Marianne Martinez
Cooking bone-in country-style ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, tender, and juicy ribs. This cooking method is perfect for when you want to make ribs but don't have the time to slow cook them for hours. By using an air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked ribs in just 20 to 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for family gatherings or dinners with friends. The air fryer also ensures that the ribs are cooked evenly, avoiding the issue of overcooked or tough meat, which can happen when using a grill or oven. With minimal prep work, easy cleanup, and the ability to customise the ribs with your favourite seasonings and sauces, air fryer country-style ribs are a great choice for a tasty and hassle-free meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Meat Type | Boneless pork ribs |
| Meat Style | Country-style ribs |
| Meat Thickness | 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 inches |
| Meat Weight | $3.98 per pound |
| Meat Preparation | Rinse and pat dry |
| Meat Seasoning | BBQ rub, brown sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, honey, minced garlic, dried rosemary, thyme, oregano |
| Meat Temperature | 145 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Basket Preparation | Non-stick cooking spray, olive oil, avocado oil |
| Basket Arrangement | Single layer, space between each piece |
| Basket Size | 7.2 quart |
| Basket Temperature | 380 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Basket Time | 8 minutes each side |
| Sauce | BBQ sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil |
| Reheating | Preheat air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, place ribs in basket, cook for 5 minutes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the ribs
Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a store-bought seasoning or make your own. A simple homemade spice blend might include garlic powder, chilli powder, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, paprika, cumin, onion powder, and pepper. If you like your ribs on the sweeter side, add more brown sugar or use a sweet BBQ sauce. For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper. Once you've made your seasoning, rub it generously onto all sides of the ribs.
If you're using a dry rub, you can let the seasoning sit on the ribs for 20-30 minutes while the meat comes to room temperature. This is said to yield the best results. However, if you're in a hurry, you can place the ribs straight into the air fryer basket after seasoning. Just be sure to spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil, first.
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Choosing a rub
If you want to make your own rub, a simple combination of spices and herbs can be used. A basic spice blend might include garlic powder, chilli powder, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, paprika, cumin, onion powder, and pepper. You can adjust the proportions of these spices to suit your taste preferences and desired level of spiciness. For example, if you prefer a sweeter rub, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or add a touch of honey. Alternatively, for a spicier kick, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
In addition to the spice blend, you can also incorporate other ingredients to create unique flavours. For an Asian-inspired twist, you can brush the ribs with a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil during the final minutes of cooking. You can also experiment with different types of paprika, such as smoked or regular, to find the flavour that suits your taste.
If you prefer the convenience of a pre-made rub, there are several options available in stores or online. These rubs often contain similar ingredients to the spice blends mentioned above, but they may also include additional ingredients or proprietary blends that create distinct flavours. When selecting a pre-made rub, be sure to read the ingredient list and choose one that aligns with your desired flavour profile.
Regardless of whether you choose to make your own rub or purchase a pre-made one, it is important to apply the rub generously to the ribs and allow it to sit for a brief period before cooking. This helps the flavours to penetrate the meat and ensures that the spices adhere properly during the air-frying process.
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Cooking the ribs
First, decide whether you want to cook your ribs with bones or without. Boneless ribs are easier to cook evenly and quickly, but some people prefer the bone-in variety. If you opt for boneless ribs, choose ribs that are about 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 inches thick.
Next, prepare your ribs for cooking. Rinse the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. If your ribs have large pieces of fat, you can cut them off, but it's recommended to leave some fat for added flavor and tenderness. If you're using a dry rub, sprinkle it on both sides of the ribs and massage it into the meat. You can also add olive oil or avocado oil to the ribs or the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. If you're using a sauce, brush it onto the ribs.
Now it's time to cook the ribs. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little room between each piece to ensure proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ribs in batches.
Cook the ribs for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you're using a meat thermometer, ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the FDA-recommended temperature for safe pork consumption. For fall-off-the-bone tender meat, some people prefer to cook the ribs to an internal temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer using tongs and place them on a cutting board. If desired, brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce or your favorite seasonings. Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Enjoy your delicious, tender, and juicy air fryer country-style ribs!
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Adding barbecue sauce
If you want to add barbecue sauce to your ribs, there are a few different methods you can use. One option is to brush the sauce onto the ribs before placing them in the air fryer. This will give the sauce a chance to caramelize and create a crispy, sticky texture. However, keep in mind that adding the sauce at the beginning of the cooking process may cause it to burn, so it's better to brush it on towards the end of cooking.
Another option is to cook the ribs first and then brush them with barbecue sauce before serving. This method ensures that the sauce remains fresh and flavourful, and you can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
If you want to add barbecue sauce during the cooking process, it's best to do so towards the end. Here's a suggested method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare your ribs by rinsing and patting them dry.
- Season the ribs with your chosen spice blend.
- Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each rib.
- Cook the ribs for 16-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer. When it reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, brush the barbecue sauce generously onto the ribs.
- Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the ribs from the air fryer and serve immediately, or transfer them to a warm oven if you're working on another batch.
You can also experiment with different variations of barbecue sauce to find your favourite. For a sweet and savoury option, mix honey and minced garlic into the barbecue sauce. If you prefer a kick of heat, opt for a spicy BBQ sauce or add a pinch of chilli powder to your dry rub. Additionally, you can create an Asian-inspired flavour profile by brushing the ribs with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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Storing leftovers
To store leftovers of bone-in country-style ribs cooked in an air fryer, let the ribs cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the ribs will stay good for up to 3–4 days.
When you're ready to eat the leftover ribs, take them out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Then, put them in the air fryer at 300–380 degrees Fahrenheit for 2–5 minutes, or until they're warmed all the way through.
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Frequently asked questions
Bone-in country-style ribs can take anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on the recipe and the number of ribs being cooked.
The ideal temperature for cooking bone-in country-style ribs in an air fryer is between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best way to determine if your bone-in country-style ribs are done is to use a meat thermometer. According to the FDA, pork is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
