Air-Fried Baby Back Ribs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer baby back ribs are a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The ribs can be prepped and cooked in less than an hour. To make them, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to around 350-380 degrees F. You'll then need to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, cut the rack into sections, and pat the ribs dry. Next, you'll rub a mixture of spices and olive oil onto the ribs. Finally, place the ribs, bone-side down, into the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching, and cook in batches if necessary.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-380 degrees F

Preheat your air fryer to 350-380 degrees F (175-190 degrees C) for 5 minutes. This is a crucial step as it ensures that your ribs will cook evenly and efficiently. While the air fryer is preheating, you can combine your spices and seasonings in a small bowl.

For this step, you will need to consult your air fryer's instruction manual to determine the correct preheat temperature and time according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Most air fryers will have a preheat function, but if yours does not, you can simply set the temperature to 350-380 degrees F and allow it to heat up for a few minutes before adding your ribs.

It is important to note that the preheat temperature and time may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of the basket. For example, a larger 7-quart basket air fryer may require a slightly longer preheat time compared to a smaller model.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of placing your ribs in the basket and cooking them to perfection.

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs

To remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, start by slicing off a small corner of the membrane. Then, use a paper towel to grip the corner and pull the membrane off. This is also known as removing the silverskin. Make sure to discard the membrane.

It is important to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking them in the air fryer. This will ensure that the ribs cook evenly and that the spices and seasonings can penetrate the meat.

After removing the membrane, cut the rack of ribs into several pieces that will fit into your air fryer basket. You may need to cook the ribs in batches to ensure that they cook evenly and do not touch each other.

By following these steps, you will be able to cook juicy and tender baby back ribs in your air fryer.

Cut the rack into 2-4 pieces

To cook baby back ribs in an air fryer, you will need to cut the rack into 2-4 pieces. This is because the ribs need to fit into the air fryer basket and not touch each other. You should also remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, also known as the silverskin, before cutting the rack into pieces. This can be done by slicing off a little corner of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off.

Cutting the rack into 2-4 pieces will ensure that the ribs cook evenly and thoroughly in the air fryer. It is important to note that the size of your air fryer basket will determine how many pieces you need to cut the rack into. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cut the rack into more pieces to ensure they fit properly.

When cutting the rack, use a sharp knife and cut through the ribs between the bones. This will help ensure that each piece is roughly the same size and will cook evenly. You may also want to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the ribs before cutting to help reduce shrinkage during cooking.

Once you have cut the rack into the desired number of pieces, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe, which typically involves seasoning the ribs and cooking them in the air fryer.

Combine spices and rub onto ribs

To cook baby back ribs in an air fryer, you'll need to combine spices and rub them onto the ribs. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, peel the silverskin or membrane from the back of the ribs. You can do this by slicing off a little corner of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.

Next, combine your chosen spices in a small bowl. You can use a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, brown sugar, chilli powder, and pepper. You can also add olive oil and liquid smoke to the mixture.

Once you have combined the spices, rub the mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides generously. Set the ribs aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to enhance.

After 30 minutes, your ribs will be ready to cook in the air fryer!

Place ribs bone-side down in the air fryer basket

When cooking baby back ribs in an air fryer, it's important to place the ribs bone-side down in the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and prevents the ribs from curling up during the cooking process.

Before placing the ribs in the air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. First, remove the membrane or silverskin from the back of the ribs. This can be done by slicing off a small corner of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off. Next, cut the rack of ribs into sections that will fit into your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the rack into 2-3 or 4 pieces.

Once the ribs are prepared, it's time to season them generously with a dry rub or spice mixture. This can include a variety of ingredients such as brown sugar, white sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, salt, and pepper. Combine the spices in a small bowl and then rub the mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides evenly.

Now, you're ready to place the ribs in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350-380 degrees F. Place the ribs, bone-side down, into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ribs in batches.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying tender and flavourful baby back ribs cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions