Marianne Martinez
Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender ribs in under an hour. This method is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is a great alternative to grilling or baking. The air fryer cooks ribs in minutes, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. It is also a healthier option, as it requires less oil or butter.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Spare Ribs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ribs | Spare ribs |
| Type of meat | Pork |
| Type of meal | Quick and easy weeknight dinner |
| Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Seasoning | Dry rub, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, mustard |
| Serving suggestions | Coleslaw, cabbage and carrot salad, beans, corn on the cob, fries, low-carb/keto vegetables, smoked pineapple |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months |
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Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures that your ribs will cook evenly and efficiently, so don't skip it!
Firstly, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to the right temperature. The ideal temperature will depend on the type of air fryer you have and your personal preference for cooking ribs. Some recipes suggest preheating to 350°F, while others recommend 375°F or even 400°F. If you prefer your ribs with a crispy exterior, a higher temperature is ideal.
While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your ribs. This includes patting them dry, removing any membrane, and cutting them into portions that will fit in your air fryer. You don't want to overcrowd the air fryer, so cut them into three or four equal portions. You can also use this time to prepare your seasoning or dry rub. A simple mixture of salt and pepper can work, or you can add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or mustard for extra flavour.
Once your ribs are prepared and your air fryer is preheated, you can spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or non-stick spray to prevent the ribs from sticking. You can then place the ribs in the basket, ensuring they are not touching, and cook in batches if necessary.
Preheating your air fryer and preparing your ribs simultaneously saves time and ensures that once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, you can immediately place the ribs inside and begin the cooking process. This helps to streamline the cooking process and ensures your ribs will turn out perfectly.
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Prepare the ribs
Preparing the ribs is a straightforward process. First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F–400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the rack of ribs and cut them into portions that will fit in your air fryer. If you are cooking a large amount of ribs, you may need to cut them into three or four equal portions.
Next, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning to stick to the ribs. You can then season the ribs. Combine your chosen seasoning in a bowl and mix well. Season the ribs generously on both sides. You can also wrap the ribs in tin foil before seasoning.
Finally, spray the air fryer tray with cooking spray and place the ribs on the rack. If you are cooking a large batch of ribs, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
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Make the rub
Making a rub for your spare ribs is a simple and quick process. The first step is to pat your ribs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the ribs and make them crispy. Next, cut the rack into four pieces. You can then combine your chosen spices in a bowl and mix well. For a sweet and smoky flavour, you could try a mixture of brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, black pepper, paprika, sea salt flakes, cumin, chilli powder, and mustard powder. Alternatively, for a simpler rub, you could use a mixture of salt, pepper, and paprika.
Once you have made your rub, generously season the ribs on both sides. You can then wrap the ribs in tin foil and place them in the air fryer basket. If you want to add extra flavour, you can combine olive oil and liquid smoke in a small bowl and rub this onto both sides of the ribs before adding the dry rub.
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Cook the ribs
Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender ribs. The first step is to prepare your ribs by removing the membrane from the back of the rack of ribs and patting them dry with a paper towel. Then, cut the rack into portions that will fit in your air fryer. You can cut them into three or four equal portions, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a dry rub, a barbecue sauce, or a combination of both. For a dry rub, mix your chosen spices and seasonings in a bowl. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chilli powder, brown sugar, and mustard powder. Generously season the ribs on both sides, massaging the spices into the meat. You can also add olive oil and liquid smoke to the ribs before applying the dry rub to enhance the flavour.
Now, you are ready to cook the ribs. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or non-stick spray to prevent the ribs from sticking. Place the ribs in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them, and cook for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, flip the ribs and continue cooking. The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness of your ribs. For example, you can cook for an additional 15 minutes, flip the ribs again, and cook for a final 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook for an additional 15 minutes, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, and cook for a final 5 minutes.
Once the ribs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, brush the ribs with additional barbecue sauce before serving. Enjoy your juicy, tender air fryer spare ribs!
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Rest and serve
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the ribs are tender and juicy.
While the ribs rest, you can prepare any side dishes and sauces. Spare ribs go well with a variety of sides, such as fries, low-carb or keto-friendly vegetables, coleslaw, cabbage and carrot salad, beans, and corn on the cob. For the sauce, you can use a store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own. A sweet and smoky sauce pairs well with the ribs and can be made by combining ketchup, cider vinegar, white vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
If you have any leftover ribs, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to two months. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Now, your spare ribs are ready to be served and enjoyed!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking spare ribs in an air fryer typically takes around 30 minutes, but this can vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer and the size of the ribs.
You should preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F (about 175-200°C).
First, preheat your air fryer. While it's heating up, pat your ribs dry, cut them into portions, and season them with a dry rub. Then, place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. After that, flip the ribs and cook for another 15 minutes. Finally, brush barbecue sauce onto the ribs and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes.
