Emilie Meyer
Cooking beef ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender ribs without the long cooking time of a grill or oven. While cooking ribs traditionally takes 8-10 hours, an air fryer can produce delicious ribs in just 35 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of ribs you are cooking, but the average cooking time is around 35 minutes. To ensure your ribs are cooked properly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the ribs has reached 190-200°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to cook beef ribs in an air fryer | 35 minutes for a half rack |
| Temperature to cook at | 320-325ºF |
| Internal temperature when cooked | 190-195ºF |
| Time taken to reheat | Several minutes in the air fryer, 20-30 seconds in the microwave |
| Time taken to cook without an air fryer | 8-10 hours |
| Whether to cook bone-side up or down | Depends on the source, but sources suggest both |
| Whether to cut the ribs | Recommended to cut the rack of ribs in half to fit in the air fryer |
| Whether to remove the membrane | Yes, to allow seasonings to absorb better |
| Whether to season | Recommended to season with a dry rub on both sides |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
Cooking beef ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious cut of beef. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of beef ribs you are cooking and the size of your air fryer.
For beef short ribs, it is recommended to cook them low and slow. If you are cooking them in an air fryer, you can expect the cooking time to be significantly reduced compared to other cooking methods. While short ribs typically take 8-10 hours to cook, they can be cooked in an air fryer in about 35 minutes. It is important to note that while they will be extremely juicy, they will not be "fall-off-the-bone" tender.
To cook beef short ribs in an air fryer, first, remove the silver membrane from the back of the ribs. You can do this by using a boning knife to start peeling the membrane on the edge of the ribs and then using a paper towel to pull it off. Season the ribs with a dry rub on both sides and let them rest overnight with the seasoning, if possible. Cut the rack of ribs in half if you have a basket air fryer, or cook a whole rack at once if you have an oven-style air fryer. Place the ribs in the air fryer meat-side up and air fry at 320ºF for 25 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, flip the ribs and baste them with your favorite BBQ sauce. Cook at 320ºF for another 10 minutes. Check the temperature of the meat with an instant-read meat thermometer; the ribs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 190ºF to 200ºF.
For beef back ribs, the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size of your air fryer. It is recommended to cook them bone-side up at 380ºF for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and cook at 390ºF for another 5 minutes. If you are cooking a larger slab of ribs, you may need to cut them into halves or smaller pieces to fit in your air fryer, and the cooking time may vary. You can also try cooking them at a steady medium-high temperature of 325ºF for about 35 minutes, and then blasting them at 400ºF for 10 minutes to finish the cooking process and crisp up the outside.
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Removing the membrane
Cooking beef ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. However, before you start cooking, it is important to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is because the membrane can affect the tenderness and flavour of the cooked ribs.
To remove the membrane, start by flipping the ribs over so that they are curved toward you. You should see a thin, somewhat translucent layer of white tissue attached to the back of the ribs. This is the membrane, or peritoneum, and it is the only part of the ribs that can be easily separated.
To detach the membrane, use a sharp knife, such as a boning knife, to lift up a corner of the membrane at one edge of the slab of ribs. You can also use your fingers to get underneath the membrane and pull it up. Once you have a grip on the membrane, continue to peel it away from the ribs. You can use a paper towel to help you get a hold of the membrane, as it can be a little slippery.
Once you have removed the membrane, discard it and continue with seasoning and preparing your ribs for the air fryer.
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Seasoning and marinating
A simple and common seasoning for beef ribs includes a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. You can also add a touch of brown sugar to your rub for a sweet contrast to the savoury flavour of the ribs. If you want a spicy kick, include cayenne pepper or chilli powder in your seasoning mix. For Asian-inspired flavours, consider using a soy sauce-based marinade with ginger and sesame oil. Alternatively, you can use a premade barbecue rub or brush the ribs with mustard and sprinkle them with barbecue spice.
To apply the seasoning, rub the spice mixture all over the beef ribs, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Then, place the ribs in a resealable bag or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour. For maximum flavour, it is recommended to let the ribs marinate overnight. If you have the time, letting the ribs rest with the seasoning will allow the spices to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a richer flavour.
Before placing the ribs in the air fryer, remove them from the marinade and let any excess seasoning drip off. You can also sprinkle on some additional seasoning at this point if desired. It is important to ensure that any acidic components in the marinade, such as vinegar or citrus juices, are not left on the ribs for too long, as this can turn the meat mushy.
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Storage and reheating
Storing and reheating your beef ribs is a straightforward process. If you have any leftover ribs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the ribs. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic, then place them in an airtight container. Frozen ribs can be stored for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your ribs again, there are a few ways to reheat them. One option is to use your air fryer, which is a fast and easy method that helps maintain the ribs' flavour and tenderness. Preheat your air fryer to around 350–380°F (175–190°C). If your ribs are frozen, you can place them directly in the air fryer and cook for 10–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If they're thawed, place them in the air fryer for 3–7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also add sauce to keep them moist and juicy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the ribs in the oven or on the grill at low heat. If you're reheating sauced ribs in the air fryer, it's recommended to use a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easier cleanup.
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Cooking in batches
Cooking beef ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender ribs. However, fitting a full rack of ribs into an air fryer can be challenging, and you may need to cook them in batches.
First, prepare your ribs by removing the silver membrane from the back of the rack of ribs. Use a boning knife to start peeling the membrane, and then use a paper towel to pull it off. This step is important, as the membrane prevents seasonings from absorbing into the meat, and it can also make the ribs chewy.
Next, season your ribs. You can use a dry rub on both sides of the ribs and let them rest overnight for extra flavour. If you want to add a layer of moisture and help the spices stick to the meat, brush the ribs with mustard before sprinkling on the dry rub.
Now, you're ready to start cooking your ribs in batches. Cut the rack of ribs in half so they fit in your air fryer, placing them meat-side up for the juiciest results. For a 7-quart basket air fryer, you may need to cook the ribs in 2-3 batches, depending on their size. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cut the ribs into more batches.
Air fry your first batch of ribs at 320°F (or 325°F) for 25 minutes. Then, open the air fryer and flip the ribs. Baste them with your favourite BBQ sauce and cook for another 10 minutes at 320°F (or turn up the heat to 400°F for a crispier exterior). The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190°F to 200°F. Use a meat thermometer to check, being careful not to touch the bone, as this will give an inaccurate reading.
Repeat these steps for each batch of ribs, serving them immediately after the final batch is done. Enjoy your juicy, tender beef ribs!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking beef ribs in an air fryer takes around 35 minutes for a half rack.
The temperature for cooking beef ribs in an air fryer depends on the type of air fryer you have. It is recommended to cook ribs at 320°F for 25 minutes, then at 320°F for another 10 minutes.
Before cooking, peel off the silver membrane from the back of the ribs using a boning knife. Season the ribs with a dry rub on both sides and let them rest overnight. If you have an air fryer basket, you will likely need to cut the rack of ribs in half to fit.
Beef ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
