Air-Fried Spare Ribs: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender ribs in a short amount of time. The whole process takes just 30 minutes, with the ribs themselves taking 15 minutes to cook on each side. You can also add barbecue sauce and cook for a further 10 minutes if you want.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a non-stick spray. This will prevent the ribs from sticking to the basket and make cleaning up easier.

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the ribs inside and cook for 15 minutes. If you are using a rack, you can turn the ribs after 10 minutes. If not, there is no need to turn them.

After the initial 15 minutes, flip the ribs and cook for an additional 15 minutes. This will ensure that both sides of the ribs are cooked evenly.

Check that the pork is cooked through by making a cut in the thickest part of the meat. The centre should be nearly white, with perhaps a slight pink blush. If you prefer your meat more well done, you can put it back in the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes at a time.

Finally, brush barbecue sauce all over the meat and place the ribs back in the air fryer for a further 10 minutes. Allow the ribs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Spray the basket and rack with cooking spray

To cook spare ribs in an air fryer, you should start by spraying the basket and rack with cooking spray. This will prevent the ribs from sticking to the basket and rack, and make them easier to remove once they are cooked. You can use a non-stick spray, or a standard cooking spray.

Once you have sprayed the basket and rack, you can then place the ribs inside the air fryer. It is important to ensure that the ribs are not overcrowded, and that they have enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, you can cut the ribs down to size so that they fit comfortably in the air fryer.

After the ribs are in the air fryer, you can then apply your chosen seasonings or dry rub. This will add flavour to the ribs and help them to develop a tasty, crispy exterior. You can mix your own seasonings, or use a store-bought option.

Finally, you can set the air fryer to the correct temperature and cooking time. For spare ribs, a temperature of around 200C/390F is ideal, and they should be cooked for around 15 minutes on each side. This will ensure that the ribs are cooked through and tender, without becoming dry or overcooked.

Apply a dry rub to the ribs

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender ribs. The cooking time is only 30 minutes, and you can apply a dry rub to the ribs to add extra flavour.

To apply a dry rub to the ribs, start by mixing together your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to create a flavour profile that suits your taste. Common ingredients in a dry rub for ribs include paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together in a small bowl until they are well combined.

Once you have your dry rub mixture, it's time to apply it to the ribs. Use your hands to generously coat the ribs with the dry rub, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the meat. Massage the rub into the ribs, ensuring an even coating.

After the ribs are coated, you can cut them down to size if needed to fit into your air fryer. This step is important to ensure even cooking. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

You can also add a sauce to your ribs before or after cooking. If you choose to add sauce before cooking, brush it on generously and ensure it is well-coated. If you prefer your sauce to be added after cooking, simply follow the cooking instructions and then brush on your favourite barbecue sauce.

Finally, set your air fryer to the correct temperature and cooking time. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the ribs for 15 minutes, flip them over, and then cook for an additional 15 minutes. This will ensure that the ribs are cooked through and tender.

Cook the ribs for 15 minutes, then flip and cook for another 15 minutes

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender ribs. The whole process should take around 30 minutes.

To start, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the basket and rack with cooking spray. Mix together your chosen rub ingredients and apply them to the ribs. Place the ribs in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. Then, flip the ribs and cook for another 15 minutes.

You can check if the ribs are cooked by cutting into the meat and checking that it is nearly white in the centre of the thickest part. If you prefer your meat more cooked, you can put the ribs back in for 2 minutes at a time.

Once the ribs are cooked to your liking, brush barbecue sauce all over the meat and place them back in the air fryer for a further 10 minutes. Allow the ribs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Brush barbecue sauce over the ribs and cook for a further 10 minutes

Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a fast way to get juicy and tender ribs in a short amount of time. The ribs are cooked in around 30 minutes, but you can brush barbecue sauce over the ribs and cook for a further 10 minutes for extra flavour.

To start, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the basket and rack with cooking spray. Mix together your chosen seasonings to make a dry rub and apply this all over the ribs. If your ribs are too big, cut them down so they fit in the air fryer.

Place the ribs in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. After this time, flip the ribs and cook for a further 15 minutes. At this point, the ribs should be ready to eat, but if you want to add barbecue sauce, brush it over the ribs and cook for another 10 minutes.

Allow the ribs to rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the ribs once they have cooled by placing them in a shallow container in the freezer for up to two months.

Frequently asked questions