Air Fryer Ribs: The Perfect Timing For Tender, Juicy Deliciousness

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender and juicy ribs. The cooking time depends on the type of ribs and your desired level of doneness, but generally, ribs can be cooked in an air fryer in around 30 minutes.

For example, one recipe suggests cooking spare ribs at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for another 15 minutes. Another recipe recommends cooking baby back ribs at 380°F for 20 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for an additional 10 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the ribs. It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to prepare spare ribs for the air fryer oven

Preparing spare ribs in an air fryer oven is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender ribs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the ribs

Start by removing the membrane from the rack of ribs using a kitchen knife. Clean the ribs with a paper towel, then cut the rack into two to four equal portions so that they fit into your air fryer basket. If you want them extra crispy, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Make the spice rub

In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices to create a dry rub. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and mustard powder.

Step 3: Season the ribs

Generously sprinkle the spice rub on both sides of the ribs. Make sure to get an even coating for maximum flavour.

Step 4: Air fry

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking. You can wrap the ribs in aluminium foil for easier cleanup, but it's not necessary. Set the air fryer to 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C) and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Flip and cook again

After 15 minutes, use tongs to flip the ribs. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. If you're using a lower temperature, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Step 6: Brush with BBQ sauce (optional)

For extra flavour and a sticky texture, brush the ribs with your favourite barbecue sauce after the initial cooking time. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 7: 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, ensuring juicy and tender ribs. Brush with additional barbecue sauce if desired, then slice and enjoy!

What temperature to cook spare ribs in an air fryer oven

Cooking Spare Ribs in an Air Fryer Oven

The ideal temperature for cooking spare ribs in an air fryer oven is between 350°F and 400°F.

Some recipes suggest cooking spare ribs at 380°F for 25 minutes, and then a further 10 minutes at the same temperature after brushing with barbecue sauce.

Other recipes suggest cooking spare ribs at 375°F for 25 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 400°F for the final 3-5 minutes.

One recipe suggests cooking spare ribs at 325°F for 35 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 400°F for the final 10 minutes.

Cooking times vary depending on the recipe and the size of the ribs, but spare ribs will generally take between 25 and 45 minutes to cook in an air fryer oven.

First, preheat your air fryer oven to the desired temperature.

Then, prepare your ribs by removing the membrane and cutting the rack into portions that will fit into your air fryer basket.

Next, make a dry rub by mixing your chosen spices and seasonings in a small bowl. You can use a pre-made spice rub, or make your own using spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.

Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel, and then rub the spice mix all over the ribs.

Place the ribs into the air fryer basket, and cook for the desired time, turning the ribs halfway through.

Finally, remove the ribs from the air fryer, brush with barbecue sauce, and cook for a further few minutes until the sauce has set.

Yes, you can add barbecue sauce to your spare ribs. You can brush the sauce onto the ribs after they have been cooked, and then cook for a further few minutes until the sauce has set.

Alternatively, you can serve the barbecue sauce as a dip on the side.

Spare ribs can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as fries, low-carb vegetables, coleslaw, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, or smoked pineapple.

How long to cook spare ribs in an air fryer oven

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender and juicy ribs. The length of time it takes to cook spare ribs in an air fryer oven depends on the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of doneness. On average, ribs will take around 30 minutes to cook at 380°F in an air fryer.

Steps to cook spare ribs in an air fryer oven:

First, cut a full rack of spare ribs in half to ensure they fit into the air fryer basket. Then, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Season the ribs with your chosen spice rub, covering both sides. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F and place the ribs in the basket, meat-side down, and cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the ribs and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Once the timer goes off, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and cook for a further 5 minutes at 400°F.

Tips for cooking spare ribs in an air fryer oven:

• For a deeper flavour, marinate the ribs with the spice rub for at least 2 hours or overnight before air frying.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach a safe internal temperature. For tender ribs, aim for an internal temperature of 195-200°F.
• For well-done ribs, the internal temperature should be 170°F.
• For fall-off-the-bone ribs, cook the ribs at a lower temperature for a longer period of time before turning up the heat.

Side dishes to serve with spare ribs:

Spare ribs can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as fries, low-carb vegetables, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.

Storing and reheating spare ribs:

Leftover spare ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight, then cook in the air fryer at 350°F for several minutes until heated through.

How to make spare ribs tender in an air fryer oven

Step 1: Prepare the ribs

Remove the membrane from the ribs using a kitchen knife. Clean the ribs with a paper towel. Cut the rack into three equal parts and dry the ribs with a paper towel.

Step 2: Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix your choice of spices. You can use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and chilli powder. Apply the seasoning to both sides of the ribs.

Step 3: Air fry

Wrap the ribs in aluminium foil and place them in the pre-heated air fryer basket. Air fry the ribs at 380°F for 25 minutes.

Step 4: Sauce and cook again

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with barbecue sauce. Place the ribs back in the air fryer basket and air fry for a further 10 minutes, uncovered.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Allow the ribs to rest for several minutes before serving. If desired, brush with more barbecue sauce.

Tips

• Look for meaty and well-marbled ribs, as these will be the most flavourful and tender.
• Always pat ribs dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere and to help them become crispy.
• Cook the ribs in batches and in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
• You'll know the ribs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 195-200°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.
• 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. Finally, proceed with the recipe by turning the heat up to 400°F and cooking for 10 minutes.

Storing and reheating

Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. To freeze, place the ribs in a shallow container and store in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat the ribs in the air fryer for several minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

How to reheat spare ribs in an air fryer oven

Reheating spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender and juicy ribs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Spare Ribs

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your spare ribs by cutting them into portions that will fit comfortably in the air fryer basket. If your spare ribs are frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Step 2: Reheat the Spare Ribs

Place the spare ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 3-8 minutes at 350-400°F. The exact time will depend on the number of ribs and your desired level of doneness.

Step 3: Add Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer saucy ribs, brush your favourite barbecue sauce onto the ribs during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This will allow the sauce to warm through and slightly caramelize without burning.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once the spare ribs are heated through, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure the juices redistribute and result in juicy, tender ribs.

Reheating spare ribs in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy delicious ribs without the lengthy cooking process. By following these simple steps, you can have tender and juicy ribs ready to be enjoyed in no time!

Frequently asked questions