Air-Fried Boneless Pork Ribs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking boneless pork ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy alternative to firing up the grill or oven. This method will give you juicy and tender ribs with a delicious barbecue flavour. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make mouthwatering boneless pork ribs in your air fryer.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Type of Ribs:

Firstly, it's important to note that country-style ribs are not actually ribs in the traditional sense. They are cut from the pork shoulder or blade end near the shoulder. This cut of meat has a similar flavour and consistency to baby back ribs or spare ribs when cooked. You can use either boneless or bone-in country-style ribs for this recipe, but most people prefer boneless as they are easier to cook evenly and quickly in an air fryer.

Fat Content:

When selecting your ribs, look for ones with nice marbling and a good amount of fat. Fat contributes to the tenderness and flavour of the meat. However, if you prefer, you can trim some of the fat before cooking. Just be sure to leave enough to ensure juicy and tasty ribs.

Size and Thickness:

The size and thickness of the ribs will impact the cooking time and evenness of cooking. For air fryer boneless pork ribs, it is recommended to use ribs that are between 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Also, avoid cutting them too small, as this will limit the amount of meat you can fit in the air fryer in one batch.

Freshness and Quality:

Always opt for fresh, high-quality ribs from a reputable source. Look for meat that is pinkish-red in colour and avoid any with an off-putting odour or slimy texture.

Storage and Handling:

Proper storage and handling of the meat are crucial for food safety. When purchasing, make sure the ribs are properly refrigerated or frozen. After buying, store them in the refrigerator and cook them within a few days. Handle the meat with clean hands and utensils to prevent contamination.

Personal Preference:

Lastly, consider your personal preferences and those of your guests. Some people prefer their ribs with a bit more fat for extra flavour, while others might like them leaner. You can also ask your butcher for recommendations based on your taste preferences and cooking method.

Remember, the key to choosing the right cut of meat for boneless pork ribs in an air fryer is to look for country-style ribs with good marbling, a decent amount of fat, and a thickness of around 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. By selecting the right cut and following the cooking instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, juicy, and tender boneless pork ribs cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Preparing the ribs

Choosing the Right Ribs:

Start by selecting the right cut of meat. Boneless country-style ribs are ideal for this recipe as they are easier to cook evenly in the air fryer. Look for ribs with nice marbling and a good amount of fat, as this will result in more tender and flavorful meat. You can trim some of the fat if you prefer, but it's best to leave a bit on for optimal results.

Making the Dry Rub:

In a small bowl, combine your favorite spices to create a dry rub. A typical dry rub includes ingredients like brown sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. You can also add a bit of chili powder, cinnamon, or smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor. Mix the spices well, making sure there are no lumps.

Take your ribs out of the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels. Generously spread the dry rub on all sides of the meat, gently massaging it into the ribs. Let the ribs sit for about 20-30 minutes to come to room temperature and allow the dry rub to tenderize the meat.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 370-400°F (190°C). Most air fryers will take around 3-5 minutes to preheat. You can also spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Ribs:

Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Cook the ribs for 8-10 minutes on each side, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ribs and the power of your air fryer.

Adding Barbecue Sauce:

During the last few minutes of cooking, brush your favorite barbecue sauce onto the ribs. This will give them a beautiful glaze and an extra burst of flavor. You can also add more sauce after cooking for an extra saucy finish.

Checking Doneness:

To ensure your ribs are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The exterior should also have a golden-brown color and a crispy texture.

Resting and Serving:

Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and juicy ribs. Serve your delicious boneless pork ribs hot, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for boneless pork ribs in an air fryer can vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer and your desired level of doneness. However, here is a general guide to help you achieve the best results:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature for this is around 370-380°F (190-200°C). You can also preheat at a lower temperature and then increase it during the cooking process. For example, you can start at 370°F and finish at 400°F.

When it comes to cooking time, boneless pork ribs typically take around 16-25 minutes in the air fryer. It is recommended to cook them for about 8-10 minutes on each side, flipping them halfway through. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ribs and your desired level of doneness. For thicker ribs, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer.

To ensure your ribs are cooked to perfection, it is best to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the rib, and your ribs are done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can also look for a golden-brown colour and a crispy texture on the exterior.

During the last few minutes of cooking, you can add your favourite barbecue sauce or glaze to the ribs. This will give them a delicious caramelised coating. Simply brush the sauce onto the ribs and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.

Brushing on the barbecue sauce

After you've seasoned the ribs and cooked them in the air fryer, it's time to brush on the barbecue sauce. Remove the ribs from the air fryer and generously brush your favourite barbecue sauce onto all sides of the ribs. You can use a basting brush or a spoon for this step.

Once the ribs are coated in sauce, it's time to put them back into the air fryer. Cook them for an additional 2-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and desired level of doneness. This final cooking step allows the barbecue sauce to caramelize and gives your ribs that extra touch of flavour and crispiness.

If you're using a meat thermometer, ensure that the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 145°F (63°C). This is the optimal temperature for juicy and tender boneless pork ribs.

Feel free to add more barbecue sauce after cooking for that extra saucy goodness!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve boneless pork ribs cooked in an air fryer. Here are some side dishes and salads that go well with the ribs:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Baked beans with ground beef
• Jiffy cornbread
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Crockpot green beans
• Baked potato casserole
• Shredded Brussels sprout salad
• Fruit salad with honey lemon dressing
• Triple berry cheesecake salad
• Macaroni and cheese salad
• Parmesan crusted potatoes
• Cajun potato salad
• Garlic parmesan mashed potatoes
• Spring green salad
• Zesty spinach mandarin salad
• Honey biscuits
• Cream of mushroom pork chops
• Lemon pepper pork chops
• Teriyaki ground pork stir fry
• Instant pot pork tenderloin with apples and rosemary

You can also serve the ribs with some additional barbecue sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions