Air-Fried Ribs: How Long To Fry For Tender, Juicy Deliciousness

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy, and crispy results. Depending on the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of doneness, they can be ready in as little as 30 minutes.

The cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer and the cut of ribs you are using. For example, spare ribs may take longer than baby back ribs due to being meatier. However, the general method remains the same.

First, prepare the ribs by removing any membranes and cutting the rack into portions that fit your air fryer. Then, apply a dry rub or seasoning of your choice, ensuring both sides of the ribs are coated. Place the ribs in the preheated air fryer, meat-side down, and cook for around 20-25 minutes. After this initial cooking period, flip the ribs and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Finally, brush your favourite barbecue sauce onto the ribs and cook for a further 5 minutes to seal in the flavour.

How to prepare ribs for the air fryer

Preparing ribs for the air fryer is a simple process that yields delicious results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is important as it helps make the ribs more tender and allows the seasonings to absorb better. You can use a kitchen knife to loosen the membrane and then pull it off with your hands.

Step 2: Cut the Ribs

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the rack of ribs to ensure they fit in the basket. For smaller air fryers, cut the rack in half, and for larger air fryers, you may be able to fit the whole rack.

Step 3: Season the Ribs

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and dry rub. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel, as this will help the seasoning adhere better. Generously season the ribs on both sides, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. You can also wrap the ribs and let them marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavour infusion.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F (180-190°C) for a few minutes. This step is important as it ensures the air fryer is hot when the ribs are added, promoting even cooking and preventing the food from sticking to the basket.

Step 5: Place the Ribs in the Air Fryer

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, meat-side down. If your ribs are cut into pieces, avoid overcrowding the basket and try to leave some space between the pieces to allow for even cooking.

Step 6: Cook the Ribs

Cook the ribs for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your rack and your desired level of doneness. For smaller or more well-done ribs, aim for the shorter cooking time, and for larger or rarer ribs, go for the longer cooking time. Halfway through the cooking process, flip the ribs over so that the bone side is down.

Step 7: Baste with BBQ Sauce (Optional)

Once the initial cooking time is up, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush both sides with your favourite BBQ sauce. Return the ribs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes at a higher temperature of around 400°F (200°C). This step will give the ribs a nice char and crispy exterior.

Step 8: 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 ensures the ribs are nice and tender. If desired, brush with additional BBQ sauce before serving.

And that's it! You now have delicious, tender, and juicy air-fried ribs. Enjoy!

How long to cook ribs in the air fryer for

How long to cook ribs in the air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook ribs in an air fryer depends on the type of ribs you are cooking, the temperature you are cooking at, and your desired level of doneness.

Baby back ribs

Baby back ribs generally take between 30 and 40 minutes to cook in an air fryer. One source suggests cooking them for 25 minutes at 375°F, then adding barbecue sauce and cooking for a further five minutes at 400°F. Another source recommends cooking them for 35 minutes at 350°F, flipping them halfway through, then adding barbecue sauce and cooking for a final five minutes. A third source suggests cooking them for 20 minutes at 380°F, then a further 10 minutes at the same temperature, before adding barbecue sauce and cooking for five minutes at 400°F.

Spare ribs

Spare ribs are meatier than baby back ribs, so they will take longer to cook. One source recommends cooking them for 35 minutes at 325°F, then adding barbecue sauce and cooking for a further 10 minutes at 400°F. Another source suggests that they will simply take "a bit longer" than baby back ribs.

Beef ribs

Beef ribs will also take longer to cook than baby back ribs. One source recommends increasing the cooking time by 5-6 minutes.

Rib tips

For small, chunk-like rib tips, one source recommends cooking them for 10 minutes, then a further 5 minutes after adding sauce.

Fall-off-the-bone ribs

If you want your ribs to be fall-off-the-bone tender, you will need to cook them for longer. One source recommends cooking ribs at 325°F for 35 minutes, then turning the ribs over and cooking at 300°F for a further 20 minutes, before finishing them off at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Checking for doneness

To check that your ribs are cooked, you can use a meat thermometer. Pork should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, but cooking it to 190-200°F will make it more tender.

What temperature to cook ribs at

The optimal temperature for cooking ribs in an air fryer depends on the type of ribs being cooked, the desired texture, and the air fryer being used.

For pork baby back ribs, a common approach is to cook the ribs at a lower temperature of around 325°F (162°C) for 30-35 minutes and then increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the final 5-10 minutes to create a crispy exterior. This two-step process helps to ensure that the ribs are cooked through while also achieving a desirable texture.

For beef ribs or lamb ribs, it is recommended to increase the cooking time by about 5-6 minutes when using the same temperature settings as pork ribs.

To achieve fall-off-the-bone ribs, a lower and slower cooking method is required. This can be achieved by cooking the ribs at 325°F (162°C) for 35 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 300°F (149°C) for an additional 20 minutes, and finally increasing to 400°F (204°C) for the last 10 minutes.

It is important to note that the specific temperatures and cooking times may vary depending on the size of the ribs, the model of the air fryer, and personal preferences for doneness.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ribs reach a safe internal temperature. For pork ribs, the USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), while others suggest a higher temperature range of 195-203°F (88-95°C) for more tender and juicy results.

How to tell when ribs are cooked

There are a few ways to tell when ribs are cooked in the air fryer. Firstly, you can check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer. For well-done ribs, the internal temperature should reach 170°F. For ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender, the internal temperature should be higher, around 190°F to 203°F.

Another way to tell if ribs are cooked is to look at their appearance. Cooked ribs will have a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. They should have a nice crust and a hint of charred flavour on the outside. The ribs should not be dried out, but rather have a bit of a tug to them.

Additionally, you can also check the ribs by cutting into them. If the ribs are cut between the bones and the meat is easily separated, then they are likely cooked through.

It's important to note that the cooking time for ribs in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and your preferred level of doneness. Ribs typically take around 30-45 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 380°F, but beef ribs may take longer.

How to reheat ribs

There are few things more mouth-watering than a rack of juicy, tender ribs. But what happens when you have leftovers? Reheating ribs can be tricky, as you want to preserve that delicious texture and flavour without drying them out. Here's where the air fryer comes to the rescue! In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality ribs in the comfort of your own home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Ribs in an Air Fryer:

Step 1: Storing Your Leftover Ribs

The key to successfully reheating ribs is to start with proper storage. It's best to refrigerate your ribs as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. Wrap your ribs in foil or place them in a zip lock or vacuum-sealed bag to minimise moisture loss. You can also cut them into individual servings for better results.

Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer

When you're ready to reheat your ribs, start by preheating your air fryer. The ideal temperature will depend on the type of ribs you're reheating. For sauced ribs or prime rib, a lower temperature of 270°F is recommended. For other types of ribs, preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 380°F.

Step 3: Preparing the Ribs

Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature while the air fryer preheats. If your ribs look dry, you can spritz them with a small amount of liquid such as apple juice, chicken broth, or water. For sauced ribs, it is recommended to use a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easier cleanup.

Step 4: Cooking the Ribs

Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper air circulation around each piece. If your air fryer is small, you may need to reheat the ribs in batches. Add a tablespoon of oil if you want to prevent drying and promote a crispy texture. Reheat the ribs for 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness. For sauced ribs, baste them with additional barbecue sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to enhance moisture and flavour.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. The ideal temperature for ribs is at least 110°F, but you can adjust according to your desired level of doneness. If the ribs are not warm enough, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until they reach your desired temperature.

Step 6: Serving

Once the ribs are heated through, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can add more sauce or garnishes as desired. Enjoy your delicious, restaurant-quality ribs!

Tips for Reheating Ribs:

• It is recommended to reheat ribs in one piece rather than separating them to prevent drying out and overcooking.
• If you're reheating frozen ribs, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• To prevent dryness, you can lightly baste the ribs with barbecue sauce or a sauce and water mixture before reheating.
• Flipping the ribs halfway through the reheating process ensures even heating on both sides.
• If you have a large quantity of ribs, it's best to reheat them in batches to ensure even heating.
• To maintain tenderness and flavour, use a lower temperature setting (around 350°F) and regularly check the ribs to avoid overcooking.

Frequently asked questions