Air Fryer Country Ribs: Cooking Time Perfection

Country-style ribs are a delicious, juicy, and tender meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. They are usually made with boneless pork ribs, which are easier to cook evenly and quickly. The ribs are seasoned with a dry rub of spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and brown sugar, and then cooked in the air fryer for about 20 minutes. After cooking, they are brushed with barbecue sauce and cooked for an additional 2-3 minutes. The air fryer gives the ribs a crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender and juicy, and it is also a healthier option than frying or baking, as it requires less oil.

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for cooking country-style ribs. This is a good temperature to aim for, as it will ensure your ribs are cooked thoroughly and evenly.

Preheating your air fryer is a simple process. First, set the temperature to 380°F. Then, allow the air fryer to heat up for a few minutes before adding your food. Depending on your air fryer, this could take around 3-5 minutes. If you have a larger air fryer, you may want to give it a couple of extra minutes to heat up.

Preheating your air fryer is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it ensures your food cooks evenly. Starting with a preheated air fryer means that your food will cook at the desired temperature for the desired amount of time, reducing the risk of undercooking or overcooking. Secondly, it can help reduce the amount of time your food spends in the air fryer, as you don't have to wait for the air fryer to heat up during the cooking process. This can lead to more consistent results and quicker cooking times.

When cooking country-style ribs in your air fryer, it is recommended to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a little room between each piece for airflow. This will ensure even cooking and allow the ribs to get that desired crispy texture.

Prepare ribs with a dry rub

Preparing country ribs with a dry rub is a straightforward process. Firstly, you'll want to buy or make your own rub. A typical store-bought rub will contain spices like brown sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. If you want to make your own, you can mix these spices together and store them in an airtight container for future use.

When it comes to preparing the ribs, you'll want to start by rinsing the ribs and then patting them dry. If your ribs have a thick membrane on the back, you should remove this as it can make the meat tough and chewy. You can ask your butcher to do this for you, or you can use a sharp knife to slice under the membrane but above the bone. Next, cut away any large pieces of fat from the back of the ribs, leaving a little for added flavour. Spray all sides of the ribs with cooking spray and then generously sprinkle the dry rub over the meat. Gently press the mixture into the meat to ensure the spices stick during cooking.

Place the ribs in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer, leaving a little room between each piece. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time. As a guide, you can cook the ribs at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once the ribs are cooked, use tongs to remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cutting board.

Cook ribs for 20 minutes

Cooking country ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender ribs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook ribs for 20 minutes using an air fryer:

Preparation:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the ribs by rinsing them and patting them dry. Cut off any large pieces of fat from the back of the ribs, but it is okay to leave some for added flavor.

Seasoning:

In a small bowl, mix your choice of seasoning. A typical dry rub includes brown sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. You can also add a touch of honey and minced garlic to the barbecue sauce for a sweet and savory variation. If you want your ribs to have a kick, add some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the dry rub.

Cooking:

Once the air fryer is preheated, prepare the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray. Place the ribs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook the ribs at 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Finishing Touches:

After 20 minutes, remove the basket and brush barbecue sauce onto the tops and sides of the ribs. Place the ribs back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; the pork should have reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• It is recommended to cook the ribs to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, which is past the FDA's recommended safe consumption temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for pork.
• Always test a small batch of ribs first to determine the optimal cooking time for your air fryer.
• For crispy brown ends, cook the ribs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 3 minutes.
• Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Brush ribs with barbecue sauce

Brushing ribs with barbecue sauce is an essential step in preparing juicy and tender air fryer country-style ribs. While the barbecue sauce adds flavour, it also helps create a desirable crispy texture on the exterior of the ribs.

There are a variety of barbecue sauces available, from store-bought to homemade. Some recipes suggest a simple combination of ketchup, brown sugar, cumin, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Others recommend a sweeter sauce, achieved by adding more brown sugar, or a spicier sauce, by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

When preparing the ribs, it is important to first cut off any large pieces of fat from the back of the ribs, leaving some for added flavour. Then, season the ribs with a dry rub of spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, ensuring the spices stick to the meat.

After the ribs have been cooked in the air fryer for the majority of the cooking time, remove the basket and generously brush the barbecue sauce onto the tops and sides of the ribs. Place the ribs back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the model of the air fryer.

It is important to watch the ribs closely during the final minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Once the sauce has set and darkened slightly, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cook ribs for an additional 2-3 minutes

Cooking country-style ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender, and flavorful ribs. After preheating your air fryer to 380°F and preparing the ribs with a dry rub and barbecue sauce, you'll air fry them for about 20 minutes. But what if you want your ribs a little more well done, or perhaps a tad crispier? That's when you cook your ribs for an additional 2-3 minutes.

When cooking country ribs in an air fryer, it's essential to keep an eye on the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches 145°F for safe consumption. This is best done with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. After the initial 20 minutes of cooking, the internal temperature of the ribs should be around 140°F. At this point, you can brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce and return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time.

This extra cooking time allows the barbecue sauce to caramelize, giving the ribs a burst of flavor and a desirable crispy texture. It's important to note that air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, if you prefer your ribs on the rarer side, you can reduce the cooking time or skip the additional 2-3 minutes altogether.

By following this method, you'll be able to achieve the perfect balance of juicy, tender meat with a crispy exterior, making your air-fried country ribs a delicious and impressive dish for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions