of trimming a rack of pork ribs and typically include small pieces of bone and cartilage, making them fun to nibble on. You can also purchase rib tips that are already cut into little ribs at your local butcher or grocery store.

Choosing the Right Ribs:

For air fryer rib tips, it's best to choose Baby Back Ribs. These ribs are tender and lean, coming from the upper ribcage of the pig. They are also less likely to dry out in the air fryer compared to St. Louis Style Ribs, which have darker pork meat that benefits from slower cooking methods.

Seasoning and Marinade Options:

The key to flavorful rib tips is in the seasoning and marinade. You can go with a dry rub or a wet marinade, depending on your preference.

Dry Rub:

For a dry rub, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix these ingredients well, and then generously apply the rub to both sides of the rib tips. Massage the rub into the meat to ensure maximum flavor.

Wet Marinade:

If you prefer a wet marinade, you can use a combination of your favorite BBQ sauce with some of the dry rub ingredients. Mix the BBQ sauce with a small amount of brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Apply this marinade to the rib tips and let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.

Wrapping and Chilling:

Once the rib tips are seasoned or marinated, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. This step helps to hold in the moisture and flavors. Place the wrapped rib tips on a pan and chill them in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours or overnight. This chilling process allows the seasonings or marinade to penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavorful rib tips.

Pre-Cooking Preparation:

When you're ready to cook, remove the rib tips from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for a bit. Unwrap the foil and pat the rib tips dry with a paper towel. This step helps the rib tips develop a nice crispy exterior in the air fryer. At this point, you can also apply another layer of dry rub or marinade if desired.

Now, your rib tips are seasoned and prepped, and ready for the air fryer! Remember to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking, and follow the cooking instructions provided in the next steps.

Cooking time and temperature

Cooking rib tips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty appetizer or a hearty meal. The cooking time and temperature for air fryer rib tips can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer being used. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked rib tips:

Firstly, it is important to note that rib tips are typically smaller than regular ribs, so the cooking time will be reduced. The temperature can be maintained or slightly adjusted, depending on your preference for doneness.

Start by seasoning your rib tips with a dry rub or marinade of your choice. You can use a store-bought option or make your own by mixing spices such as brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, and pepper. Ensure the rib tips are well-coated and then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Now, you can set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time. Some recipes suggest cooking rib tips at a steady medium-high temperature of around 380°F for about 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the ribs, apply your BBQ sauce, and return them to the air fryer for an additional 5-10 minutes at 400°F to finish cooking and add a nice char.

Alternatively, for a slower cooking process that may result in more tender rib tips, you can cook them at 325°F for 35 minutes. Then, you have the option to turn them over and reduce the temperature to 300°F for an additional 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them during this step to ensure they don't darken too much. Finally, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for a further 10 minutes to finish.

For well-done rib tips, you may want to aim for an internal temperature of around 170°F to 203°F. Using a meat thermometer can help you monitor this. If your rib tips are not ready after the suggested cooking time, you can always return them to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes or so until they are cooked to your liking.

Remember, the cooking time and temperature can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and the specific air fryer you are using. With a little experimentation, you'll be able to perfect the cooking process and enjoy delicious, tender, and juicy rib tips straight from your air fryer!

Finishing off in the air fryer

Once the ribs are cooked, you can finish them off in the air fryer to get a nice char on them. This can be done by brushing the ribs with BBQ sauce and placing them in the air fryer for a few minutes. You can then turn the ribs over and cook for a couple of minutes more. This will give the ribs a caramelized char on the outside, adding to their flavour and texture.

If you are using an air fryer with racks, you may need to rotate the ribs between the racks halfway through to ensure even cooking. It is also important to ensure that the ribs are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to prevent overcrowding and promote even cooking.

If you prefer your ribs to be well-done, you can check the internal temperature with a pen-style thermometer. The ideal temperature for well-done ribs is 170°F.

You can also reheat leftover ribs in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are heated through. This is a great way to enjoy tender and juicy ribs without having to use the oven or grill.

Air fryer ribs are a quick, tasty, and fuss-free option that can be ready in less than 45 minutes. They are perfect for a hearty meal or as an appetizer for any gathering.

Reheating in the air fryer

The air fryer is a great appliance to reheat your leftovers. It is known to surpass other methods when it comes to taste, speed, texture, and ease. It is also great for reheating frozen food. The hot air circulated by the air fryer reaches all surfaces of the food, ensuring quicker and more even cooking.

An easy rule of thumb is that any type of food you can cook in an air fryer, you can also reheat. This includes pizza, French fries, fried snacks like onion rings and chicken nuggets, chicken, steak, burgers, and roasted or air-fried vegetables.

However, there are some exceptions. It is not recommended to reheat leafy greens like spinach or arugula in the air fryer as they can start flying around and land on the heating vents. Similarly, whole roasts like roast beef or chicken are not ideal for reheating in the air fryer. They should be sliced first and then reheated, just like a regular steak. Cheese without a coating should also be avoided as it will melt and drip through the basket. Soups and stews can technically be reheated in an air fryer-safe bowl, but the benefits of using an air fryer are lost in this case.

Some tips for reheating in the air fryer include setting the temperature to 350 and checking the food periodically to ensure it doesn't overheat. For thicker foods, it is recommended to microwave them for 20 seconds before putting them in the air fryer to ensure even heating. Using a toaster oven is another alternative for reheating food, especially for foods with a more consistent texture throughout.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer rib tips can be served as a tasty appetizer or a hearty meal. They are perfect for a cookout or any gathering. You can cut them into pieces and skewer them with toothpicks, serving them alongside other snacks like cheese fries, roasted poblano peppers, or mozzarella bites.

For a full meal, you can serve the rib tips with classic sides like red potatoes, corn on the cob, and grilled balsamic zucchini slices. For a complete barbecue experience, you can also serve them with corn on the cob and potato salad.

If you have any leftover rib tips, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to enjoy them again. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to two months.

Air fryer rib tips are a delicious and convenient option, perfect for a quick and easy meal or appetizer that is sure to satisfy your barbecue cravings.

Frequently asked questions