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

There's nothing like a rack of juicy, tender ribs, hot off the grill. But what if you don't have a grill, or it's the middle of winter? Can you get that same delicious result with an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes! Air fryers are perfect for making ribs that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with very little prep or clean-up. And the best part? You can have a rack of ribs on the table in under an hour.

Choosing the right ribs

Type of Ribs

The most common types of ribs used in air fryers are pork ribs and beef ribs. Pork ribs are the most popular choice due to their flavour and tenderness. They come in two main varieties:

• Baby back ribs: These ribs are smaller, leaner, and cut from the upper rib cage or loin of the pig. They are generally faster to cook and are known for their tenderness.
• Spare ribs: Spare ribs are larger, meatier, and have more fat. They are often referred to as St. Louis-style ribs when the rib tips are removed. Spare ribs require a longer cooking time to become tender.

Beef ribs, on the other hand, are larger and meatier than pork ribs, with a rich and robust flavour. They typically require a slightly longer cooking time in the air fryer.

Source of Ribs

When choosing ribs, consider the source and opt for high-quality options. Some people prefer to get their ribs from a butcher rather than a mainstream grocery store. This ensures that the ribs come from the upper rib racks, where most of the bone is still intact, contributing to better flavour.

Quality of Ribs

Look for meaty and well-marbled ribs. Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat within the meat, which adds flavour and tenderness. Choosing ribs with a good amount of marbling will result in juicier and more flavourful ribs.

Size and Thickness

For even cooking in the air fryer, it is important to choose ribs with an even thickness. This ensures that the ribs cook at a similar rate, resulting in consistent results. If using a rack of ribs, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to fit in the air fryer and ensure even cooking.

Freshness

Whenever possible, opt for fresh ribs over frozen ones. However, if you must use frozen ribs, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Removing the membrane

Firstly, flip the ribs so that the rack-side is facing up. Then, carefully slide a knife under the silverskin. Lift and loosen the membrane off the bone, and peel it off the back of the ribs. You can also cut the membrane, and pull it off.

Once the membrane has been removed, the ribs can be cut into sections that will fit into your air fryer basket. For example, a full rack of pork baby back ribs can be cut in half. Spare ribs will need a longer cooking time, so if you are using these, be sure to increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes.

Seasoning and marinating

Firstly, you will need to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is a thin layer that can be tough to take off. You can either peel it off or cut and pull it off. Removing the membrane helps the ribs cook more evenly and allows the seasonings to absorb better.

Next, you can cut the rack of ribs into 2-3 sections so that they fit into your air fryer basket. This step is especially important if you have a smaller air fryer.

Now, it's time to make the spice rub. You can use a store-bought BBQ spice rub or make your own. If you want to make your own, combine the following spices in a small bowl: garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, and Greek seasoning (optional). You can also add some olive oil to make a wet rub.

Once you have your spice rub ready, it's time to season the ribs. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat all sides evenly. You can also pat the ribs dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and promote a crispier texture.

After seasoning, let the ribs sit and marinate. This step is optional but recommended for deeper flavour infusion. Cover the ribs and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or even overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavourful ribs.

Once the ribs have marinated, you can proceed to cook them in your air fryer following the desired cooking method.

Cooking methods and temperatures

First, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is a thin layer that can be tough to remove. You can cut it and pull it off. Then, cut the rack of ribs into halves or thirds so that they fit into your air fryer basket.

Next, make a spice rub by mixing together spices like brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the ribs dry and rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to cover all sides.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-380°F (175-190°C) for a few minutes. Then, place the ribs into the basket with the meat side down, ensuring they are arranged properly with as little overlap as possible. Cook the ribs for 15-20 minutes, then flip them over using kitchen tongs and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

While the ribs are cooking, make a barbecue sauce by heating ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.

Once the ribs are done, remove them from the air fryer and brush them generously with the barbecue sauce on all sides. Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-10 minutes at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) to create a crispy texture. Keep a close eye on the ribs during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Finally, remove the ribs from the basket and let them rest for 3-5 minutes so that the juices can redistribute. You can brush on additional barbecue sauce if desired.

BBQ sauce recipes

Yes, you can make BBQ ribs in an air fryer! Here are some tips and tricks for making juicy, tender ribs, along with some BBQ sauce recipes to try:

Tips for Making BBQ Ribs in an Air Fryer:

• Cut a full rack of pork baby back ribs in half to fit into the air fryer basket.
• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
• Season the ribs with your favourite BBQ spice rub, covering both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for a few minutes. Then, place the ribs in the basket, meat side down, and cook for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, flip the ribs and cook for an additional 10 minutes at the same temperature.
• Once the timer is up, open the basket and cover the ribs with BBQ sauce. Return to the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes at 400°F (205°C).
• Remove the ribs and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can add more BBQ sauce if you like them saucy.
• For a deeper flavour, marinate the ribs with the spice rub for at least 2 hours or overnight before air frying.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-95°C) for juicy, tender ribs.
• Baste the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sauce.

Basic BBQ Sauce:

• Combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, mustard powder, and hot pepper sauce in a saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from the heat and let it cool.
• Brush the sauce onto your favourite meat or use as a dipping sauce.

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce:

• Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, tamari or soy sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika in a saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• Use this sauce on grilled tofu, BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, or as a dip for air fryer French fries.

Natasha's Kitchen BBQ Sauce:

• Combine tomato ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, light brown sugar, yellow mustard, paprika, ground black pepper, and minced garlic cloves in a saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning. This sauce is perfect for Instant Pot ribs, grilled chicken, or as a marinade for chicken.

Frequently asked questions