Ella Walter
St. Louis-style ribs are a cut of pork ribs known for their tender meat and delicious flavour. They are meatier than baby back ribs and have more marbling, making them ideal for a rich, indulgent meal. Cooking St. Louis ribs in an air fryer is a great way to achieve tender and juicy ribs with a crispy exterior without needing outdoor equipment. The air fryer method uses hot circulating air to cook the ribs evenly and render the fat. In this article, we will explore how to cook St. Louis ribs in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 25-30 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400 °F |
| Cut of ribs | St. Louis style spare ribs |
| Type of meat | Pork |
| Seasoning | Dry rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, brown sugar, and other herbs and spices |
| Cooking method | Air fryer |
| Preparation | Cut into pieces, remove silver skin, pat dry, season, cook, cool, baste with barbecue sauce |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months |
| Reheating | Reheat in the air fryer at a lower temperature, in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in the oven wrapped in foil with a splash of water |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut St. Louis ribs to fit in an air fryer
St. Louis-style spare ribs are a specific cut of pork ribs known for their tender meat and delicious flavour. They are meatier and have more marbling than baby back ribs, making them ideal for a rich, indulgent rib experience.
To cut St. Louis ribs to fit in an air fryer, you will need to cut the rack of ribs into pieces small enough to fit on the air fryer rack. You can do this by slicing and separating each rib instead of dealing with a big slab. This will help the ribs cook faster and create a crunchy texture all around. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cut the rack into three equal portions to fit in the basket.
Before cutting your ribs, you should remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness and flavour penetration. You can do this with a kitchen knife, and then clean it with a paper towel. You should also trim any excess fat or loose meat from the rack.
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How to make a dry rub for St. Louis ribs
To make a dry rub for St. Louis ribs, you'll need a blend of spices and herbs, and sometimes brown sugar, to enhance the flavour. The specific ingredients are up to you, but here is a suggested recipe:
First, gather your ingredients. You will need:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chilli powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne
- Brown sugar (optional)
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.
Once your dry rub is mixed, you can rub the seasoning over all sides of the ribs in an even and thick layer. If you are using a small air fryer, you may need to cook the ribs in batches. Place the ribs in the air fryer tray and cook for 15 minutes. Then, flip the ribs and air fry for another 15 minutes.
Remove the ribs from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. You can also baste them with your choice of barbecue sauce.
This dry rub will add flavour to your St. Louis ribs and help create a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
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How to smoke St. Louis ribs in an air fryer
Smoking St. Louis ribs in an air fryer is a convenient way to achieve tender and flavorful ribs with a crispy exterior in your kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to smoke St. Louis ribs in an air fryer:
Preparation:
First, cut the rack of St. Louis ribs into pieces that will fit on the rack of your air fryer. St. Louis ribs are larger and meatier than baby back ribs, so cutting them into smaller portions is necessary to ensure they fit properly in the air fryer.
Next, remove the thin membrane, also known as the silver skin, from the bottom of the ribs using a flat butter knife. This step is crucial as it allows the seasonings to absorb better and prevents the membrane from hardening, which can result in a leathery texture on the underside of the ribs.
Seasoning:
Prepare a dry rub by mixing your choice of spices and herbs in a small bowl. A classic combination includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. You can also add brown sugar to the mix for extra flavor and caramelization.
Cooking:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (some sources recommend 380°F). Spray the air fryer basket with a nonstick cooking spray or line it with aluminum foil to catch drippings and reduce smoke.
Rub the seasoning mixture generously over all sides of the ribs. Place the ribs in the air fryer tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap to allow for even cooking.
Cook the ribs for 25 minutes at 350°F (or 380°F). If your air fryer does not have a rotisserie feature, you may need to flip the ribs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Finishing Touches:
Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce. You can return the ribs to the air fryer for a few minutes to allow the sauce to cook and adhere to the meat, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Finally, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, smoky St. Louis ribs!
Tips:
- Always pat the ribs dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help the seasonings stick and promote crispiness.
- If using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the ribs in batches to ensure even cooking.
- For a smoky flavor, use wood chips suitable for smoking, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, if your air fryer has a smoking function.
- To minimize smoke, ensure your air fryer is clean and the drip tray is empty before cooking.
- You can reheat the ribs in the air fryer at a lower temperature or in the microwave for a short duration. Avoid using the oven to reheat sauced ribs, as the barbecue sauce may burn.
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How to reheat St. Louis ribs in an air fryer
St. Louis ribs are a delicious treat, but reheating them can be tricky. While some sources suggest using an air fryer, others advise against it, claiming that the barbecue sauce will burn. If you still want to reheat your St. Louis ribs in an air fryer, here is a step-by-step guide:
Preparing the Ribs for Reheating:
Before reheating, ensure your St. Louis ribs are properly stored. Once they have cooled, place them in a shallow container and store them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to two to three months.
Reheating the Ribs in the Air Fryer:
When you're ready to enjoy your ribs again, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw. Preheat your air fryer to a lower temperature than you used for cooking, somewhere between 380F and 400F. Place the ribs inside and reheat for several minutes, usually around 5 minutes or until they are warmed through.
Alternative Reheating Methods:
If you're concerned about the barbecue sauce burning or prefer not to use the air fryer for reheating, there are a few alternative methods you can try:
- Microwave: Place the ribs in the microwave and reheat for 20-30 seconds.
- Oven: Wrap the ribs in a foil packet with a splash of water and heat in the oven until warmed through.
Tips for Successful Reheating:
- Cut the ribs into smaller portions to ensure even heating and to fit in the air fryer basket if necessary.
- Adjust the reheating time as needed, depending on the number of ribs and their size.
- Keep an eye on the ribs during reheating to prevent overcooking or burning.
- Brush additional barbecue sauce on the ribs after reheating if desired.
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How to avoid smoke when cooking St. Louis ribs in an air fryer
To avoid smoke when cooking St. Louis ribs in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and free from any leftover grease, oils, or crumbs that could burn and cause smoke. It is also important to ensure your air fryer has adequate ventilation and is not placed in a tight space where air cannot circulate around the vents.
When preparing your ribs, it is recommended to remove the membrane and trim any excess fat, as this can cause smoking during cooking. You can also try placing a sheet of aluminium foil at the bottom of your air fryer to catch any drippings and reduce smoke.
Finally, avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket, as this can prevent hot air from circulating properly and lead to burning and smoking. It is also best to avoid adding sauces with high sugar content to your ribs too early in the cooking process, as these can drip and burn, creating smoke.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 25 minutes to cook St. Louis ribs in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be set to 350°F for St. Louis ribs.
First, cut the rack of ribs into pieces small enough to fit on the air fryer rack. Then, remove the thin layer of silver skin from the bottom of the ribs using a flat butter knife.
A dry rub is a popular choice for seasoning St. Louis ribs. A blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes brown sugar is used to enhance the flavor.
No, reheating St. Louis ribs in the air fryer is not recommended as the barbecue sauce will burn. It is better to reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven.
