Air-Fryer Pork Ribs: The Perfect Timing

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

How to prepare pork ribs for the air fryer

Preparing pork ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook delicious, tender ribs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare pork ribs for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs using a kitchen knife. You can then clean the ribs with a paper towel. Next, cut the rack of ribs into several equal portions—typically, either three or four portions. The number of portions will depend on the size of your air fryer. Finally, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the ribs and make them crispy.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and seasoning. For pork ribs, you can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or a more complex blend of spices such as garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and more. Generously season the ribs on both sides. You can also marinate the ribs in the seasoning for at least 2 hours or overnight for a deeper flavour infusion.

Step 3: Air Fry the Ribs

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 380°F. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, meat-side down, and cook for 20-25 minutes. If you are cooking more than one portion of ribs, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Brush with Sauce and Cook Again

After the initial cooking time, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with your chosen barbecue sauce. Place the ribs back in the air fryer, uncovered, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes at a higher temperature of around 400°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving. You can brush on additional barbecue sauce before serving if desired. Enjoy!

The best temperature for cooking pork ribs in an air fryer

There are a few different opinions on the best temperature to cook pork ribs in an air fryer. However, the general consensus is that cooking at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time will yield the best results.

375°F for 25 minutes, then 400°F for 3–5 minutes

One source recommends cooking pork ribs at 375°F for about 25 minutes, and then finishing at 400°F for 3–5 minutes. This creates a nice balance of juicy ribs and a crispy exterior.

380°F for 30 minutes

Another source recommends cooking ribs at 380°F for 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the ribs and your preferred level of doneness.

350°F for 30 minutes, then 400°F for 5 minutes

A third source recommends cooking ribs at 350°F for 30 minutes, and then finishing at 400°F for 5 minutes.

Tips for Cooking Pork Ribs in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the ribs.
• For a deeper flavour, marinate the ribs with a spice rub for at least 2 hours or overnight before cooking.
• Always pat ribs dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere and to help the ribs become crispy.
• For extra sticky ribs, brush the BBQ sauce on during the last few minutes of cooking.
• For tender ribs, remove the thin membrane covering the rack.

How long to cook pork ribs in an air fryer

Cooking pork ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender ribs. The length of time you cook your ribs for will depend on the type of ribs you are using and how well done you like them.

Baby back ribs

Baby back ribs are the best cut of ribs for an air fryer because they have a lot of loin meat on them, which is best cooked quickly.

Cooking baby back ribs in an air fryer takes around 30-40 minutes in total. You can cook them at a steady medium-high temperature of 380°F for 30 minutes, or you can cook them at 325°F for 35 minutes and then finish them off at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs

Spare ribs and St. Louis-style ribs are not ideal for the air fryer because they have darker meat that benefits from being cooked slowly. However, you can cook them in an air fryer if you increase the cooking time.

Spare ribs will take around 40 minutes to cook in an air fryer, while St. Louis-style ribs will take around 35 minutes.

Checking for doneness

You can check that your ribs are done by measuring their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for pork ribs is between 190-203°F. For well-done ribs, you will want the internal temperature to be 170°F.

How to make a dry rub for pork ribs

Now that you know how long to put pork ribs in the air fryer, it's time to learn how to make a delicious dry rub to take your ribs to the next level! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a mouth-watering dry rub for pork ribs:

Ingredients:

• Brown sugar
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder (optional)
• Ground mustard (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Celery salt (optional)

Instructions:

• Gather your ingredients and mix them together in a bowl. Use a fork to combine everything evenly, breaking up any clumps of sugar or spices.
• Prepare your ribs by removing any excess membrane from the back of the rack of ribs. You can ask your butcher to do this step for you, or carefully do it yourself.
• Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This will help the dry rub adhere better to the meat.
• Generously apply the dry rub to the ribs. Make sure to coat all sides and get into the nooks and crannies of the meat.
• For best results, let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This step is optional but will enhance the flavour.
• If you have time, you can also make a BBQ sauce to brush onto the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking. A simple mixture of your favourite store-bought BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger will do the trick!
• Follow the air fryer instructions for cooking your delicious, flavourful pork ribs!

Feel free to adjust the measurements of the ingredients to your taste preferences. You can also add or remove ingredients to create a unique dry rub that suits your palate. Enjoy experimenting and savour the mouth-watering results!

How to reheat pork ribs in an air fryer

Reheating pork ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy ribs without drying them out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat pork ribs in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Before reheating, it is important to properly store your leftover ribs to retain moisture. Wrap the ribs in foil or store them in an airtight container or a zip lock/vacuum-sealed bag in the refrigerator. You can also cut the rack into individual ribs or smaller portions to ensure even heating during reheating.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 350-380°F, while one source suggests a lower temperature of 270°F for larger prime ribs.

Step 3: Place the Ribs in the Air Fryer

Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If the ribs are sauced, consider using a silicone liner, parchment round, or air fryer pan to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier.

Step 4: Reheat the Ribs

Cook the ribs for about 5-7 minutes for smaller portions, and up to 10 minutes for larger prime ribs. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the ribs are thoroughly warmed, remove them from the air fryer and serve. You can also brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce for extra flavour and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Reheating pork ribs in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy delicious, tender ribs without overcooking them. By following these simple steps, you can have juicy and flavourful ribs ready to enjoy in just a few minutes!

Frequently asked questions