Air-Fried Spare Ribs: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Spare ribs are a type of pork rib that is typically meatier than short ribs. They can be cooked in an air fryer and only take about 30 minutes to prepare. The benefit of cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is that they cook quickly and easily, resulting in tender and juicy ribs.

How to prepare spare ribs for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare spare ribs in an air fryer:

• Spare ribs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• BBQ sauce
• BBQ spice rub
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the ribs using a kitchen knife and clean it with a paper towel. Cut the rack into equal parts that will fit into your air fryer.
• Season the ribs: Mix your chosen spices and seasoning in a small bowl and rub the mixture all over the ribs. You can also use a store-bought BBQ spice rub.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Air fry the ribs: Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes.
• Flip the ribs: Using tongs, flip the ribs and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
• Brush with BBQ sauce (optional): Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and brush them with BBQ sauce. Place them back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Rest and serve: Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving. You can also cover them with additional BBQ sauce if you prefer them saucy.

Tips:

• For deeper flavour, marinate the ribs with the spice rub for at least 2 hours or overnight before air frying.
• Always pat the ribs dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere and make the ribs crispy.
• To check if the ribs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature is between 190-203°F.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the ribs in batches if needed.
• For fall-off-the-bone ribs, try a different cooking method such as slow-roasting in the oven.

How to make a dry rub for spare ribs

Making a dry rub for spare ribs is easy and can be done in five minutes. The rub will amplify the flavour of the ribs and is a great way to season the meat.

A good dry rub for spare ribs should include a mix of sweet and savoury flavours. The base of the dry rub should be sugar—a great pairing with pork. From there, you can add salt and pepper, and then a variety of other spices.

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl, using a fork to break up any clumps. You can store your dry rub in an airtight container for up to a month.

When you're ready to cook your spare ribs, rub the mix all over the meat, making sure to get into all the crevices. You can then place the ribs in the fridge overnight to let the rub infuse its flavour into the meat, or cook them right away.

How long to cook spare ribs in an air fryer

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get flavorful and juicy ribs. The length of time you cook spare ribs in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the ribs and your preferred level of doneness.

To begin, cut a full rack of ribs into halves or thirds to ensure they fit into the air fryer basket. Then, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel and season both sides with a dry rub of your choice.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the ribs in the basket, meat-side down, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Once the time is up, flip the ribs and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

After this second cooking period, open the basket and cover the ribs with your chosen barbecue sauce. Return the ribs to the air fryer and cook for a final 5 to 10 minutes at a higher temperature of 400°F.

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. For saucier ribs, cover them with additional barbecue sauce.

What temperature to cook spare ribs in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook spare ribs in an air fryer.

To cook spare ribs in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer to a high temperature. Some sources recommend preheating to 380°F (195°C), while others suggest 400°F.

Next, you should prepare your ribs. Remove the membrane from the ribs and cut the rack into three equal parts. Dry the ribs with a paper towel.

Then, mix your chosen spices and seasoning and apply them to the ribs. You can use a dry rub, or brush the ribs with a sauce of your choice.

After seasoning, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and place them in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 25 minutes.

Once the initial 25 minutes have passed, remove the ribs from the air fryer and discard the tin foil. Brush barbecue sauce all over the meat, if desired.

Place the ribs back in the air fryer basket and air fry for a further 10 minutes.

Allow the ribs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

What to serve with spare ribs

Spare ribs are a delicious and juicy meal, but what to serve with them? Here are some ideas for side dishes that will perfectly complement the flavours of your ribs.

First up, you can't go wrong with some classic BBQ sides like baked beans, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread. These dishes are comforting, familiar, and always a crowd-pleaser.

If you're looking for something a little different, why not try fried green tomatoes? They add a nice crunchy texture to the meal and are a great Southern dish to accompany your ribs.

For a refreshing and healthy option, a simple summer greens salad or cucumber and tomato salad can be a great way to balance out the richness of the ribs.

If you're a fan of spice, try a sweet and spicy cornbread, or some spicy roasted Brussels sprouts. The heat will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the ribs.

For a more indulgent side, loaded mashed potatoes or twice-baked potatoes are sure to be a hit. You can top them with sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onions for a real treat.

Finally, don't forget the power of pickles! Easy homemade pickles or quick-pickled onions can provide a tangy and zesty contrast to the smoky ribs.

There you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create the perfect feast for your next barbecue or family dinner.

Frequently asked questions