Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Ribs, No Defrosting Needed!

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender and juicy ribs without having to grill or smoke them. You can even cook frozen ribs in an air fryer, which is perfect for when you're short on time or craving ribs on a cold day when you can't fire up the grill.

How long does it take to cook frozen ribs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen ribs in an air fryer. They will be crispy, just like when you order them at a restaurant.

If you are looking to cook frozen ribs in an air fryer, you will need frozen pork ribs and some extra barbecue sauce.

To cook the ribs, first, remove them from their packaging and spread them out in the air fryer basket. Then, air fry for 12 minutes at 180°C/360°F. After that, turn the ribs and cook for a further 5 minutes at 160°C/320°F. Finally, toss them in barbecue sauce before serving.

The whole process of cooking frozen ribs in an air fryer takes just 17 minutes. If your ribs are stuck together, you can cook them for 7 minutes, separate them, and then spread them out to ensure they cook evenly.

If you are cooking ribs that are not frozen, the cooking time will vary depending on the type of ribs and the desired tenderness. For example, baby back ribs will take about 30 minutes in the air fryer, while spare ribs will take a little longer because they are meatier.

For ribs that are not frozen, preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Then, pat the ribs dry with paper towels and remove the membrane or score it lightly with a sharp knife. Next, season the ribs with your desired spices. When the air fryer is preheated, put the ribs in the basket with the meat side down. Air fry for 25 minutes, turning the ribs halfway through. When the time is up, brush barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs and cook for another 5 minutes at 400°F/200°C. Finally, let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving.

What are the best ribs for the air fryer?

Baby back ribs are the best cut of ribs for the air fryer. They are specific rib cuts from the upper rib racks of pork and include riblets, loin ribs, and back ribs.

Baby back ribs are preferable because they have a lot of loin meat on them. They are best cooked quickly and to a lower internal temperature, which is ideal for an air fryer.

In contrast, St. Louis-style ribs are cut from spare ribs and have darker meat that benefits from being cooked slowly over a longer period. This type of meat can dry out in an air fryer.

Beef and lamb ribs can also be cooked in an air fryer, but they require a slightly longer cooking time.

Can you cook frozen ribs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook frozen ribs in a slow cooker. Slow cookers are a convenient way to make a delicious, home-cooked meal, especially if you forget to defrost your meat. You can cook frozen ribs in a slow cooker for eight to 10 hours on low, but if you want to speed up the cooking time, you can increase the heat setting to medium.

To make frozen ribs in a slow cooker, simply add your meat and barbecue sauce. You can also add other ingredients like store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and mustard powder. Make sure to remove the membrane or silverskin from the bottom side of the ribs first, and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

It's important to note that cooking frozen ribs in a slow cooker may take longer than cooking thawed ribs, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, make sure to cover every inch of the ribs with BBQ sauce before they start cooking.

If you're looking for a faster way to cook frozen ribs, you can also use an air fryer. Air fryers can cook ribs in just 40 to 45 minutes, and you don't need to heat up the grill or oven beforehand. However, it's important to remove the membrane from the ribs and cut the rack into equal parts before air frying.

What type of sauce goes well with ribs cooked in an air fryer?

While there are many types of sauces that can be used on ribs cooked in an air fryer, barbecue sauce is the most popular option. The sauce is brushed onto the ribs after they have been seasoned and cooked in the air fryer. This adds a delicious, smoky flavour to the meat and helps to create a crispy, salty crust on the outside.

When choosing a barbecue sauce, look for one that contains brown sugar. This will help the ribs to caramelize beautifully, giving them a nice bark on the outside. You can also add other spices to your sauce, such as smoked paprika, chilli powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, for an extra kick of heat.

If you're looking for something different, you can also try a mango chipotle BBQ sauce or a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. These sauces will give your ribs a unique flavour that will set them apart from the traditional barbecue variety.

No matter which sauce you choose, the key to success is in the preparation. Make sure to pat your ribs dry before seasoning them, as this will help the seasoning to adhere and create a crispy texture. Then, follow the cooking instructions for your air fryer, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, tender, and juicy ribs with a flavourful sauce.

How do you prepare ribs for cooking in an air fryer?

Preparing ribs for cooking in an air fryer is simple and can be done in under an hour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, you will need to remove any thin membranes from the bony side of the ribs using a sharp knife. This will help the seasonings absorb better and allow for more tender ribs. Then, cut the rack of ribs into smaller, equal pieces so they can fit into your air fryer basket and cook evenly. It is best to cut the rack into halves or thirds, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Next, dry the ribs with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the meat. After patting the ribs dry, it is time to season them. You can use a store-bought spice rub or make your own by combining spices such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices generously onto both sides of the ribs. If you have time, you can marinate the ribs in the spice rub for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper flavour.

Once the ribs are seasoned, preheat your air fryer to between 350-380°F (180-190°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can let the ribs sit for around 30 minutes to enhance their flavour.

When the air fryer is ready, place the ribs into the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the ribs in batches. Cook the ribs for around 25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

After the initial cooking time, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with your favourite barbecue sauce. Place the ribs back into the air fryer, uncovered, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.

Finally, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, brush with additional barbecue sauce.

And that's it! You now have delicious, tender, and juicy air-fried ribs.

Frequently asked questions