Slow-Cooked Ribs: Air Fryer Magic

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender results. While air-fried ribs might not be as fall off the bone as oven-baked or smoked ribs, they are still very tender and can be cleaned off the bone entirely. Air fryers are typically small, and their convection fans circulate the air inside, which can cause the meat to dry out even at low temperatures. However, cooking ribs in an air fryer can be a great option for those who want to enjoy ribs without the fuss of heating up a grill or oven.

Air fryer ribs cooking time and temperature

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy results. While air-fried ribs might not be as "fall off the bone" as oven-baked or smoked ribs, they are still very tender.

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer ribs can vary depending on the type of ribs and your desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide:

Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs are the best type of ribs for the air fryer. They are smaller and take less time to cook compared to beef ribs. To cook baby back ribs in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Cut the rack of ribs in half and remove the membrane from the bottom of the rack. You can ask your butcher to do this if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel, which will help the seasoning stick to the meat. Season the ribs with a dry rub of salt, sugar, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also brush the ribs with mustard before applying the spice rub.

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket bone-side up and cook at 380°F (195°C) for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the basket and brush the ribs with barbecue sauce. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 390°F (200°C) for an additional 5 minutes.

Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. The ribs will continue to cook and the sauce will thicken during this time.

Beef Ribs

Beef ribs are generally larger and more flavorful than pork ribs, and they take longer to cook. To cook beef ribs in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Cut the rack of ribs into three portions and wrap each portion in aluminum foil. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (195°C) for 25 minutes.

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and discard the foil. Brush barbecue sauce all over the meat and place the ribs back in the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 10 minutes at 380°F (195°C).

Allow the ribs to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Beef ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).

Tips for Air Frying Ribs

• Always pat ribs dry before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere and create a crispy exterior.
• Cook ribs in a single layer to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to disperse grease and create a steaming effect, keeping the meat tender.
• For fall-off-the-bone ribs, cook them low and slow before finishing at a higher temperature.
• Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain their tender texture.

How to get ribs with a crispy char

To get ribs with a crispy char, you can use an air fryer. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). You can then prepare your ribs by removing the membrane from the rack and dividing them into portions that will fit in your air fryer basket. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard, and other seasonings of your choice.

Wrap the ribs in tin foil and place them in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the ribs from the air fryer and discard the tin foil. Brush barbecue sauce all over the meat. Place the ribs back in the air fryer basket and cook for another 5-10 minutes.

You can finish the ribs at a higher temperature, such as 400°F, to get a crispy char. You can also try finishing them in the oven at a high temperature for a few minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the ribs to ensure they don't dry out or burn.

How to store leftover ribs

If you have leftover ribs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two or three months.

To freeze your leftover ribs, divide them into single-serving portions. Wrap each portion tightly in foil and place them in a watertight plastic bag, such as a zip lock freezer bag. Make sure to press out all the air before sealing the bag. You can also use a vacuum sealer to reduce moisture loss during storage. Place the ribs in an ice-filled cooler and wait until the temperature reaches around 40°F (4°C) before transferring them to the freezer. Properly stored frozen ribs can last for up to 12 months.

To reheat your leftover ribs, you can use an air fryer, oven, microwave, or multi-cooker. If using an air fryer or oven, wrap the ribs in foil before reheating. Reheat in the air fryer for several minutes or in the oven at 225–350°F (107–165°C) for about an hour. For the microwave, place the ribs on a plate and cover them with lettuce leaves or damp paper towels before reheating at 50% power for 3 to 4 minutes. For a multi-cooker, heat a pint of water until it steams, then place the ribs in a strainer insert above the water and heat on low for 7 to 10 minutes.

The best ribs for the air fryer

While you can cook various types of ribs in an air fryer, the best ribs for the air fryer are Baby Back Ribs. This is because they have a lot of loin meat on them, which is best cooked more quickly and to a lower internal temperature. The air fryer is perfect for this as it cooks the ribs through in a short time without drying them out.

St. Louis-style ribs, which are cut from spare ribs, are less ideal for the air fryer. This is because they have darker pork meat, which benefits from low-and-slow cooking. This allows the collagen to break down and make the meat extra tender and juicy. Air fryers are typically small, and their convection fans circulate the air inside, which can dry out the meat even when cooked at low temperatures.

Beef and lamb ribs can also be cooked in an air fryer, but you will need to increase the air-frying time by 5-6 minutes.

For well-done ribs, you will want the internal temperature of the meatiest ribs to be 170°F. A pen-style thermometer is a great way to check this. The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 180-203°F.

Seasoning and sauces for ribs

Seasoning and sauces are essential components of cooking ribs in an air fryer, as they enhance the flavour and taste of the meat. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning and sauces to make your air-fried ribs even more mouth-watering:

Seasoning for Ribs:

A good seasoning blend or dry rub can amplify the flavours of your ribs. You can make your own seasoning blend by mixing various spices and herbs. Here are some common ingredients used in seasoning blends for ribs:

• Salt and pepper are essential components of any seasoning blend, providing a savoury foundation.
• Sugar, especially brown sugar, adds a hint of sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with pork ribs.
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic enhances the savoury flavour of the ribs.
• Onion powder or fresh onion can also be added for additional depth of flavour.
• Smoked paprika or regular paprika gives the ribs a hint of smokiness and adds a beautiful red colour.
• Chilli powder or cayenne pepper can be added for a kick of spice and heat.
• Other spices like cumin, oregano, or tarragon can be used to customize the blend to your taste.

Sauces for Ribs:

A delicious sauce can take your air-fried ribs to the next level. You can either purchase a ready-made BBQ sauce or make your own. Here are some ideas for sauces to brush onto your ribs:

• Barbeque sauce is a classic choice for ribs and can be purchased or made at home by mixing ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, hot sauce, and spices.
• Cola BBQ sauce is a unique twist on the classic, using Coca-Cola (preferably Mexican Coke made with cane sugar) as a base for a sweet and tangy flavour.
• You can also make a simple homemade BBQ sauce by collecting the meat juices that accumulate in the tin foil during cooking and whisking in cornstarch to thicken it.

Remember, the key to a successful seasoning or sauce is to balance the sweet, savoury, and spicy elements to your taste preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to find your perfect rib seasoning and sauce!

Frequently asked questions