Air Fryer Barbecue Ribs: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making barbecue ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy ribs with a crispy exterior. The process is simple: cut a rack of ribs into sections, make a spice rub, season the ribs, cook in the air fryer, and then brush with barbecue sauce. The whole process takes around 30-40 minutes, which is much faster than traditional methods such as baking, grilling, or smoking.

Choosing the right ribs

Baby back ribs are a popular choice for air fryer ribs as they are tender and lean. They are cut from the upper rib cage of the pig and include riblets, loin ribs, and back ribs. This type of rib is ideal for air frying as they have a lot of loin meat, which cooks quickly and benefits from a shorter cooking time. Spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs are also an option but will require a longer cooking time due to their larger size.

When selecting ribs, look for ones that are meaty and well-marbled as these will be the most flavorful and tender. The amount of fat and collagen in the ribs will impact how they cook, so choosing ribs with the right amount of fat is key. If you are using spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs, keep in mind that they have darker pork meat, which benefits from low-and-slow cooking. This is because the collagen and connective tissue need more time to break down and tenderize.

Before cooking, it is important to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the ribs cook more evenly and allows the seasonings to absorb better. You can do this by sliding a knife under the membrane and then peeling it off.

Once you have chosen the right ribs and prepared them, you can move on to seasoning and cooking them in your air fryer.

Removing the membrane

To begin, flip the ribs so that the rack-side is facing up. Then, carefully slide a knife under the silverskin, also known as the membrane. Next, lift and loosen the membrane from the bone. Finally, peel the membrane off the back of the ribs. This step should be easy if the membrane has been lifted and loosened properly.

For best results, it is recommended to remove the thin membrane covering the rack of ribs. This step only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference in the tenderness of the cooked ribs.

Seasoning and saucing

Once you have prepared your spice mix, generously apply it to both sides of the ribs. Make sure to pat the ribs dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and promote a crispy texture. You can also marinate the ribs in the rub for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper infusion of flavour.

After seasoning, place the ribs in the preheated air fryer, ensuring they fit properly in the basket. For thicker cuts of ribs, you may need to cut them into sections. Cook the ribs for around 20-25 minutes, then remove them from the air fryer and brush them with your chosen barbecue sauce. Return the ribs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelise and develop a sticky texture.

For an extra kick of flavour, try making your own barbecue sauce from scratch. A basic sauce can be made by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the sugar and salt dissolve. You can also add other ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, or honey for a unique flavour profile.

Experiment with different spice blends and sauces to find your favourite, and don't be afraid to get creative with your combinations!

Cooking methods and temperatures

Air fryer ribs are a quick and easy alternative to traditional low-and-slow cooking methods such as baking, grilling, or smoking. The air fryer's forced circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior, which is difficult to achieve in a conventional oven.

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer ribs will depend on the type of ribs you are using and your desired level of doneness. Baby back ribs are typically recommended for air frying due to their leaner meat, which cooks more quickly and benefits from a shorter cooking time. Spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs may also be used but will require a longer cooking time.

When preparing the ribs, it is important to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the seasonings absorb better and improves the tenderness of the cooked ribs. You may also need to cut the rack of ribs into sections to fit your air fryer basket.

To cook the ribs, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350-380°F (175-195°C). Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, meat-side down, and cook for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with barbecue sauce. Return the ribs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes at a higher temperature of around 400°F (200°C).

For tender ribs, it is recommended to cook them low and slow initially, at a temperature of 325°F for 35 minutes, and then finish them off at a higher temperature of 400°F for 10 minutes to crisp up the outside. If you prefer fall-off-the-bone ribs, you can cook the ribs at 325°F for 35 minutes, then turn them over and cook at 300°F for an additional 20 minutes before finishing at 400°F for 10 minutes.

The ideal internal temperature for pork ribs is between 195-203°F (88-95°C). A meat thermometer can be used to check the temperature and ensure the ribs are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer ribs are perfect for any occasion, from game day to family dinners. For a Southern-style BBQ feast, serve them with a side of coleslaw, macaroni salad, and corn on the cob. Alternatively, try mac and cheese or coconut rice. To balance out the rich flavour, serve them with salads or cooked green vegetables. Don't forget to have extra napkins on hand because these ribs are going to be messy and finger-licking good!

For a unique twist, consider serving your air fryer ribs with Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato with Hot Honey Butter and Cheddar and Sour Cream Corn on the Cob.

Frequently asked questions