Air-Fried Spare Ribs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender ribs with minimal ingredients and preparation. The cooking time varies depending on the weight of the ribs and the specific air fryer being used, but generally, it takes around 30 minutes to cook spare ribs in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking spare ribs and should not be skipped. The optimal temperature for cooking spare ribs is between 350°F and 400°F. Depending on your air fryer, it should take 3 to 5 minutes to preheat.

Once preheated, you can transfer the ribs to the fryer basket and cook until they are tender and golden brown. The cooking time will vary depending on the number of ribs you are cooking, but on average, it should take around 30 to 40 minutes for the ribs to be fully cooked.

Some recipes suggest wrapping the ribs in tin foil before placing them in the air fryer. This can help to keep the ribs moist and prevent them from drying out. If you choose to wrap the ribs in foil, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Additionally, it is important to note that all air fryers cook differently, so cooking times are always a basic guideline. You may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time slightly based on your specific air fryer model. It is always a good idea to test the recipe in your own air fryer and adjust the time or temperature as needed.

Prepare the ribs

Preparing ribs for the air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare spare ribs for cooking in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 350°F and 400°F. This step is important as it ensures the air fryer is hot enough to cook the ribs effectively.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs for Seasoning

Before applying any seasonings, it is recommended to pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings adhere better to the meat. If your ribs are not already cut into sections, use a sharp knife to cut them into portions that will fit comfortably in your air fryer.

Step 3: Apply Seasonings

This is where you can get creative and experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile. A simple option is to use a basic dry rub of salt and pepper, but you can also create a more complex spice blend. Some popular seasonings for ribs include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, and mustard powder. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then generously apply them to both sides of the ribs.

Step 4: Optional - Wrap in Foil

Some recipes suggest wrapping the seasoned ribs in aluminium foil before placing them in the air fryer. This is not a necessary step, but it can help to retain moisture and make cleanup easier.

Step 5: Place Ribs in the Air Fryer

Once your ribs are seasoned and/or wrapped in foil, it's time to place them in the preheated air fryer. Ensure that the ribs are in a single layer and not overcrowded in the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ribs in batches.

Step 6: Cook the Ribs

The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the size/cut of your ribs, but on average, ribs will take around 15-20 minutes per side to cook. For best results, flip the ribs halfway through the cooking process.

Step 7: Apply Barbecue Sauce (Optional)

If you want to add some extra flavour and moisture to your ribs, you can brush on your favourite barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This step is optional but will result in juicy, saucy ribs.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once the ribs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the ribs are nice and tender.

Preparing spare ribs for the air fryer is a straightforward process that can be customised to your taste preferences. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your perfect rib recipe!

Season the ribs

Seasoning your ribs is a key step in the cooking process, as it will help to enhance the flavour of the meat. Here is a detailed guide on how to season your ribs before air frying:

Firstly, you will need to decide on the seasonings you want to use. A variety of spices and herbs can be used to season ribs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, and brown sugar. You can also create a dry rub by mixing together a selection of these spices. For example, one recipe suggests combining brown sugar, white sugar, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, pepper, cumin, onion, and Greek seasoning to create a flavourful spice mixture. Alternatively, you can keep it simple by just using salt and pepper to season your ribs.

Once you have chosen your seasonings, it's time to prepare the ribs. If your ribs are not already cut into sections, use a sharp knife to cut them into pieces that will fit into your air fryer. It is recommended to cut the ribs into sections that are a few inches wide.

Now it's time to apply the seasonings. If you have created a spice mixture or dry rub, combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Then, generously apply the seasoning mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides. You can use your hands to rub the spices into the meat, or you can use a brush to ensure an even coating.

After the ribs are seasoned, they are almost ready for the air fryer. Some recipes suggest letting the ribs sit with the seasonings for a few minutes to allow the flavours to absorb. However, others recommend placing the ribs directly into the air fryer after seasoning.

Finally, follow the remaining steps in your chosen air fryer spare rib recipe, such as preheating the air fryer and cooking the ribs for the recommended amount of time. Enjoy your delicious, flavourful spare ribs!

Air fry the ribs

Air-frying ribs is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender ribs without having to fire up the grill or spend hours cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to air fry ribs:

Step 1: Prepare the ribs

Start by removing any membranes from the ribs using a kitchen knife. You can then choose to cut the ribs into sections that will fit in your air fryer. It is recommended to cut them into 3-4 equal parts.

Step 2: Make the rub

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and seasonings to create a dry rub. The exact spices you use can vary depending on your preference, but some common options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices well so they are fully combined.

Step 3: Season the ribs

Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning adhere to the ribs and make them crispier. Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.

Step 4: Air fry the ribs

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook the ribs for 15 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 15 minutes. The total cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your ribs, but it should be around 30-40 minutes. You may need to cook the ribs in batches if they don't all fit in your air fryer at once.

Step 5: Brush with sauce (optional)

Once the ribs are cooked, you can choose to brush them with barbecue sauce. Place them back in the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as whole racks or cut them into individual ribs. Air-fried ribs go well with a variety of sides, such as fries, low-carb vegetables, or coleslaw.

Rest, then serve

Once your ribs are cooked, it's time to let them rest before serving. This is an important step, as it allows the juices to redistribute and the ribs to cool down slightly so you can enjoy them. Depending on the recipe, you might also brush the ribs with barbecue sauce before letting them rest.

For most recipes, you'll want to let the ribs rest for several minutes. This gives the juices a chance to settle and ensures the ribs are cool enough to eat. If you're in a hurry, a few minutes of rest time will still make a difference in the texture and taste of the meat.

If you've cooked your ribs in an air fryer, they'll be nice and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Resting the ribs will help maintain this balance of textures.

When serving the ribs, you can slice them into individual portions or let people tear into them with their hands. Either way, make sure to provide plenty of napkins, as things might get a little messy!

Some people like to serve ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. You can also offer a variety of sides, such as fries, low-carb vegetables, or coleslaw.

Frequently asked questions