Tillie Doyle
Cooking marinated pork ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender ribs without firing up the grill. The cooking time depends on the type and size of the ribs, as well as the size of your air fryer. Baby back ribs, for example, are smaller and leaner, so they will cook faster than spare ribs, which are larger and fattier. In general, you can expect to cook marinated pork ribs in the air fryer for around 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ribs | Baby back ribs |
| Marinade | A combination of an acid, a fatty, and a spicy element |
| Spices | Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard, cumin, chilli, coriander seed, onion powder, oregano, thyme, celery salt, onion flakes, garlic granules |
| Other ingredients | Olive oil, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, stock cube, garlic salt, paprika, brown sugar |
| Temperature | 350°F (175°C) to 380°F (190°C) to 195°C/380°F |
| Cooking time | 24-30 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F to 195-200°F |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marinating pork ribs before air frying is a great way to ensure your meat is tender and full of flavour. A marinade typically consists of a combination of fatty, acidic, and spicy elements.
A simple marinade can be made with just three ingredients: oil, soy sauce, and ketchup. You can also add black pepper to taste. Mix 1/2 cup of oil, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of ketchup in a bowl, and whisk well. You can use extra virgin olive oil, or another oil of your choice.
For a more complex marinade, you can add a variety of spices and seasonings. Combine brown sugar, white sugar, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, pepper, cumin, onion, and Greek seasoning in a small bowl. You can also add mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder to your spice mix.
Once you have prepared your marinade, place your ribs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the ribs to marinate for at least 10 minutes, but preferably a few hours, or even overnight. The longer you leave the ribs to marinate, the more tender and flavourful they will be.
After marinating, you can cook your ribs in the air fryer. First, pat them dry with a paper towel, then preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) or 380 F, depending on your model. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, and cut them into equal portions. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through. Finally, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
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Air fryer temperature and duration
The first step to cooking marinated pork ribs in an air fryer is to preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures for preheating the air fryer, ranging from 160°C to 195°C (320°F to 380°F). However, the majority of sources recommend preheating to 190°C (380°F).
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can prepare your ribs for cooking. Most recipes agree that you should remove any membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking. This is because the membrane can become tough and leathery when cooked, and removing it allows the marinade to penetrate the meat and makes the ribs more tender. After removing the membrane, you should season your ribs. Different recipes suggest different spice blends, but common ingredients include salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. You should rub the spice blend all over the ribs, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Some recipes also suggest brushing the ribs with barbecue sauce before cooking, while others recommend waiting until the ribs are cooked before adding the sauce.
When your ribs are seasoned, you can place them in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of ribs you are cooking, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook times vary depending on the recipe, but most sources recommend cooking the ribs for around 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. One source suggests cooking the ribs for 15-18 minutes at 180°C until tender and caramelised.
After the initial cooking time, some recipes suggest brushing the ribs with barbecue sauce and cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will give the ribs a gorgeous caramelised exterior. Once the ribs are cooked, it's important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure that the juices redistribute and that the ribs are juicy and tender.
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Ribs size and type
The type and size of ribs you use will determine how long they take to cook in an air fryer, as well as how many batches you will need to cook.
Baby back ribs are smaller and leaner, with meatier bones and a quicker cooking time. There are typically 7 to 13 ribs in one slab of baby backs, and they usually fit in an air fryer in one batch. However, if your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cut the rack in half and cook them in two batches.
St. Louis-style ribs, on the other hand, are larger and fattier, with a longer cooking time. They may be too big to fit in a standard-size air fryer, so you may need to cut them up and cook them in batches. Spare ribs also fall into this category.
Additionally, the thickness of the ribs will impact the cooking time. For thicker ribs, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
It's important to note that the cooking time may also vary depending on your desired level of doneness. For example, if you prefer your ribs to be "fall-off-the-bone" tender, you may need to cook them longer. However, keep in mind that air-fried ribs will not be as tender as oven-baked or smoked ribs.
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Pre-cooking preparation
Preparing marinated pork ribs for cooking in the air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, choose the right type of ribs. Baby back ribs are a good option as they are tender and lean, and they fit well in the air fryer basket. Spare ribs are larger and fattier, so they may require a longer cooking time.
Once you have selected your ribs, it's time to remove the membrane. This can be done by hand while wearing rubber gloves or using a paper towel. Removing the membrane allows the marinade to penetrate the meat and ensures that it doesn't become tough and leathery during cooking. After removing the membrane, prepare the ribs by cutting them into portions. For the air fryer, it is best to cut the ribs into three or four equal portions so they fit nicely in the basket.
Now, it's time to make the marinade. In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and oil, if using. For a well-rounded flavour profile, aim for a combination of an acid, a fatty element, and a spicy element. For example, you could use ketchup, extra virgin olive oil, and various spices. Alternatively, try a blend of garlic granules, onion flakes, smoked paprika, salt flakes, black peppercorns, cumin, coriander seed, and chilli flakes. If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your ribs, include some brown sugar in your marinade, which will also help them caramelize nicely in the air fryer.
Once your marinade is ready, it's time to rub it all over the ribs. Use a basting brush to ensure an even coating, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. After the ribs are well-coated, let them rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. For more intense flavour, you can marinate the ribs for up to 24 hours.
Finally, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 160°C and 380°F, depending on the recipe you are following. You can line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking. Once preheated, you are ready to place the ribs in the basket and begin cooking.
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Post-cooking storage and reheating
Once you've cooked your marinated pork ribs in the air fryer, you can store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. If you don't think you'll eat them within this time frame, it's best to store them in the freezer to ensure they don't dry out or lose their "just cooked" quality.
To freeze your cooked ribs, wait for them to cool, then place them in a shallow container or wrap them tightly in foil and store them in a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you have a vacuum sealer, you can use it to package the ribs before placing them in the fridge or freezer, depending on when you plan to eat them.
When you're ready to enjoy your ribs again, there are several ways to reheat them. The best way is to use an oven, preheated to around 250°F to 350°F. Cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture, and let them rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before reheating. Place the wrapped ribs on a rimmed baking sheet and put them in the oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn the ribs over and continue heating for another 15 minutes. Finally, remove the foil and place the ribs back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 155°F.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat your ribs in the air fryer or microwave. Place the ribs in the air fryer for several minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds, until they're heated through. However, keep in mind that reheating in the oven will yield the best results, as the microwave can make the ribs tough and rubbery.
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Frequently asked questions
Marinate the ribs for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
It takes between 25 and 30 minutes to cook marinated pork ribs in an air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190-195°C) and cook the ribs at this temperature.
The ribs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145-200°F. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
