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

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook ribs, yielding tender and juicy results in under an hour. While air-fried ribs may not be as fall off the bone as oven-baked or smoked ribs, they are still very tasty and can be prepared with minimal fuss and mess. This cooking method is also healthier, as it requires less oil or butter. Additionally, air fryers make it easy to reheat leftover ribs, ensuring they stay tender and cooked through.

Air fryer ribs recipe

Yes, you can cook ribs in an air fryer! The process is simple and yields delicious, juicy results.

Ingredients:

• Your favourite BBQ sauce
• Olive oil
• Liquid smoke
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chilli powder
• Yellow mustard
• BBQ seasoning

Method:

• Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs using a kitchen knife and clean it with a paper towel.
• Cut the rack into three or four equal parts and pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.
• Combine olive oil and liquid smoke in a small bowl and rub onto both sides of the ribs.
• Combine brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chilli powder in a bowl. Generously season both sides of the ribs with the brown sugar mixture and set aside for 30 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 380°F for 5 minutes.
• Brush the ribs all over with 1-2 tablespoons of yellow mustard.
• Rub BBQ seasoning all over the ribs.
• Add 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Arrange the ribs, overlapping into the air fryer, and ensure that you can shut the basket properly. You may need to play around with the ribs to make them fit.
• Cook for 45 minutes to 60 minutes, flipping them around every 15 minutes.
• Take the ribs out of the air fryer and place them on a sheet tray.
• Mix 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons of water. Brush this all over the ribs.
• Place the ribs, bone side down, back into the air fryer, ensuring they are not touching. You will have to do this step in batches.
• Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
• Allow the ribs to rest for several minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can skip the step of mixing BBQ sauce with water if you prefer your sauce thicker.
• You can reheat ribs in the air fryer for several minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Leftover ribs will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• If you are cooking beef ribs, they will be done when they reach an internal temperature of 195°F.
• If you are cooking pork ribs, they will be done when they reach an internal temperature of 195-200°F.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. While some air fryers do not require preheating, it is generally recommended to ensure optimal cooking results. The ideal preheating temperature for your air fryer will depend on the type of ribs you are cooking and your specific air fryer model.

When cooking ribs in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 375-380 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is suitable for cooking various types of ribs, including baby back ribs and St. Louis-style ribs. Preheating the air fryer ensures that the ribs cook evenly and efficiently once placed in the cooking chamber.

If you are reheating leftover ribs, the preheating temperature can be slightly lower, around 270 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature helps prevent the ribs from drying out while still heating them thoroughly. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs.

Additionally, when preheating your air fryer, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines. Different models may have specific preheating requirements or recommendations. Some air fryers, such as the basket-style, may not require preheating at all. Always refer to the user manual or the manufacturer's website for specific instructions.

By preheating your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, you can ensure that your ribs will cook or reheat evenly and efficiently, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior. This simple step can significantly impact the overall cooking or reheating process, enhancing the taste and texture of your ribs.

Remove the membrane

Removing the membrane, or silver skin, from ribs is an important step in ensuring the meat is tender and absorbs the seasonings effectively. The membrane is a thin, silver piece of tissue found on the underside of the rack of ribs. While it is technically edible, it can become tough and chewy when cooked, so removing it is recommended.

To remove the membrane, start by placing the ribs on a chopping board with the rack-side facing up. Slide a knife under the membrane to lift and loosen it. You can then use your hands to peel off the silver skin. If it is too slippery, use a dry kitchen towel or paper towel to improve your grip.

Once the membrane is removed, you can cut the ribs into portions. For a full rack of ribs, divide them into three or four pieces. This will ensure even cooking and allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat effectively.

After cutting the ribs, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the ribs absorb the marinade and seasonings. It also helps to bring the meat to room temperature before cooking, as cooking cold meat can result in uneven cooking.

Seasoning and spices

Before applying any seasoning or spices, it is recommended to pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning adhere to the meat and also promotes crispiness. Additionally, removing the membrane or silver skin from the underside of the ribs is important. This allows the seasonings to absorb better and enhances the overall texture of the cooked ribs.

Now, for the seasoning and spices! You can go in two directions: making your own blend or using a premade spice rub. If you want to make your own blend, a combination of salt, sugar, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper is a great place to start. Mix these ingredients in a small bowl, and don't be afraid to adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. You can also add some olive oil and liquid smoke to this mixture for an extra layer of flavour.

On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of a premade spice rub, there are many options available in the market. For example, the Kinders BBQ blend from Walmart has been recommended for its great flavour without being overwhelming. These premade spice rubs can be a real time-saver and still deliver delicious results.

Once you have your seasoning blend ready, either homemade or store-bought, it's time to apply it generously to both sides of the ribs. Using your hands or a food-basting brush, massage the seasoning onto the meat. Let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, covered. This marination process allows the flavours to penetrate the meat, resulting in juicy and flavourful ribs.

After the ribs have rested and absorbed all those delicious flavours, it's time to fire up your air fryer and cook those ribs to perfection!

Reheat and store

Reheating ribs in an air fryer is an easy way to get dinner on the table quickly. It takes less than 10 minutes to reheat ribs in the air fryer for tender, hot, juicy meat that doesn't get overcooked in the process!

To reheat ribs in an air fryer, first remove the leftover ribs from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is some space between each rib for proper air circulation. If your ribs look a little dry, you can spritz them with apple juice, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or water. Preheat the air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). Reheat the ribs for approximately 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs and the specific air fryer model. Check the meat's internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be at least 110°F to 165°F.

When reheating sauced ribs in the air fryer, it is recommended to use a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easy cleanup. Do not add more sauce to the ribs before warming them up as it will burn and be unappetizing. Instead, add barbecue sauce to your liking after the ribs are reheated.

Storing leftover ribs properly is key to maintaining their flavor and freshness. Allow the ribs to cool to room temperature before storing them. You can wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container to prevent air exposure, which can dry them out. Leftover ribs can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 30 days.

Frequently asked questions