Air Frying Pork Ribs: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking pork ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy, and flavorful results. The cooking time varies depending on the type of ribs and your desired level of doneness, but generally, they take around 30-40 minutes to cook at temperatures between 325°F to 400°F.

For baby back ribs, a higher temperature of 375°F to 380°F for 25-30 minutes is recommended, while spare ribs may need up to 40 minutes at a similar temperature.

To achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness, a longer cooking time at a lower temperature is required, which can be achieved by cooking the ribs at 325°F for 35 minutes, then flipping and cooking at 300°F for an additional 20 minutes.

How to prepare pork ribs for the air fryer

Preparing pork ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender and juicy ribs without having to wait hours for them to cook. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare pork ribs for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help make the ribs more tender and allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat better. You can do this by sliding a knife under the membrane and carefully peeling it off. Then, cut the rack of ribs into sections that will fit into your air fryer basket. For a typical air fryer, cutting the rack into 2-4 equal portions should be sufficient.

Step 2: Make the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine your choice of dry spices and mix well. You can use a pre-made spice mix or make your own blend. A basic spice rub might include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Feel free to experiment with different spices to find your favourite blend.

Step 3: Season the Ribs

Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning adhere better to the meat and promote a crispy texture. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides. You can also wrap the ribs in plastic and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight to allow the spices to penetrate the meat even further.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking pork ribs at temperatures between 325°F and 380°F. Preheating the air fryer will help prevent the ribs from sticking to the basket and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Ribs

Place the seasoned ribs into the air fryer basket, meat-side down, and cook for the recommended time based on your air fryer's temperature. For example, at 380°F, cook the ribs for about 20 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 10 minutes. If your air fryer has a smaller capacity, you may need to cook the ribs in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Step 6: Brush with BBQ Sauce (Optional)

Once the initial cooking time is up, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with your favourite barbecue sauce. Return the ribs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes at a higher temperature, such as 400°F, to allow the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky texture. Keep a close eye on the ribs during this step to avoid burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier, more flavourful ribs. If desired, brush with additional barbecue sauce before serving.

How to make a spice rub for pork ribs

Air fryer ribs are a quick, tender, and delicious meal. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the ribs and your preferred level of doneness, but they typically take around 30-40 minutes at 350-380°F.

Now, let's talk about that spice rub! A good dry rub is essential for adding flavour to your ribs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a spice rub for pork ribs:

Ingredients

You'll need the following spices to make a delicious rib rub:

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Salt (kosher or sea salt flakes)
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• White pepper (optional)
• Celery salt (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Ground mustard (optional)
• Cumin (optional)
• Chili powder (optional)
• Creole seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Use a fork to break up any clumps of sugar or spices, ensuring everything is well mixed.
• Generously apply the rub to both sides of the ribs. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies!
• For best results, let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator. You can leave them for a few hours or even overnight. This extra time allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more intense flavour.
• After marinating, your ribs are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Feel free to adjust the measurements and add or remove spices to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of paprika, such as smoked paprika, for a slightly different flavour profile. Enjoy crafting your perfect spice rub!

How to cook pork ribs in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Baby back pork ribs
• BBQ sauce
• Spices: kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin

Method

• Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the ribs using a kitchen knife and clean it with a paper towel. Cut the rack into three equal parts and dry the ribs with a paper towel.
• Season the ribs: In a small bowl, mix your chosen spices and seasonings. Sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides of the ribs.
• Air fry: Wrap the ribs with aluminum foil and place them in the pre-heated air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F-380°F for 25 minutes.
• Add sauce and cook again: Take the ribs out of the air fryer and brush them with BBQ sauce. Place them back in the air fryer basket, uncovered, and air fry for another 5-10 minutes at 400°F.
• Rest and serve: Allow the ribs to rest for several minutes before serving. If desired, brush with more barbecue sauce.

Tips

• For ribs that are well-done, the internal temperature of the meatiest ribs should be 170°F. A meat thermometer can be used to check this.
• For ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender, cook at 325°F for 35 minutes, then turn the ribs over and cook at 300°F for another 20 minutes. Then, turn the heat up to 400°F and cook for a final 10 minutes.
• Look for meaty and well-marbled ribs, as these will be the most flavorful and tender.
• Pat ribs dry with a paper towel before seasoning, as this will help the seasoning stick and make the ribs crispy.
• Cook the ribs in batches and in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
• The ribs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 195-203°F.

How to make a BBQ sauce for pork ribs

Now that you know how long to cook your pork ribs in the air fryer, you can start thinking about the sauce. Here is a recipe for a delicious BBQ sauce to go with your pork ribs, along with some extra tips and tricks.

Ingredients:

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Cumin
• Apple cider vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Method:

Firstly, make a dry rub for your ribs with garlic powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and ground black pepper. Pat your ribs dry and rub the spice mix generously over the ribs.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Place the ribs in the basket, meat-side down, and cook for 15 minutes. Then, flip the ribs and cook for another 10 minutes.

While the ribs are cooking, make your BBQ sauce. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, cumin, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a saucepan. Heat over a medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt have dissolved.

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them generously with the BBQ sauce. Place the ribs back in the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes at 400°F/200°C, or until the sauce has darkened slightly.

Finally, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, making the ribs even more tender and juicy.

Tips and Tricks:

• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar.
• For a spicier sauce, add some chilli powder or smoked paprika.
• You can also add other ingredients to the BBQ sauce such as soy sauce, ginger, or mustard.
• Make sure to keep an eye on the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
• For extra crispy ribs, increase the temperature to 400°F/200°C for the final few minutes of cooking.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can also cook the ribs in the oven at 300°F for 3 hours. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and return to the oven for 30 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious, juicy, and tender pork ribs with BBQ sauce!

How to store leftover pork ribs

Storing leftover pork ribs is easy and allows you to enjoy your meal for a few days after cooking. Here are some simple steps to follow to store your leftover pork ribs properly:

• Let the cooked ribs cool down.
• Place the leftover ribs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate the ribs within two hours of cooking.
• Consume the ribs within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and taste.

If you want to store the leftover ribs for a more extended period, you can freeze them. Here's how:

• Wrap the ribs tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil to preserve their moisture and flavour.
• Place the wrapped ribs in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Label the storage container or bag with the date.
• Freeze the ribs for up to 2 to 3 months for the best quality, but they will remain safe to consume beyond this time frame.

Now that you know how to store your leftover pork ribs, you can enjoy them for several days after cooking. Remember always to practise food safety and consume the ribs within the recommended time frame for the best quality and taste.

Frequently asked questions