Air-Fried Spare Ribs: Cooking Time And Techniques

how long cook spare ribs in air fryer

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy ribs. The cooking time will depend on the type of ribs you are using, but generally, they will be ready in around 30 minutes. Spare ribs are meatier than short ribs and can be cooked with a dry rub or covered in barbecue sauce. Air fryer spare ribs are a great option for a quick and flavorful meal and can be paired with a range of sides, such as fries, vegetables, or corn on the cob.

Characteristics Values
Cooking time 15 minutes on one side, then 10-15 minutes on the other side
Total cooking time 30-35 minutes
Temperature 350°F-400°F
Calories 266kcal-628kcal
Protein 15g-35g
Fat 16g-53g
Saturated Fat 17g
Polyunsaturated Fat 9g
Monounsaturated Fat 19g
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 181mg
Sodium 184mg-950mg
Potassium 443mg-549mg
Calcium 34mg
Iron 2mg

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Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your ribs will cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for spare ribs:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is set to the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking spare ribs is between 375-400°F (190-204°C). Different air fryers may vary slightly, so refer to your manufacturer's instructions for the optimal temperature setting.

Next, allow your air fryer to preheat for a sufficient amount of time. Three minutes at 380°F is a good guideline, but you may need to adjust this slightly depending on your air fryer's performance and your desired level of doneness for the ribs. It is always a good idea to test the recipe in your specific air fryer and make adjustments as needed.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your ribs. Cut the rack of ribs into sections a few inches wide if they are not already cut. Spare ribs are typically meatier than short ribs, so you may need to cut them down to ensure they fit in your air fryer. A 7-quart air fryer can accommodate around 3 pounds of ribs, but this may vary depending on the size and type of your air fryer, so be mindful not to overcrowd it.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, it is ready for the ribs. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping too much. They can touch, but ideally, they should not be stacked on top of each other. If you are cooking a large number of ribs, you may need to cook them in batches.

In summary, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process for spare ribs. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your air fryer is ready for cooking and that your ribs will turn out juicy and tender.

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Prepare the ribs

Preparing spare ribs for the air fryer is a simple process. First, decide how many ribs you want to cook. A typical portion is about 2.5 pounds of ribs per meal. If you are cooking more than one batch, place the uncooked ribs on a foil-lined sheet and cover with foil until you are ready to cook them.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 375°F (or 190°C or 195°C) for 3 minutes. If you are using a basket-style air fryer, spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray.

Now it's time to prepare the ribs themselves. Remove any membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the ribs. If your ribs are not already cut into sections, use a sharp knife to cut them into pieces a few inches wide. This will help them fit in the air fryer.

Once your ribs are cut, it's time to season them. You can use a store-bought seasoning mix or make your own. A basic seasoning mix might include salt, sugar, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also add a liquid smoke product to olive oil and rub this onto the ribs before applying the seasoning. Once the seasoning is on, set the ribs aside for 30 minutes to let the flavours develop.

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Apply dry rub

To apply a dry rub to your ribs, you'll first want to pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the ribs and give them a crispy texture when cooked.

Next, you'll want to mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl. A typical dry rub for ribs might include salt, sugar, paprika, chilli powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. However, you can customise your rub by adding or removing spices to suit your taste. For example, you might like to add onion powder, smoked paprika, or mustard powder.

Once you've mixed your rub, apply it generously to both sides of the ribs. You can use your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat, ensuring an even coating. After applying the rub, it's a good idea to set the ribs aside for 30 minutes to let the flavours develop.

If you're short on time, you can place the ribs straight into the air fryer after applying the rub. However, allowing the rub to sit will enhance the flavour of your ribs.

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Cook ribs for 15 minutes

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get flavorful and juicy ribs. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking spare ribs in an air fryer for 15 minutes:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Start by removing any membranes from the back of the ribs and patting them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning adhere better to the ribs. You can also cut the rack into a few pieces to fit your air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much.

Step 2: Make the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, mix your chosen seasonings to create a dry rub. A basic dry rub typically includes salt, sugar, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also add brown sugar for a nice caramelized bark on the outside of the meat. Apply this rub generously all over both sides of the ribs and let them sit for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for preheating and cooking times as temperatures may vary slightly between models.

Step 4: Cook the Ribs

Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded and have enough space to cook evenly. Cook the ribs for 15 minutes. You can also wrap the ribs in aluminum foil before placing them in the air fryer, which can help contain the mess and juices.

Step 5: Flip and Cook Again

After the initial 15 minutes, you will need to flip the ribs. Depending on your desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer model, you may need to cook them for an additional 10-15 minutes. For well-done ribs, aim for an internal temperature of 170-200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Brush with Sauce (Optional)

Once the ribs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can remove them from the air fryer and brush them with your favorite barbecue sauce. Place the sauced ribs back in the air fryer for a few minutes to heat the sauce and give it a nice glaze.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the ribs are tender and juicy. You can also brush on additional barbecue sauce before serving if desired. Enjoy your air-fried spare ribs!

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Flip and cook for 10-15 minutes

When cooking spare ribs in an air fryer, timing is crucial to ensure your ribs are cooked to perfection. While cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, you can expect to flip your ribs and cook them for an additional 10-15 minutes after the initial cooking stage.

For juicy, tender spare ribs, flipping them is an essential step. By flipping the ribs, you ensure even cooking and browning on both sides, preventing the meat from drying out. Spare ribs are meatier than short ribs, so they require a slightly different approach.

During the initial cooking stage, the ribs are typically cooked for around 15 minutes at 380°F (some sources suggest 400°F). This duration may vary depending on the weight and cut of your ribs, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. After this initial cooking period, it's time to flip your ribs.

When flipping your spare ribs, use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them over. Be cautious, as the ribs will be hot. Once flipped, return the ribs to the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This timing can be adjusted based on your desired level of doneness.

Keep in mind that the cooking time for spare ribs in an air fryer generally ranges from 25 to 45 minutes in total. However, it's always a good idea to test the recipe in your specific air fryer and make adjustments as needed.

Frequently asked questions

Spare ribs can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on the weight of the ribs and the model of the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

First, preheat your air fryer. Then, cut your ribs into sections a few inches wide. Next, apply a dry rub of salt, sugar, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to both sides of the ribs. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. Flip the ribs and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Finally, brush barbecue sauce onto the bone-sides of the ribs and cook for 5 minutes.

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