St. Louis Ribs: Air Fryer Cooking Time Perfection

St. Louis-style spare ribs are a cut of pork ribs known for their tender meat and flavour. They are trimmed and shaped into a rectangular rack, with the brisket bone, sternum bone, and cartilage removed. This results in a leaner and more uniform rack of ribs compared to baby back ribs. Cooking St. Louis ribs in an air fryer is a great way to achieve tender and flavourful ribs with a crispy exterior. The air fryer method allows you to achieve the texture and taste of traditional smoked or grilled ribs without needing outdoor equipment. In this article, we will explore how long it takes to cook St. Louis ribs in an air fryer.

How long to cook St Louis ribs in an air fryer

St. Louis ribs cooking time

St. Louis ribs are a specific cut of pork ribs known for their tender meat and delicious flavor. They are trimmed and shaped into a rectangular rack, with the brisket bone, sternum bone, and cartilage removed. This results in a leaner and more uniform rack of ribs compared to baby back ribs.

When it comes to cooking St. Louis ribs in an air fryer, the cooking time can vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the size of the ribs. However, on average, St. Louis ribs will take around 25 to 30 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

• Prepare the ribs: Cut the rack of ribs into smaller pieces that will fit comfortably on the air fryer rack. It is recommended to remove the thin layer of silver skin or membrane from the back of the ribs using a flat butter knife or a sharp knife. This step is important as it helps the seasonings absorb better and prevents the membrane from hardening and becoming leathery.
• Make the dry rub: In a small bowl, mix your choice of seasonings. A classic combination includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and brown sugar. You can also add additional spices and herbs to personalize your rub.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F and 380°F.
• Apply the dry rub: Rub the seasoning mixture over all sides of the ribs, ensuring an even and thick coating.
• Place the ribs in the air fryer: Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the ribs in batches.
• Air fry: For St. Louis ribs, cook the ribs for 15 minutes, then flip them over and air fry for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. The total cooking time for St. Louis ribs is typically between 25 and 30 minutes.
• Rest and serve: Remove the ribs from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. For extra flavor, brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce after cooking. Serve the ribs with your choice of sides, such as potato salad, coleslaw, or garlic breadsticks.

It is important to keep an eye on the ribs while they are cooking in the air fryer to prevent overcooking or burning. The ribs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 195-200°F.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, tender, and flavorful St. Louis ribs cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

How to prepare ribs for the air fryer

To prepare St. Louis ribs for the air fryer, you will first need to cut the rack of ribs into pieces small enough to fit on the air fryer rack. You can then remove the thin layer of silver skin from the back of the ribs using a flat butter knife. This is a key step, as the membrane will harden if not removed, resulting in a leathery texture on the underside of the ribs.

Next, you can prepare a dry rub with a combination of spices, herbs, and sometimes brown sugar. For example, you could mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought spice rub or a liquid smoke rub. Cover both sides of the ribs with the rub.

For a deeper flavour, you can marinate the ribs with the rub for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator before air frying. This will allow the spices to penetrate the meat. You can also add wood chips to your air fryer if it has a smoking function, to add a smoky flavour to your ribs.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 380°F. You can then place the ribs in the air fryer basket, meat-side down, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Flip the ribs and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. You can then brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and cook for a further 3 to 5 minutes.

Air fryer temperature and settings

The temperature and duration of cooking St. Louis ribs in an air fryer depend on the type of ribs and the desired texture. For example, baby back ribs are less meaty and shorter than St. Louis ribs, so they cook faster, usually about 10 minutes quicker.

To cook St. Louis ribs in an air fryer, you should first trim the ribs to fit the air fryer basket. Then, remove the membrane and any excess fat. The membrane will harden if not removed, creating a leathery texture on the underside of the ribs.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176.6°C) to 380°F (193.3°C). Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes for St. Louis-style ribs. If you are cooking baby back ribs, reduce the cooking time to 15 minutes.

If your air fryer does not have a rotisserie feature, you will need to flip the ribs halfway through the cooking time. After cooking, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the size of the ribs. Keep a close eye on the ribs to ensure they don't burn.

Choosing a dry rub or marinade

St. Louis-style spare ribs are a specific cut of pork ribs known for their tender meat and delicious flavour. They are trimmed and shaped into a rectangular rack, with the brisket bone, sternum bone, and cartilage removed. This results in a leaner and more uniform rack of ribs compared to baby back ribs.

When it comes to choosing a dry rub or marinade for your St. Louis ribs, you can go for either option. A dry rub typically includes a blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes brown sugar to enhance the flavour. You can create a dry rub with a combination of ingredients such as paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add any additional spices or herbs of your choice to personalise your dry rub.

On the other hand, a marinade will typically involve oil, spices, and sometimes barbecue sauce. You can brush the ribs evenly with the marinade and let them rest for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge, covered. Whether you choose a dry rub or a marinade, the key is to infuse the ribs with flavour and make them more tender.

If you are short on time, a dry rub might be a better option as it does not require any resting time. However, if you are looking for a more intense flavour, a marinade might be the way to go. You can also use a combination of both methods, applying a dry rub first and then finishing the ribs with a brush of barbecue sauce or your favourite BBQ sauce.

Additionally, if your air fryer has a smoking function, you can use wood chips such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood to add a smoky flavour to your ribs.

Reheating and storing St. Louis ribs

St. Louis-style ribs cooked in an air fryer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To store the ribs, allow them to cool and transfer them to an airtight container.

When you're ready to enjoy your ribs again, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Reheating in the air fryer is a quick and convenient way to warm up your ribs, and it helps maintain their texture and taste. The air fryer keeps the bark on the outside nice and crispy, while the meat on the inside stays tender and juicy.

To reheat your St. Louis-style ribs in the air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 380°F. Then, lay the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you're reheating sauced ribs, consider using a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan for easier cleanup.

Cook the ribs for about 5-7 minutes for sauced ribs, and 5-10 minutes for non-sauced ribs, until they are warmed thoroughly. The exact reheating time may depend on the thickness of your ribs, with larger ribs taking a bit longer to warm up.

Frequently asked questions