Air-Fried Baby Back Ribs: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook baby back ribs, with most recipes taking under an hour. The ribs are seasoned with a dry rub and cooked in the air fryer for around 30 minutes, before being brushed with barbecue sauce and cooked for a further few minutes. The ribs are then left to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Prepare the ribs

Preparing the ribs is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare your baby back ribs for the air fryer:

Removing the Membrane:

Start by removing the thin membrane, also known as the silverskin, from the back of the ribs. This step is important as it helps make the ribs more tender and allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat better. Carefully slide a knife under the membrane to loosen it from the bone, then peel it off.

Cutting the Rack:

Next, cut the rack of ribs into sections that will fit into your air fryer basket. For most air fryers, cutting the rack into 2-4 equal pieces will be sufficient. This step ensures that the ribs cook evenly and fit properly in the basket.

Drying the Ribs:

After cutting the rack, use a paper towel to pat the ribs dry. This step is important as it helps the seasonings adhere better to the meat and promotes a crispy texture when cooked.

Seasoning the Ribs:

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, and chilli powder. Mix them well, then generously rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat all sides.

Resting the Ribs (Optional):

At this point, you can optionally let the ribs rest for about 30 minutes. This step allows the flavours of the seasonings to enhance and penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavourful dish.

Wrapping the Ribs (Optional):

Some recipes suggest wrapping each portion of ribs in aluminium foil before placing them in the air fryer. This is optional but can help with cleanup and may influence the cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

Now that your ribs are prepared, you can move on to the next steps of preheating your air fryer and cooking the ribs to juicy, tender perfection!

Seasoning

• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Sweet paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Granulated garlic
• Ground black pepper
• Ground cumin
• Granulated onion
• Greek seasoning (optional)

Alternatively, you can use a store-bought BBQ spice rub. Once you have prepared or purchased your spice rub, rub it generously on both sides of the ribs. You can also wrap the ribs in tin foil before seasoning to reduce mess and make clean-up easier. Make sure to pat the ribs dry with a paper towel before adding the seasoning, as this will help the spices adhere better and promote crispiness.

After seasoning the ribs, let them rest for around 30 minutes to enhance the flavour. This step is important, as it allows the spices to penetrate the meat and intensify the flavour.

Air frying

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Baby Back Ribs:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. You can do this by carefully sliding a knife under the silverskin, lifting and loosening it off the bone, and then peeling it off. Cut the rack into sections that will fit into your air fryer basket—typically 2-4 pieces depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 2: Make the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices. Most recipes suggest a mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. You can also add in other spices like cumin, onion powder, mustard powder, or chilli powder to taste.

Step 3: Season the Ribs

Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the ribs and make them crispy. Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the ribs. Let the ribs rest for around 30 minutes to enhance the flavour.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-380°F (175-190°C). Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, bone-side down, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook the ribs in batches.

Step 5: Brush with BBQ Sauce

After air frying for 15-20 minutes, flip the ribs and cook for a further 10-15 minutes. Then, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with your favourite BBQ sauce. You can also add sauce to the other side of the ribs if desired.

Step 6: Cook Again

Place the ribs back in the air fryer and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has darkened slightly and the ribs are cooked to your liking.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for several minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat. You can brush with more BBQ sauce before serving if you like your ribs saucy.

Tips for Air Frying Baby Back Ribs:

• Always remove the membrane from the ribs to allow the seasonings to absorb better and to help create a crispy texture.
• Cook the ribs in batches and in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• For a deeper flavour, marinate the ribs with the spice rub for at least 2 hours or overnight before air frying.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the ribs have reached an internal temperature of 190-203°F (88-95°C).
• Baste the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to avoid the sugar in the sauce burning.
• For easy cleanup, you can wrap the ribs in foil before placing them in the air fryer.

Adding sauce and cooking again

Once your ribs have been air-fried for 25-30 minutes, it's time to add the sauce. Remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them generously with your chosen barbecue sauce. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. A sticky, sweet sauce with brown sugar will help the ribs caramelise beautifully.

Return the ribs to the air fryer basket, bone-side down, and cook for another 5-10 minutes. The sauce will darken and become sticky, creating a delicious exterior. Keep a close eye on the ribs during this final stage, as the sugar in the sauce can cause burning if left too long.

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and allow them to rest for several minutes. This will ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making the ribs tender and juicy. If you like your ribs extra saucy, brush them with more barbecue sauce before serving.

Your air-fried baby back ribs are now ready to be devoured! This quick and easy method delivers tender, juicy ribs with a delicious crispy exterior, without the need for hours of grilling or smoking.

Resting and serving

Once your ribs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. The juices will redistribute through the meat, making the ribs even more tender and juicy. If you like your ribs saucy, brush them with more barbecue sauce while they rest.

If you're not serving the ribs immediately, you can keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature. Alternatively, let them cool to room temperature and then store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Leftover ribs can be enjoyed again later as an easy meal.

To reheat, pop the ribs back in the air fryer for several minutes, or use a microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions