Air Fryer Ribs: The Perfect 400-Degree Cooking Time

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender and juicy ribs without the long cooking time of a grill or oven. While cooking times and temperatures can vary depending on the desired doneness and the type of ribs being cooked, cooking ribs in an air fryer at 400°F typically takes around 10 minutes. This cooking time assumes that the ribs have already been cooked at a lower temperature for a longer period, which is a common method for cooking ribs in an air fryer.

Cooking ribs at 325°F for 35 minutes

Cooking ribs in an air fryer at 325°F for 35 minutes can yield delicious results, but it's important to note that this cooking time and temperature may not be suitable for all types of ribs. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Preparation:

Before cooking, it's recommended to remove the thin membrane, also known as the silver skin, from the back of the ribs. This allows the flavours to better penetrate the meat. Applying a dry rub of herbs and spices can also enhance the flavour. Let the ribs sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes before placing them in the air fryer. You can also marinate the ribs in your preferred sauce or seasoning for a few hours or overnight for extra flavour.

Cooking Process:

Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook at 325°F for 35 minutes. After this, you can optionally brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and increase the heat to 400°F for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy exterior. It's important to keep an eye on the ribs during this final step to prevent excessive charring or burning.

Checking Doneness:

The best way to ensure your ribs are cooked to perfection is by using a meat thermometer. For well-done ribs, the internal temperature of the meatiest part of the ribs should reach 170°F.

Serving Suggestions:

Air fryer ribs go well with a variety of side dishes, such as coleslaw, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or grilled vegetables.

Reheating and Storage:

If you have any leftover ribs, they can be reheated in the air fryer for several minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Leftover ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to two months.

Brushing sauce on ribs and cooking for 5-10 minutes at 400°F

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy ribs. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect ribs:

Preparing the Ribs:

Start by removing the membrane from the rack of ribs. Then, cut the rack into three portions. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel, as this will help the seasoning stick to the meat and also help achieve a crispy texture. Now, it's time to season the ribs. You can use a dry rub of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and mustard, or you can create your own blend by adding brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the mix. Sprinkle the seasoning generously on both sides of the ribs.

Initial Cooking:

Wrap each portion of ribs in aluminum foil and place them in the pre-heated air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 380°F and let the ribs cook for about 25 minutes.

Brushing with Sauce:

After the initial cooking time, remove the ribs from the air fryer and discard the foil. Brush your favorite barbecue sauce all over the meat. Be sure not to drown the ribs in sauce; a generous coating will do.

Final Cooking:

Place the sauced ribs back into the air fryer basket, uncovered, and increase the temperature to 400°F. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. This final blast of heat will finish cooking the ribs and give them a nice crispy exterior.

Resting and Serving:

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is important, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the ribs are tender and juicy. If desired, brush the ribs with an extra coat of barbecue sauce before serving.

Tips for Perfect Ribs:

• Always pat the ribs dry before seasoning to ensure the seasonings adhere well and to promote a crispy texture.
• Cook the ribs in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• For well-done ribs, aim for an internal temperature of 170-200°F in the meatiest part of the ribs.
• For extra-tender ribs, after the initial cooking time, you can flip them over, lower the temperature to 300°F, and cook for an additional 20 minutes before brushing with sauce and finishing at 400°F.
• If you prefer a dry rub, you can skip the barbecue sauce step and simply cook the ribs for 20-25 minutes at 400°F after seasoning.

With these simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, tender, and juicy ribs cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Resting ribs for a few minutes before serving

There are several methods for resting ribs, but the most popular and effective way is to use aluminum foil. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on a chopping board or countertop, then remove the ribs from the air fryer and place them on the foil. Loosely cover the ribs with another sheet of foil and tuck it under the ends. If you are planning to serve the ribs within a few hours, you can wrap the foil-covered ribs in a couple of thick towels and place them in a cooler to keep them warm.

If you are going to serve the ribs immediately after resting, you should allow them to rest for at least 10 minutes. Experiment with different resting times to find your preference. However, do not wrap the ribs tightly in foil as this will trap heat and moisture, leading to overcooking and a softer bark. Instead, leave the ribs on a serving tray or cutting board. If you desire, you can brush the ribs with extra barbecue sauce before serving.

Reheating ribs in the air fryer

Reheating ribs in an air fryer is a great way to maintain their flavor and texture without making them soggy. The hot air circulation in the air fryer is one of the best options for reheating juicy, delicious ribs.

If you are reheating sauced ribs in the air fryer, it is recommended to use a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easy cleanup. You can also use an air fryer silicone basket that is dishwasher-safe.

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (some sources recommend 380 degrees Fahrenheit). If you are reheating frozen ribs, you do not need to defrost them first. However, it is recommended to let them sit at room temperature while the air fryer is preheating. You can also add a tablespoon of cold water to the basket of the air fryer.

Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space around each piece for proper air circulation. If your ribs are big chunks, consider cutting them into smaller pieces before placing them in the air fryer. Add a tablespoon of oil to help prevent the ribs from drying out and to form a crispy bark.

Place the ribs in the preheated air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Keep a close eye on them and check for doneness as air fryers can vary in cooking times. Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to help the ribs regain some of their moisture and flavor.

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can add more sauce or garnishes if desired.

Marinating ribs with a BBQ rub

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy ribs without the need to heat up the grill or oven. The circulating air in the air fryer can sometimes darken and toughen the outsides of the meat before the insides are cooked, but this can be avoided by cooking the ribs at a lower temperature for longer.

To cook ribs in an air fryer at 400°F, first pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning to stick to the ribs and make them crispy. Then, apply a dry rub. A dry rub will amplify the flavor of the ribs and give them a nice bark on the outside. A good basic dry rub can be made by mixing together:

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Other ingredients you can add to your dry rub include:

• Cayenne pepper
• Cinnamon
• Onion powder
• Chilli powder

Once you have made your dry rub, use your hands to rub it into the ribs, making sure they are well coated. You can then wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and place them in the pre-heated air fryer for 20-25 minutes at 400°F.

For extra-tender ribs, you can cook them at a lower temperature of 325°F for 35 minutes before turning the heat up to 400°F for 10 minutes to crisp up the outside. You can also cook them at an even lower temperature of 300°F for 20 minutes after the initial 35 minutes at 325°F. Just be sure to keep an eye on them and flip them if they start to darken too much.

If you want to add a sauce to your ribs, you can brush it on after the initial cooking time and then return the ribs to the air fryer for a further 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions