Air Fryer Ribs: Timing For Tender, Juicy Results

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender results. The cooking time depends on the type of ribs and the size of the air fryer, but generally, ribs take between 30 and 60 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

How to prep ribs for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prep ribs for the air fryer:

• Baby back ribs
• BBQ sauce
• Spice rub or seasoning (you can make your own or use a store-bought option)
• Yellow mustard
• Water
• Paper towels
• Butter knife

Steps

• Remove the membrane (also known as the silver skin) from the underside of the ribs. This can be done by slicing off a small corner of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off.
• Cut the ribs into even pieces.
• Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.
• Brush the ribs with a thin coating of yellow mustard.
• Rub your chosen spice rub or seasoning all over the ribs.
• If desired, you can wrap the ribs and leave them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight before air frying.

Tips

• It is important to remove the membrane from the ribs as this allows the seasoning to fully penetrate the meat and ensures more even cooking.
• Baby back ribs are the best cut of ribs to use for this recipe as they are the most tender and cook faster.
• You can use either homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce and spice rub/seasoning.
• If you want to avoid a sticky mess, you can spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray before adding the ribs.

How to make a spice rub for ribs

A good spice rub is essential for ribs with bold, lip-smacking flavour. Here's a guide on how to make a spice rub for ribs, with a sample recipe included.

Ingredients

The ingredients for a spice rub can vary according to your taste preferences. However, a basic spice rub typically includes salt, sugar, and pepper as a base. You can then add other spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and cayenne pepper to give it a kick. For a unique twist, you can add cinnamon, celery salt, or nutmeg.

Amounts

The amount of each ingredient will depend on your taste preferences and how much rub you want to make. A good rule of thumb is to use equal amounts of salt and sugar as your base, and then add smaller amounts of the other spices to taste. For example, you could use 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and then adjust the other spices accordingly.

Method

Combine all your ingredients in a mixing bowl, using a fork to break up any clumps. You can then store your spice rub in an airtight container for up to several months.

Sample Recipe

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and use a fork to crush any clumps of sugar or seasonings. Store the rub in an airtight container for up to a month.

Tips

• Use fresh herbs and spices for the best flavour. Most spices last for 2 years when properly stored, but you can test them by crumbling a pinch and smelling it. If it smells musty or weak, it's time to replace it.
• You can customise the spice rub to your taste by adjusting the amounts of each ingredient. For example, if you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper, or if you prefer it sweeter, increase the amount of brown sugar.
• If you're short on time, you can buy pre-made spice rubs from stores or online.

Now that you've got your spice rub ready, it's time to fire up that air fryer and get cooking!

How long to cook ribs in the air fryer

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy ribs. The cooking time will depend on the type of ribs you are using, the size and thickness of the ribs, and the power of your air fryer.

Baby back ribs

Baby back ribs are the most commonly used ribs for air fryers. They are tender and cook quickly without drying out. They typically take between 30 to 45 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on the size and thickness of the ribs.

Spare ribs

Spare ribs are meatier than baby back ribs and will take a little longer to cook.

Beef ribs

Beef ribs will also likely take longer to cook than baby back ribs. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 195°F.

Cooking process

The cooking process for ribs in the air fryer usually involves cutting the ribs into sections, removing the membrane, applying a spice rub, and cooking in the air fryer, often in batches, for the desired level of doneness.

Temperature

The cooking temperature for ribs in the air fryer can vary, but it typically ranges from 300°F to 400°F. It is important to monitor the ribs during the cooking process to ensure they are cooking correctly and to avoid burning.

Tips

• For easy cleanup, spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray.
• Let the ribs sit at room temperature before cooking to reduce cooking time.
• Don't layer the ribs in the air fryer; always make sure they are lying flat to ensure even cooking.
• For more flavorful and tender ribs, remove the membrane using a paper towel or a butter knife.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the ribs to prevent sticking.
• Cook the ribs meat-side down at the beginning for more flavor.
• The ribs are done when the sauce has set and they are slightly crispy.
• The internal temperature of the ribs is very important. Pork ribs are edible at 145°F, but they will be tough. For tender ribs, cook them to an internal temperature of 190°F to 200°F.
• Baste the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to avoid the sugar in the sauce burning.
• For fall-off-the-bone ribs, consider using a different cooking method, such as oven-baked or smoked ribs.

What temperature to cook ribs in the air fryer

The ideal temperature for cooking ribs in an air fryer is between 350 °F and 400 °F. The temperature and timing will depend on the type of ribs you are cooking and your desired level of doneness.

For pork baby back ribs, preheat your air fryer to 380 °F. Then, place the ribs in the basket, meat-side down, and cook for 20 minutes. After this time, flip the ribs and cook for an additional 10 minutes at the same temperature. Finally, cover the ribs with BBQ sauce and cook for a further 5 minutes at 400 °F.

For spare ribs, which are meatier, the cooking time will be longer. Preheat your air fryer to 375 °F and place the ribs in the basket with the meat side down. Air fry for 25 minutes, turning the ribs halfway through. After this time, brush BBQ sauce on both sides and cook for 5 minutes at 400 °F.

For beef ribs, you can follow a similar cooking process to pork baby back ribs, but the ideal internal temperature is 195 °F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your ribs and the power of your air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs, which should be between 190 °F and 200 °F for tender and juicy results.

How to reheat ribs

There are several ways to reheat ribs, depending on your preference and the equipment you have available. Here are some options:

Using an Air Fryer

Reheating ribs in an air fryer is possible but not recommended, as the BBQ sauce will likely burn. If you do choose to use this method, set your air fryer to 350°F and heat the ribs for 7-8 minutes.

Using an Oven

You can also reheat ribs in a conventional oven. Place the ribs in a foil packet with a splash of water and heat until warmed through.

Using a Microwave

Alternatively, you can simply use a microwave to reheat your ribs.

Frequently asked questions