Cody Casey
Cooking beef ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious cut of beef. While ribs are usually cooked slowly over a low heat, an air fryer can produce extremely juicy ribs in just 35 minutes. The convection oven in an air fryer cooks food by constantly circulating hot air, which speeds up the cooking process. This method of cooking also requires less oil or butter than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ribs | Beef ribs |
| Cut of ribs | Short ribs, baby back ribs, spare ribs |
| Cooking time | 25-35 minutes |
| Temperature | 320ºF-390ºF |
| Cooking method | Air frying |
| Ingredients | BBQ sauce, olive oil, liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder |
| Tools | Air fryer, boning knife, paper towel, instant-read meat thermometer |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, freeze for up to 2-3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the membrane
To remove the membrane, start by using a sharp knife, specifically a boning knife, to loosen it from the edge of the ribs. Then, use a paper towel to grip the membrane and peel it back and off the rack of ribs. If you are unsure about using a knife, you can ask your butcher to trim the membrane off for you.
Once the membrane is removed, you can season the ribs with a dry rub on both sides. If you have the time, it is recommended to let the ribs rest overnight with the seasoning to really absorb the flavours.
After removing the membrane and seasoning the ribs, you will need to cut the rack of ribs in half so that they fit in the air fryer. If you have an oven-style air fryer, you may be able to fit a whole rack without cutting it.
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Seasoning and marinating
Removing the Membrane:
Start by removing the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. Use a sharp knife, such as a boning knife, to carefully lift the edge of the membrane from the ribs. Then, use a paper towel to grip the membrane and peel it back slowly. It's important to remove the membrane as it can make the cooked ribs chewy, and it also prevents the meat from absorbing the flavours of your marinade or rub.
Dry Rub Seasoning:
Create a delicious dry rub by combining spices such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add chilli powder and brown sugar to this mixture for a touch of sweetness. Generously apply this rub to both sides of the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly. If you have the time, let the ribs rest overnight in the refrigerator after seasoning. This will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Brushing with Mustard:
For an extra layer of flavour, brush the ribs with mustard before applying the dry rub. The mustard will not only add its own tangy flavour but will also help the spice mixture adhere better to the meat. However, if you prefer to skip the mustard, simply pat the ribs dry with a paper towel before applying the dry rub.
Cutting the Rack:
To ensure your ribs fit properly in the air fryer, you'll likely need to cut the rack of ribs in half. Place the ribs bone-side up on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut through the rack. This step also helps ensure even cooking and allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively.
Air Fryer Preparation:
Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Different models may have specific guidelines, but a typical preheat temperature is 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer is preheating, let the seasoned ribs sit at room temperature for a few minutes to ensure the juices redistribute and the meat is at its optimal cooking temperature.
Remember, the key to successful seasoning and marinating is to be generous with your spice rub and to allow the flavours to develop over time. This process will ensure your beef ribs emerge from the air fryer juicy, flavourful, and with a mouthwatering crust.
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Cutting the ribs to fit the air fryer
When preparing beef ribs to cook in an air fryer, it's important to consider the size of your air fryer basket and cut the ribs accordingly. If you have a smaller air fryer basket, you may need to cut the rack of ribs in half so that they fit comfortably inside without overcrowding. This will ensure that the ribs cook evenly and that the juices can redistribute properly.
To begin cutting the ribs, use a sharp boning knife to separate the membrane from the back of the ribs. Start by inserting the knife under the edge of the membrane and slowly peeling it back. Then, using a paper towel, grab and pull on the membrane to remove it completely. This membrane is important to remove as it can be tough and chewy, and it also prevents the meat from fully absorbing the seasonings and marinade.
Once the membrane is removed, place the ribs bone-side up on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the rack of ribs into your desired size, whether that's in half or into four pieces, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
After cutting the ribs to the appropriate size, it's time to season them. You can use a dry rub or a wet marinade, depending on your preference. A simple dry rub can be made by combining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chilli powder. For a wet marinade, brush the ribs with mustard and sprinkle with barbecue spice.
Remember to handle raw beef ribs with care and use clean utensils and cutting boards to prevent any cross-contamination.
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Cooking temperature and duration
Cooking beef ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The first step is to peel off the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. You can use a boning knife to start the membrane on the edge of the ribs and then peel it back, using a paper towel to pull it off. This step is important as the membrane can make the ribs chewy and prevent the meat from absorbing the marinade.
Next, you'll want to season the ribs with a dry rub on both sides. A simple dry rub can be made by combining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you have the time, you can let the ribs rest overnight with the seasoning to really enhance the flavor.
Now, it's time to place the ribs in the air fryer. If you have a basket-style air fryer, you'll likely need to cut the rack of ribs in half so they fit properly. For oven-style air fryers, you can probably fit a whole rack at once. Place the ribs meat or bone-side up, depending on your preference for juiciness, and air fry at 320ºF for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the ribs. Baste them with your favorite BBQ sauce and cook at 320ºF for another 10 minutes. Check the temperature of the meat with an instant-read meat thermometer. The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190-200ºF. Brush with additional BBQ sauce, and your juicy ribs are ready to serve!
This method will give you tender and juicy ribs in about 35 minutes for a half rack. While they won't be "fall-off-the-bone" tender, they will be full of flavor and a lot quicker than traditional methods, which can take 8-10 hours.
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Reheating and storing
Allow the ribs to cool completely before storing them. You can store cooked beef ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, wrap the ribs tightly in foil or plastic, place them in an airtight container, and freeze them for up to 2–3 months.
To reheat the ribs, you can use an air fryer, a microwave, the oven, or a grill. If you're using an air fryer or a microwave, there's no need to defrost the ribs first. Simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes, or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. However, if you're using the oven or grill, it's best to let the ribs thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them.
It's worth noting that the cooking time for beef ribs in an air fryer is significantly shorter than traditional methods, which can take 8-10 hours. With an air fryer, you can have juicy and tender beef ribs ready in about 35 minutes for a half rack.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 35 minutes to cook a half rack of beef ribs in an air fryer.
It is recommended to cook beef ribs at 320º for 25 minutes, and then at the same temperature for another 10 minutes after flipping and basting with BBQ sauce.
The ribs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 195-200°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.
First, peel off the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. Then, season the ribs with a dry rub on both sides. If you have time, let the ribs rest overnight with the seasoning.
