Tiffany Haney
Korean BBQ ribs, also known as Galbi, are a delicious and easy dish to make in an air fryer. With a sugar-free marinade, this recipe is healthy, low-carb, paleo and Whole30 compatible. The ribs are marinated for a few hours or overnight, and then air-fried for less than 10 minutes, making this a quick and simple dish to prepare. The result is tender, juicy ribs with a crispy outer layer, that are full of flavour.
Characteristics and their Values:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ribs | Kalbi, Galbi, Korean Barbecue Short Ribs, Flanken Cut |
| Marinade ingredients | Soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onions, garlic, ginger powder, cayenne pepper, pineapple, onion powder, sweetener, liquid aminos |
| Marinade time | 2-24 hours, preferably overnight |
| Air fryer temperature | 360-400 degrees F |
| Air fryer time | 5-12 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Total cook time | 10-20 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Galbi marinade ingredients
The key to making delicious galbi in an air fryer is the marinade. While there are many variations, a traditional Korean marinade typically includes soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onions, and garlic. Some recipes also add ginger and red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. If you're looking for a sugar-free option, you can replace the brown sugar with a sweetener or simply omit it altogether.
To make the marinade, combine the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well-mixed. Alternatively, you can place the ribs and marinade ingredients directly into a large sealable plastic bag and massage the marinade around the ribs. This method also has the benefit of saving you from washing up an extra bowl!
Once the marinade is ready, add the ribs and ensure they are well-coated. You can leave them in the refrigerator to marinate for as little as two hours but preferably overnight for maximum flavour. Remember to turn the ribs once during the marinating process.
When you're ready to cook, remove the ribs from the marinade and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure to discard the remaining marinade. Now, all that's left to do is to air fry to perfection!
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How to make the marinade
To make the marinade for galbi, you will need a large bowl or a sealable plastic bag, or a ziplock bag. Into this, measure out your chosen marinade ingredients and mix well. The exact ingredients you use will depend on your taste preferences, but typical ingredients include soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onions, and garlic. You could also add in some pineapple, ginger, red pepper flakes, or minced beef.
Once you have mixed your marinade, add the ribs and toss to coat them evenly. If using a bowl, cover it, and if using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing. Place the ribs in the refrigerator and leave to marinate for at least one hour, but preferably for two to eight hours, or even overnight. Turn the ribs once during the marinating time.
When you are ready to cook the ribs, remove them from the marinade and add them to the air fryer basket, discarding the remaining marinade. It is important to bring the ribs to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer to avoid uneven cooking.
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Marinating the ribs
A traditional Korean BBQ marinade usually includes brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onion, and garlic. You can also add pineapple to this mix, as suggested by one source. This sweet marinade will need at least an hour to infuse with the ribs, but preferably 2–24 hours.
If you are looking for a sugar-free option, you can replace the brown sugar with a sweetener and the soy sauce with liquid aminos. This marinade will also need a minimum of an hour to infuse, but preferably 2–12 hours.
Once you have prepared your marinade, place your ribs in a large bowl or sealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the ribs and toss to coat. If using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before placing it in the refrigerator.
Take the ribs out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you are ready to cook them, and let them come to room temperature. This step is important as placing cold ribs into a hot air fryer may result in uneven cooking.
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Preheating the air fryer
Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and dry before preheating. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the optimal temperature for cooking galbi. You can adjust this setting by locating the temperature knob, usually found on the front of the air fryer, and turning it to the desired temperature. This preheating step should take around 4 to 5 minutes. It is important to note that different air fryer models may have slightly different preheating times, so refer to your specific model's instructions if possible.
During the preheating process, you can prepare the galbi by bringing it to room temperature. Taking the meat out of the refrigerator and allowing it to rest for a few minutes will prevent temperature shock when it is placed in the air fryer. This step ensures even cooking and helps maintain the tenderness of the meat.
Once the air fryer has preheated sufficiently, you will be ready to place the galbi inside. It is important to note that you should avoid overlapping the galbi pieces in the air fryer basket or tray. Instead, lay them flat or stand them up to fit more pieces, ensuring good air circulation and even cooking.
Preheating your air fryer is an important preparatory step that will help you achieve the best results when cooking galbi. By following these steps, you can ensure that your galbi cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious and well-prepared dish.
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Cooking the ribs
Once the ribs have been marinated, remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Then, preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes.
Next, place the ribs in the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the ribs are in a single layer and do not overlap, as this will result in uneven cooking. Spray the basket with cooking oil or use a non-stick spray to prevent the ribs from sticking.
Cook the ribs for 5-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them halfway through. The total cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For extra crispy ribs, slather on some extra marinade and let them cook for an additional 3-5 minutes top-side up.
The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit for peak tenderness. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Air fryer galbi short ribs are a quick and easy way to enjoy this Korean delicacy without the need for a traditional grill. The ribs are cooked to perfection with a juicy and tender texture and a crispy outer layer.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 5 to 20 minutes to cook galbi in an air fryer, depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness.
The temperature should be set to 400°F or 360°F.
It is recommended to marinate the ribs for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, in a Korean BBQ-inspired mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onion, and garlic.
Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are at room temperature and not overlapping. Cook for the desired amount of time, flipping halfway through.
The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 170°F to 205°F, depending on the desired level of doneness.
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