Air-Fried Boneless Pork Ribs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Cooking boneless pork ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. You can use a spice rub or your favourite barbecue sauce to flavour the ribs. The cooking time is around 20 minutes, depending on the temperature setting, and the ribs should be cooked in a single layer with a little room between each piece. Once they're cooked, you can brush them with barbecue sauce and serve immediately.

Cooking temperature and time

To begin, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or a medium heat setting. This temperature is ideal for cooking the ribs evenly without drying them out. Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring a gap of at least 1/4 inch between each piece to allow for even cooking. Set the timer for 20 minutes, and let the ribs cook to perfection.

After 20 minutes, it's time to increase the temperature to give your ribs that extra sizzle. Bump up the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or a high heat setting. Brush the barbecue sauce generously over the ribs, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Return the ribs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This final blast of heat will caramelise the sauce, creating a mouthwatering sticky coating on your ribs.

The total cooking time for boneless pork ribs in an air fryer is approximately 23 to 25 minutes. However, it's important to keep an eye on your ribs during the final stages of cooking to prevent overcooking or burning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs, aiming for 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that your ribs are cooked safely while remaining juicy and tender.

Remember, cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your ribs, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your air fryer and adjust the cooking time accordingly. With the right temperature and timing, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, fall-off-the-bone boneless pork ribs cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

How to season the ribs

To season the ribs, mix together salt, pepper and your choice of spices. You can use a pre-made rib rub or a BBQ rub. Sprinkle the spice blend on both sides of the boneless pork strips, then press the mixture into the meat to ensure the spices stick to the meat while it cooks. You can also spray the ribs with cooking spray before sprinkling on the rub.

How to serve the ribs

Once the ribs are cooked, use tongs to remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cutting board. Use a basting brush to coat the ribs in BBQ sauce and serve immediately. You can add half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for some extra spice. If you like, serve with additional BBQ sauce for dipping.

How to coat the ribs in sauce

To coat the ribs in sauce, use a basting brush to brush the barbecue sauce onto the ribs. You can also sprinkle a spice blend on both sides of the ribs and press the mixture into the meat to ensure the spices stick.

If you want to add extra spice, add half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce.

How to prepare the ribs

To prepare the ribs, start by mixing your chosen spices, salt and pepper. You can use a spice blend or a BBQ rub. Sprinkle the spices on both sides of the boneless pork strips and press the mixture into the meat. This will help the spices stick to the meat while it cooks.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F or a medium heat setting. Place the ribs in the basket, leaving a 1/4-inch gap between each piece. You can spray the ribs with cooking spray first, if you like.

Cook the ribs for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Then, remove them from the air fryer using tongs and place them on a cutting board.

Frequently asked questions