Frying Ribs: Air Fryer Cooking Time And Techniques

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy results. The cooking time varies depending on the type of ribs and your desired level of doneness, but generally, it takes around 30-40 minutes to cook ribs in an air fryer.

How to prepare ribs for the air fryer

Preparing 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 on how to prepare ribs for the air fryer:

Step 1: Choose Your Ribs

Select your preferred type of ribs. Baby back ribs are a popular choice for air fryer ribs as they have a lot of loin meat, which cooks quickly and stays juicy. Spare ribs or boneless country-style ribs can also be used, but they may require a longer cooking time.

Step 2: Cut and Season the Ribs

Cut the ribs into portions that will fit into your air fryer. For a round air fryer basket, you can keep the rack of ribs together and arrange them in a circle. For a square basket, cut the rack in half and place them with minimal overlap. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.

Prepare a dry rub by mixing your choice of spices, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Generously season the ribs on both sides with the spice rub. You can also use a store-bought BBQ seasoning or your own homemade blend.

Step 3: Air Fry the Ribs

Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F (175-195°C). Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket, meat-side down. Cook for 20-25 minutes, then flip the ribs over using tongs. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce

Once the ribs are almost done, brush your favourite BBQ sauce onto the ribs. Place them back in the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes to seal in the flavour.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips:

• For deeper flavour, marinate the ribs with the spice rub for at least 2 hours or overnight before air frying.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach a safe internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-95°C).
• Baste the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sauce.
• For fall-off-the-bone ribs, cook at a lower temperature (300-325°F) for a longer time before finishing with a higher heat.

The best temperature to cook ribs in an air fryer

Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy ribs. The ideal temperature to cook ribs in an air fryer is between 350°F and 380°F.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature for ribs in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the ribs. For example, ribs cooked at 380°F will take about 30 minutes, while ribs cooked at 325°F will take about 45 minutes.

It is important to note that the USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F, but for a more tender and juicier rack of ribs, it is suggested to cook them to an internal temperature of 190°F-200°F.

Tips for Cooking Ribs in an Air Fryer

• Cut the ribs into portions that fit your air fryer basket.
• Season the ribs generously with your favorite spice rub.
• Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the ribs.
• Flip the ribs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs and ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How long to cook ribs in an air fryer

Air fryer ribs are a quick, tender, and tasty alternative to grilled or oven-baked ribs. They are also healthier, as they require little to no oil to cook.

This depends on the type of ribs you are cooking, the temperature of the air fryer, and your desired level of doneness.

For pork baby back ribs, cooking times range from 25 to 45 minutes at temperatures between 325°F and 400°F. For example, one recipe suggests cooking ribs at 325°F for 35 minutes, then brushing with sauce and cooking for a further 10 minutes at 400°F.

If you prefer well-done ribs, you should aim for an internal temperature of 170°F. For a more tender and juicier rack of ribs, you should cook to an internal temperature of 190°F-200°F.

Beef and lamb ribs will take longer to cook, so you should increase the cooking time by 5-6 minutes.

The best rib rubs for an air fryer

BBQ spice rub

A BBQ spice rub is a great option for ribs in an air fryer. You can make your own or use a store-bought brand. A BBQ spice rub can include a variety of spices such as garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. You can also add some brown sugar to the mix, which will caramelize and give the ribs a nice bark.

Honey garlic glaze

For a sweet and savoury option, try a honey garlic glaze. Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger. Brush the glaze on the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.

Spicy chipotle rub

If you like your ribs with a kick, try a chipotle rub. Use ground chipotle powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For extra heat, blend a couple of canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with your BBQ sauce.

Carolina Gold BBQ sauce

For a unique twist, try a Carolina Gold BBQ sauce. This sauce has a tangy and sweet flavour with a hint of mustard. Brush it on the ribs during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, allowing it to caramelize slightly. You can also offer it on the side for extra dipping.

Cayenne pepper rub

A cayenne pepper rub will give your ribs a spicy kick. Combine it with other spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder, and rub it all over the ribs before air frying.

How to reheat ribs in an air fryer

If you're craving tender, juicy ribs but don't want to go through the hassle of cooking them from scratch, an air fryer can be your best friend. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat ribs in an air fryer to achieve that perfect texture and taste.

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Start by removing any leftover ribs from their storage container. It's best to reheat only the amount you plan to consume, as ribs are best enjoyed fresh. If your ribs have been frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 350°F to 380°F. This temperature range will help you achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the ribs tender and juicy.

Step 3: Place the Ribs in the Air Fryer

Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. If you're reheating a large quantity, you may need to do this in batches to ensure even heating.

Step 4: Reheat the Ribs

Place the ribs in the preheated air fryer and cook them for several minutes. The exact time will depend on the quantity and thickness of the ribs, but a good rule of thumb is to reheat them for about 7-8 minutes at 350°F or 380°F. You can also refer to your air fryer's instructions for reheating guidelines.

Step 5: Check the Temperature (Optional)

If you want to ensure your ribs are thoroughly reheated, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. Pork ribs should ideally reach an internal temperature of 145°F to 200°F.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your ribs are heated through, take them out of the air fryer and let them cool down slightly. Serve them with your favorite barbecue sauce on the side or brushed generously over the ribs. Enjoy the juicy, tender ribs as a delicious main course!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• For best results, preheat your air fryer before placing the ribs inside.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray. If you have a large quantity of ribs, reheat them in batches.
• If your ribs are frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Adjust the reheating time as needed, depending on the thickness of your ribs and your desired level of doneness.

Frequently asked questions