Cody Casey
Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy results. While the cooking time will vary depending on the type of ribs and the size of your air fryer, you can generally expect them to be done in around 30 minutes. So, how long do you need to cook ribs in an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit?
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F
To make juicy and tender ribs in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This will usually take around 5 minutes. You can use this time to prepare your ribs.
Firstly, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. Next, remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs. You can do this by slicing off a small corner of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off.
Now, cut the ribs into four even pieces. Brush the ribs all over with a thin coating of yellow mustard. This will help the seasoning stick to the ribs. Then, rub your chosen BBQ seasoning all over the ribs.
Finally, add 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will prevent smoking and add a steaming effect to the meat, helping it stay tender.
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Prepare the ribs
Preparing ribs for cooking in an air fryer is a simple process. First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 350°F for around 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel and remove the membrane from the underside of the rack of ribs. You can do this by slicing off a small corner of the membrane and then gripping it with a paper towel to pull it off.
Next, you'll want to season the ribs. You can use a store-bought BBQ seasoning or make your own by combining spices such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and mustard. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides of the ribs. You can also add a thin coating of yellow mustard to help the seasoning stick to the ribs.
Once the ribs are seasoned, cut them into portions. For a 7-quart basket air fryer, cut the rack of ribs into four even pieces. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cut the ribs into three portions to ensure they fit in the basket. You can also try snaking the ribs around the outside edge of the basket to maximize space.
Finally, wrap each portion of ribs in tin foil and place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure the ribs are in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Now you're ready to start cooking!
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Cook ribs for 20-25 minutes
Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender results. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking ribs in an air fryer at 350°F for 20-25 minutes:
Preparation:
Before cooking, remove the membrane or silver skin from the underside of the ribs. You can do this by slicing off a small corner of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning adhere better to the ribs.
Seasoning:
For seasoning, you can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and mustard. You can also add other spices like cumin, chilli powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and celery salt, or make your own BBQ rub. Cover both sides of the ribs evenly with the seasoning.
Cooking:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. Cut the ribs into portions that fit your air fryer basket. If you have a 7-quart basket, you can cut the ribs into four equal pieces. Place the ribs in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap.
Cook the ribs for 20-25 minutes at 350°F. For best results, flip the ribs halfway through the cooking time. After cooking, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving:
Air fryer ribs are typically tender and juicy, with a bit of a tug but not fall-off-the-bone. If you prefer fall-off-the-bone ribs, consider using a different cooking method or cooking the ribs for a shorter time at a lower temperature before finishing at a higher temperature. Serve the ribs with your favourite BBQ sauce and traditional sides like coleslaw, white bread, cornbread, baked beans, corn on the cob, or macaroni salad.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the ribs for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the ribs overnight in the refrigerator, then place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 7-8 minutes until warmed through.
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Brush with sauce and cook for 5-10 minutes
Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy, and flavorful results. While there are many ways to cook ribs, using an air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender.
After preheating your air fryer to 350°F, the next step is to brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce. Place the sauced ribs back into the air fryer basket and cook for another 5-10 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ribs and your desired level of doneness. For well-done ribs, aim for an internal temperature of 170°F in the meatiest part of the rack.
During the final cooking stage, keep a close eye on your ribs to ensure they don't burn. The sauce will cause the ribs to darken slightly as the sugars in the sauce caramelize, creating a delicious sticky coating. If you prefer your ribs with extra sauce, you can always brush on more barbecue sauce after they have finished cooking and are resting.
Air fryer ribs are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the ribs for 5-10 minutes or until they are heated through.
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Rest and serve
Once your ribs are cooked, it's time to rest and serve. This is an important step to ensure your ribs are juicy and tender. Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for several minutes. The exact resting time can vary depending on the recipe and your preference, but typically it ranges from 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring that your ribs are moist and flavourful.
During the resting period, you can prepare any desired side dishes to accompany your ribs. Some classic side dishes for ribs include coleslaw, white or cornbread, baked beans, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, and Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. These sides can enhance your dining experience and provide a well-rounded meal.
After resting, it's time to serve the ribs. You can brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce if you prefer them saucy and juicy. Ribs cooked in an air fryer typically have a bit of a tug to them and are not fall-off-the-bone tender. However, they are still very tasty and juicy. If you prefer fall-off-the-bone ribs, you may want to consider a different cooking method, such as low and slow cooking in the oven.
Leftover ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the ribs. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to preserve their moisture and flavour. Place the wrapped ribs in a sealed bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen ribs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 7 to 8 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Cook the ribs for 30 minutes, turning once halfway. Brush with barbeque sauce, then air-fry for 5 more minutes.
Reheat the ribs in the air fryer for 7-8 minutes at 350°F.
Stacked ribs will take longer to cook than those placed in a single layer.
Air fryer ribs are unlikely to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness. For this texture, ribs are best cooked low-and-slow in an oven or smoker.
