Marianne Martinez
Cooking pork spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender ribs without the need for excessive oil or butter. The process is simple and allows you to add your choice of seasonings or sauces to create a tasty meal. You can cook spare ribs in the same amount of time from frozen as from fresh, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to two months.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Pork Spare Ribs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Pork spare ribs, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, barbecue sauce |
| Tools | Air fryer, tongs, meat thermometer, aluminium/tin foil, basting brush |
| Preparation | Remove membrane, pat ribs dry, cut ribs to size, rub/coat ribs with oil and seasoning, marinate overnight (optional) |
| Cooking Time and Temperature | 15-30 minutes, 160°C-400°C |
| Serving Suggestions | Baked potato, coleslaw, fried rice |
| Storage | Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days, freeze for up to 2 months |
| Reheating | Air fryer, microwave, stove |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ribs
Source of Ribs
It is recommended to buy ribs from a butcher instead of a mainstream grocery store. Butchers are likely to provide ribs with most of the bone intact, which is essential for flavour. Supermarket butcher counters can also be a good option, as they can offer meaty spare ribs.
Type of Ribs
When selecting ribs, it is important to know the different types available. Spare ribs, which are typically pork ribs, are larger, meatier, and fattier than short ribs, which are usually beef ribs. If you prefer a leaner option, short ribs may be a better choice.
Rib Size
The size of the ribs can vary, and this will impact cooking time. Smaller ribs may cook faster, so it is advisable to adjust cooking times accordingly if your ribs are significantly larger or smaller than the average size.
Fresh or Frozen
You can cook spare ribs from frozen, but it is recommended to rinse them under warm water to remove any ice crystals before patting them dry and adding oil and seasoning. Cooking times may need to be adjusted when cooking from frozen to ensure thorough cooking.
Preparation
Before cooking, it is essential to remove the membrane or silver skin from the ribs. This allows the seasonings or marinade to penetrate the meat better and prevents the membrane from becoming tough and leathery when cooked. Cutting the ribs into portions or individual ribs can also help them fit better in the air fryer and ensure even cooking.
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Removing the membrane
To remove the membrane from pork spare ribs, start by locating it on the rack of ribs. It should appear as a thin, silvery layer adhered to the surface of the ribs. Using a sharp knife, carefully make an incision under the edge of the membrane to get a good grip on it. You can also use a paper towel to get a better grip and protect your hands from slipping.
Once you have a good hold on the membrane, slowly and carefully begin to peel it back from the ribs. It is important to take your time and be gentle during this process to ensure that you remove the entire membrane in one piece. If it breaks, you will need to start over from the beginning.
After you have successfully peeled back the membrane, use a knife or scissors to carefully trim away any remaining bits of membrane that are still attached to the ribs. Finally, give the ribs a thorough rinse under cold water to remove any residual membrane or blood. Your ribs are now ready to be patted dry and seasoned!
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Preparing the rub
Firstly, gather your ingredients. A basic dry rub for pork spare ribs typically includes garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like mustard powder, cumin, coriander seed, and chilli flakes to enhance the flavour. It is recommended to use fresh, high-quality spices for the best results.
Next, you will need to mix and blend your chosen spices together in a small bowl. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences. For a smoother rub, you can use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to blend the spices into a fine powder. This step ensures that the flavours are evenly distributed throughout the rub.
Once you have blended the spices, you can add some oil to create a paste. The oil helps to bind the spices together and makes it easier to apply the rub to the ribs. You can use any standard cooking oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Add the oil gradually and mix well until you achieve a thick, spreadable consistency.
Now, it's time to apply the rub to the ribs. Start by patting the ribs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, using your hands or a pastry brush, generously coat the ribs with the spice rub. Make sure to cover all surfaces of the ribs, massaging the rub into the meat and getting it into all the nooks and crannies.
Finally, let the ribs sit and allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. You can cover the ribs and place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for more intense flavour penetration. This step is crucial as it allows the spices to work their magic and gives the ribs that mouthwatering flavour that makes them so irresistible.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork spare ribs in an air fryer depend on the size of the ribs and the specific air fryer being used. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C (some sources suggest 375°F or 380°F, which equates to about 190°C and 195°C respectively).
The ribs should be cooked for around 15 minutes at 200°C/390°F, or 15-18 minutes at 180°C. After this time, you can flip the ribs and cook for a further 10-15 minutes. The ribs are ready when they are golden and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 195-200°F. If you want to turn the ribs after 10 minutes, you can, but it is not necessary.
If you are cooking a large batch of ribs, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. You can keep the first batch warm in a low oven while cooking the remaining ribs. It is worth noting that spare ribs may take longer to cook than short ribs as they are larger and fattier.
To reheat leftover ribs, place them in the air fryer for several minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
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Reheating and storing
Storing and reheating your air-fried pork spare ribs is simple. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a shallow container.
When it comes to reheating, you have a few options. You can use your air fryer and reheat the ribs for several minutes, or until they are piping hot all the way through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, which will take around 20-30 seconds. You can also reheat the ribs in a pan on the stove. If you're reheating from frozen, give them a quick rinse under warm water first to remove any ice crystals, then pat them dry and continue as normal.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 30 minutes to cook pork spare ribs in an air fryer.
The temperature should be set between 325°F and 400°F.
The ribs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 170°F to 200°F.
Cut the ribs so they fit in the air fryer, remove the membrane, and pat them dry. Then, season the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Yes, you can cook frozen ribs in an air fryer. Just make sure to remove any surface ice crystals and pat them dry before adding oil and seasoning.
