Air Frying Ribs: Xl Power Cooker Method

Yes, you can cook ribs in a Power Air Fryer XL. In fact, cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy ribs. The air fryer heats up quickly, so there is no need to preheat it. Simply season the ribs, pop them in the air fryer, and cook for 25-30 minutes at 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on your preference, you can then brush on some barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for ribs in a Power Air Fryer XL will depend on the type of ribs you are cooking and your personal preference for how well-done you like your meat.

The USDA recommends that pork should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C). Allowing the meat to rest for at least 3 minutes after cooking. However, some sources suggest cooking pork ribs to about 190°F (88 °C) for a more tender and juicier rack of ribs.

For baby back ribs, preheat your air fryer to 380 °F (193 °C) and cook for 20 minutes. Then, flip the ribs and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Finally, brush your favourite BBQ sauce onto the ribs and cook for a further 5 minutes at 400 °F (204 °C).

For pork spare ribs, preheat your air fryer to 350 °F (177 °C). Cut the ribs into equal portions and rub with a spice mixture. Then, cook the ribs at 360 °F (182 °C) for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can brush the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking to seal in the flavour.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the ribs. Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Seasoning and sauce

Seasoning your ribs is a great way to add flavour and make them more juicy and tender. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, cumin, onion, oregano, thyme, and celery salt. If you want to stick to the classics, a BBQ spice rub or a brown sugar mixture are both popular options. You can also try a liquid smoke mixture with olive oil, or a homemade sticky BBQ sauce.

If you're using a store-bought spice rub, you can simply pat the ribs dry with a paper towel, then apply the seasoning generously to both sides of the rack. You can then let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the seasoning to soak in and the ribs to cook more evenly. You can also wrap the ribs in plastic and leave them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for a deeper infusion of flavour.

If you're making your own spice rub, you can combine brown sugar, white sugar, paprika, granulated garlic, pepper, cumin, onion, and Greek seasoning. You can also add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chilli powder to taste. Once you've made your mixture, rub it all over the ribs, making sure to cover both sides.

When it comes to saucing your ribs, you can use your favourite BBQ sauce, or make your own. You can add the sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, or brush it on after the ribs are done. If you like your ribs saucy, you can also add more sauce after they've come out of the air fryer and are resting.

Type of ribs

There are several types of ribs that can be cooked in a Power Air Fryer XL. The most commonly mentioned type is baby back ribs, which are known for being incredibly tender and requiring a short cooking time. They can be seasoned with a rub of brown sugar, white sugar, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, pepper, cumin, onion, and Greek seasoning, or simply with salt and pepper.

Pork back ribs are another option, which can be purchased unseasoned and cut into portions to fit in the air fryer. These can be seasoned with salt and pepper, or with additional spices such as garlic powder and cayenne.

Country-style pork ribs are also mentioned as a type of rib that can be cooked in an air fryer. These ribs are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. They are prepared with a seasoning rub of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper, and cooked in the air fryer for 20 minutes before being brushed with barbecue sauce and cooked for an additional 2 minutes.

Other types of ribs that can be cooked in an air fryer include spare ribs and St. Louis-style ribs, though specific instructions for cooking these in a Power Air Fryer XL are not provided.

Air fryer size

The PowerXL Air Fryer comes in various sizes, including 5.3 quarts, 5 quarts, 6 quarts, 7 quarts, and 10 quarts. The 5.3-quart Power Air Fryer XL can fit half a rack of ribs at a time, so you may need to cut them up and cook them in batches. The 10-quart PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer Pro is large enough to cook for a family of four and can fit on a countertop without taking up much space. The PowerXL Grill Air Fryer Combo 12-in-1 (6QT) is another option that allows you to cook a variety of foods and comes with a family-size grill plate.

Tenderising techniques

Yes, you can cook tender ribs in an air fryer, including the Power Air Fryer XL. The benefit of using an air fryer is that ribs cook quickly and easily.

The first step to achieving tender ribs is to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This allows the seasonings to absorb better. You can then season the ribs with a dry rub, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, or your favourite spice blend. It is recommended to pat the ribs dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere and create a crispy texture. For a deeper flavour, you can marinate the ribs with the spice rub for at least two hours or overnight in the refrigerator before air frying.

After seasoning, you can wrap the ribs in tin foil and place them in the air fryer basket. The ribs should be cooked at around 380°F for 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of doneness. For a crispier texture, you can remove the tin foil halfway through the cooking process. Once the ribs are cooked, you can brush them with barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

To ensure the ribs are tender, it is important to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicy, tender ribs.

Frequently asked questions