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

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender results. You can cook ribs in an air fryer in under an hour, and the cleanup is easy as air fryers don't require excessive oil.

To cook ribs in an air fryer, you'll first want to remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs and cut the rack into several pieces. Then, pat the ribs dry and season them with a spice rub. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F, and cook the ribs for around 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Finally, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.

Air fryer ribs recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of pork ribs (baby back ribs or spare ribs)
• Olive oil or yellow mustard
• BBQ dry rub seasoning or barbecue spice
• BBQ sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Brown sugar
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Fresh green chilli (optional)

Method:

• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
• Brush the ribs with olive oil or mustard and sprinkle with seasoning.
• Cut the rack of ribs in half so they fit in the air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375-390°F.
• Place the ribs in the air fryer bone-side up and cook for 20-24 minutes.
• Flip the ribs and cook for a further 10-12 minutes.
• Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and cook for a final 3-5 minutes.
• Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For more flavour, marinate the ribs in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight before cooking.
• The internal temperature of the ribs should be 145-203°F when they are fully cooked.
• To prevent the air fryer from smoking, add water to the bottom of the basket to catch the grease.

Air fryer ribs cooking time

The cooking time for ribs in an air fryer depends on the type of ribs you are cooking, the size of the rack of ribs, and the number of racks you are cooking.

Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs typically take around 30-35 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 350°F-380°F. It is recommended that you flip the ribs halfway through the cooking process for even cooking.

Spare Ribs, Country Ribs, or Boneless Country-Style Ribs

These types of ribs may take longer to cook than baby back ribs, as they are larger in size. It is important to ensure that they fit in your air fryer and to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Larger Racks of Ribs

For larger racks of ribs, you can expect a cooking time of up to 30 minutes.

Multiple Racks of Ribs

When cooking two racks of ribs at once, add 5-8 minutes to the cooking time.

Beef Ribs

Beef ribs may not need as long to cook as pork ribs, so keep an eye on the time and temperature. Beef ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 195°F.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to check if your ribs are done is by using a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for ribs is between 175°F-203°F. The meat should be tender but not dried out.

Tips for Air Frying Ribs

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the ribs.
• Cut the ribs into halves or quarters to ensure they fit in the air fryer basket.
• Baste the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
• For tender and juicy ribs, avoid covering the ribs or using foil during cooking.
• For crispy edges, cook the ribs meat-side down for the first half of the cooking time, then flip them over to bone-side down for the remaining time.

Air fryer ribs internal temperature

The ideal internal temperature for ribs depends on the type of ribs you are cooking and your desired level of doneness.

Pork Ribs Internal Temperature

For pork ribs, the USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F, with a resting time of at least 3 minutes. However, cooking pork ribs to a higher internal temperature of around 190°F to 203°F will result in more tender and juicy meat.

Beef Ribs Internal Temperature

Beef ribs are typically considered done when they reach an internal temperature of 195°F.

Air Fryer Temperature Settings

When cooking ribs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of doneness, but on average, ribs will take about 30-35 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

It is important to monitor the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Air fryer ribs reheating instructions

Firstly, it is important to note that reheating ribs in an air fryer is a great way to maintain their flavor and texture without making them soggy. The hot air circulation in the air fryer is one of the best options for reheating juicy, delicious ribs.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F (175-190°C). If you are reheating prime rib, preheat to 270°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs

Remove the ribs from their container or foil and let them sit at room temperature while the air fryer preheats. You can cut the ribs into portions if needed to fit in the air fryer. It is recommended to add a tablespoon of cold water to the basket of the air fryer to reduce smoke from any fat drippings.

Step 3: Arrange the Ribs in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space around each piece for proper air circulation. If you are reheating sauced ribs, consider using a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easier cleanup.

Step 4: Reheat the Ribs

Place the ribs in the preheated air fryer and cook for 3-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs and the desired level of doneness. For prime rib, cook for about 10 minutes. Flip the ribs halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.

Step 5: Baste the Ribs (Optional)

If desired, baste the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. This will help add moisture and flavor to the ribs.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Check the ribs to ensure they are heated through. They should be hot and tender. If they need more time, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until they reach your desired temperature.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can add extra sauce or garnishes as desired.

Tips:

• It is recommended to reheat ribs in the air fryer only once or twice before discarding.
• To prevent dryness, you can lightly baste the ribs with barbecue sauce or a sauce-water mixture before reheating.
• You can reheat multiple ribs at once, but ensure they are in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. Reheating in batches may be necessary.
• Always monitor the reheated ribs closely to prevent overcooking or drying out.

Air fryer ribs marination

Marination is a crucial step in preparing ribs for the air fryer, as it infuses them with flavour and makes them more tender. Here is a guide to help you achieve juicy and flavourful ribs using an air fryer.

Firstly, select the right ribs. Spare ribs and baby back ribs are the most popular types. Baby back ribs are smaller and leaner, with meatier bones and a quicker cooking time. Spare ribs are larger and fattier, with a longer cooking time and a more intense flavour.

Next, prepare the ribs by removing any tough membrane on the back of the rack. You can do this by slicing off a small piece of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off.

Now, it's time to make the marinade. You can use a dry rub, a wet marinade, or a combination of both. Here is a simple marinade recipe:

• Combine barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, crumbled chicken stock cube, garlic salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and water in a small saucepan.
• Simmer this mixture for 5 minutes or until it thickens, then remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Alternatively, you can make a Korean-inspired marinade by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, pressed garlic, and sesame oil in a ziplock bag.

Once you have prepared your marinade, brush it onto the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. You can then let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, covered with cling wrap or foil.

After the ribs have marinated, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 350°F or 380°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer.

Finally, place the ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook them for 30-45 minutes, flipping them every 15 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 180-190°F.

With these steps and a little patience, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, juicy, and flavourful air fryer ribs!

Frequently asked questions