Air Fryer Pork Ribs: Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Cooking pork ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy ribs without having to heat up the grill or oven. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the ribs and your preferred level of doneness, but typically ribs will take around 30-40 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

How to prepare ribs for the air fryer

Preparing ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender and juicy meat with a crispy, salty crust. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare ribs for the air fryer:

Step 1: Cut the Ribs

First, you will need to cut a full rack of ribs into portions that fit into your air fryer basket. The number of portions will depend on the size of your air fryer. For a 2.6-quart air fryer, you can cut the rack of ribs in half. For larger air fryers, you may be able to fit the entire rack without cutting, or you may only need to cut it into a few pieces. Try to ensure that the ribs touch as little as possible, but they can go up the sides of the basket if needed.

Step 2: Remove the Membrane

Use a kitchen knife to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step is important as it allows the seasonings to absorb better into the meat.

Step 3: Dry the Ribs

Use a paper towel to pat the ribs dry. This will help the seasoning adhere to the meat and promote a crispy texture.

Step 4: Season the Ribs

You can use a store-bought BBQ spice rub or make your own by mixing spices such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Generously season the ribs on both sides. For more well-done ribs, you can let the seasoning sit for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator before air frying.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F. Some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 400°F for the final few minutes of cooking to crisp up the outside of the ribs.

Step 6: Cook the Ribs

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, meat-side down, and cook for 20-30 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. For more well-done ribs, you can cook them at a lower temperature for a longer time, or you can cook them at a higher temperature for a shorter time.

Step 7: Flip and Cook Again

After the initial cooking time, use tongs to flip the ribs over and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes. For fall-off-the-bone ribs, you can cook them at a lower temperature of 300°F for this step.

Step 8: Brush with BBQ Sauce

Once the timer is up, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Step 9: Cook for a Few More Minutes

Place the ribs back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, brush with additional BBQ sauce.

With these steps, you can enjoy tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs prepared in your air fryer!

How long to cook ribs in the air fryer

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy ribs with a crispy, salty crust. The length of time it takes to cook ribs in an air fryer depends on the type of ribs you are cooking and your desired level of doneness.

Baby back ribs

Baby back ribs are the best type of ribs to cook in an air fryer. This is because they have a lot of loin meat, which is best cooked quickly and to a lower internal temperature.

Most recipes suggest cooking baby back ribs for around 30-35 minutes at 350°F-380°F. You can then finish them off by brushing with sauce and cooking for a further 5-10 minutes at a higher temperature of 400°F.

Spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs

Spare ribs and St. Louis-style ribs are not ideal for cooking in an air fryer because the darker meat benefits from low-and-slow cooking. However, if you do want to cook these cuts in an air fryer, you will need to increase the cooking time by 5-6 minutes.

Rib tips

If you are cooking rib tips, you will need to reduce the cooking time. Try cooking for 10 minutes, then a further 5 minutes after adding sauce.

Well-done ribs

For well-done ribs, you will want the internal temperature of the meatiest ribs to be 170°F.

The best temperature to cook ribs in an air fryer

There are a few different opinions on the best temperature to cook ribs in an air fryer, but most sources agree that cooking at a higher temperature for a shorter time will help to achieve a nice crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Temperature and Timing

One source recommends cooking ribs at 375°F for 25 minutes, and then finishing at 400°F for 3-5 minutes. This creates a nice balance of juicy ribs with a crispy exterior.

Another source recommends cooking ribs for about 35 minutes at 325°F, and then finishing at 400°F for 10 minutes. This method is said to produce tender, juicy ribs with a crispy, salty crust.

A third option is to cook ribs at 380°F for 25 minutes, and then cook uncovered for a further 10 minutes. This method also includes wrapping the ribs in foil for the first 25 minutes, which may impact the final texture.

Getting the Best Results

To ensure your ribs are cooked perfectly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for ribs is between 195-203°F.

It is also important to preheat your air fryer before adding the ribs, to avoid the ribs sticking to the basket.

For fall-off-the-bone ribs, a low-and-slow cooking method is recommended. This can be achieved in an air fryer by cooking the ribs at 325°F for 35 minutes, and then at 300°F for an additional 20 minutes.

Tips for Success

When preparing ribs for the air fryer, it is recommended to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the seasonings to absorb better and makes the ribs more tender.

It is also important to pat the ribs dry with a paper towel before adding any seasonings. This will help the seasonings to adhere to the ribs and encourage a crispy texture.

Finally, cook the ribs in batches and in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

How to make ribs tender in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Pork ribs
• BBQ sauce
• BBQ seasoning or a mix of brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, black pepper, paprika, sea salt, cumin, chilli powder, and mustard powder
• Cooking spray
• Aluminium foil (optional)

Method:

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Cut the rack into three or four equal parts and pat dry with a paper towel.

Season the ribs with your chosen seasoning, covering both sides. For a deeper flavour, marinate the ribs in the seasoning for at least two hours or overnight.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F-380°F. Spray the air fryer tray with cooking spray and place the ribs on the rack.

Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the ribs and cook for a further 10-15 minutes.

Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and cook for another 5 minutes at 400°F.

Remove the ribs and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Cover with additional sauce if desired.

Tips:

• For fall-off-the-bone ribs, cook at 325°F for 35 minutes, then turn the ribs over and cook at 300°F for another 20 minutes. Then finish by turning up the heat to 400°F and cooking for a final 10 minutes.
• For well-done ribs, the internal temperature should be 170°F.
• For extra-tender rib meat, cook at a lower temperature for longer.
• Baste the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
• For a healthier option, use a tray-style air fryer to cook the ribs without the need for aluminium foil.
• For more flavour, use meaty, well-marbled ribs.
• Always pat ribs dry before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere and create a crispy texture.
• Cook the ribs in batches and in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Double-check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer—they are cooked when they reach 195-200°F.

How to reheat ribs in an air fryer

If you're looking to reheat ribs in an air fryer, there are a few simple steps to follow. Firstly, it's important to note that you should always reheat ribs that have been stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Do not reheat ribs that have been left at room temperature.

If your ribs are frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This is an important food safety precaution.

To reheat the ribs in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350°F. Then, arrange the ribs inside the air fryer basket or tray. You can add a tablespoon of oil to the ribs to keep them moist and help crisp up the exterior. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, or until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to check this.

If you prefer saucy ribs, brush them with barbecue sauce before reheating. You can also add more sauce after reheating if desired.

Alternatively, you can reheat ribs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 250°F and place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Once the oven is heated, add the ribs and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F. Then, brush them with barbecue sauce and continue to bake, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes.

These methods will ensure your leftover ribs are heated safely and effectively, while also maintaining their delicious taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions