Air-Fried Country Ribs: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Country-style ribs are a great option for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. They can be made in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes, making them a perfect choice for a summertime recipe or any time you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is so good that you'll want to make it again and again!

Choosing the right cut of meat

When selecting your country-style ribs, look for cuts that are boneless and well-marbled with a good amount of fat. This will ensure your ribs are tender and full of flavour. Avoid lean cuts as they can dry out during cooking. If you can, choose ribs labelled as ""shoulder" as these will have extra fat and flavour and be very tender.

If you are unable to find boneless ribs, don't worry! You can still use bone-in country-style ribs in your air fryer. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may vary, and you may need to add a minute or so to the cooking time on each side. Bones add flavour to the meat, so don't be put off by them!

Preparing the ribs

Step 1: Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and unpack them.

Let the ribs sit out for 20-30 minutes to reach room temperature. This step is important as it helps the meat fibres relax, allowing the ribs to cook more evenly and be juicier and more tender.

Step 2: Prepare the dry rub.

In a large bowl, combine the spices and sugar for the dry rub. The exact spices you use can be varied according to your taste. A basic combination might include paprika, oregano, brown sugar, cumin, onion powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper. You can also add a little chilli powder, cinnamon or cayenne pepper for some extra heat.

Step 3: Apply the dry rub to the ribs.

Use your hands to generously apply the dry rub to all sides of the ribs. Gently massage the rub into the meat to ensure it sticks during cooking.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to between 370-385 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the ribs for the air fryer basket.

Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray. Place the ribs in the basket in a single layer, ensuring there is a little space between each rib to allow for airflow.

Step 6: Cook the ribs.

Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook the ribs for 16-20 minutes at 370-385 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them over halfway through. Check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer. The FDA recommends that pork is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for more tender meat, you may want to aim for an internal temperature of 160-185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Apply BBQ sauce to the ribs.

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them generously with BBQ sauce. You can also add more dry rub at this stage if desired. Return the ribs to the air fryer and cook for a further 2-4 minutes.

Step 8: Rest the ribs.

Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the protein fibres to relax, ensuring your ribs are tender and juicy.

Tips:

• Choose ribs with nice marbling and a good amount of fat. This will help ensure your ribs are tender and flavourful.
• Country-style ribs are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer at 250-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-8 minutes, until warmed through.

Cooking the ribs

Preparing the Ribs:

• Start by removing the ribs from the refrigerator and unwrapping them.
• Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the dry rub adhere better to the meat.
• Prepare a dry rub by combining spices such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can adjust the spices to your taste preferences.
• Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub, making sure to spread it on all sides of the meat. Gently massage the rub into the meat to ensure it sticks during cooking.
• Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the meat relax, allowing it to cook more evenly and resulting in tender and juicy ribs.

Air Frying the Ribs:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-385°F for about 3-5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is preheating, brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or a cooking spray of your choice to prevent the ribs from sticking.
• Place the ribs into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is a small amount of space between each rib for proper airflow. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the ribs at 370-385°F for about 16-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
• After flipping, keep a close eye on the ribs and check their internal temperature every 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• When the ribs reach an internal temperature of about 140°F, brush them generously with your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Continue cooking for an additional 2-4 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This temperature ensures the ribs are safely cooked through.
• Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ribs even more tender and juicy.

Tips for Success:

• Choose country-style ribs with nice marbling and a good amount of fat. This helps ensure the meat stays moist and flavorful.
• Don't skip the resting step after applying the dry rub. It makes a significant difference in the final texture of the ribs.
• If your country-style ribs have bones, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or so on each side since bones can slow down the cooking process slightly.
• Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. This ensures they are safely cooked while also preventing overcooking.

Adding sauce

Choosing the Right Sauce:

• BBQ Sauce: The most popular choice for country-style ribs is a smoky barbecue sauce. You can opt for a store-bought variety or make your own homemade version.
• Sweet and Spicy Variations: If you have a sweet tooth, go for a sweeter BBQ sauce or add more brown sugar to your dry rub. For a kick of heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Alternative Options: Think outside the box! Try an Asian-inspired glaze with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, or a tangy mix of honey and garlic in your BBQ sauce.

Applying the Sauce:

• Timing is crucial: After your ribs have been air-fried for the majority of the cooking time, it's time to sauce them. For most recipes, you'll want to brush the sauce onto the ribs and then return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-4 minutes.
• Be Generous: Don't be shy with the sauce! Coat the ribs generously, making sure to cover all sides.
• Double Sauce: For an extra saucy treat, brush the ribs with sauce before the final cook and then again after they're done. This will give them a delicious, sticky glaze.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, saucing your country-style ribs is all about personal preference. Experiment with different sauces and application techniques to find your perfect match. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Country-style ribs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious meal. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your juicy and tender air-fried ribs:

• Cheddar Gruyere Macaroni and Cheese: For a hearty and indulgent option, pair your ribs with this creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese. The sharpness of the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses will balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce on the ribs.
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese: If you're short on time, this quick and easy mac and cheese recipe made in an Instant Pot will be a perfect sidekick to your ribs.
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: For a classic combination, serve your ribs with baked potatoes prepared in the air fryer. Top the potatoes with sour cream, chives, and butter for a delicious and comforting meal.
• Parmesan Crusted Potatoes: These crispy and flavorful potatoes will add a nice crunch to your meal. The parmesan crust provides a tasty contrast to the tender ribs.
• Cajun Potato Salad: If you're looking for something with a kick, this potato salad with a Cajun twist will be a great choice. It's a refreshing and spicy side dish to balance the richness of the ribs.
• Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: For a classic comfort food pairing, serve your ribs with creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
• Spring Green Salad: If you want something lighter and refreshing, a spring green salad will be a perfect complement to the hearty ribs. Top it with a tangy vinaigrette dressing to round out the meal.
• Zesty Spinach Mandarin Salad: For a unique and flavorful salad, try this combination of spinach and mandarin oranges with a zesty dressing. It will add a bright and fresh element to your meal.
• Honey Biscuits: These sweet and buttery biscuits are a favorite side to serve with ribs. Drizzle some honey on top and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• Crockpot Green Beans: For a hearty and comforting option, serve your ribs with crockpot green beans. They're slow-cooked to perfection and make a great side dish.
• Baked Beans with Ground Beef: This hearty and flavorful dish is a classic BBQ side. The ground beef adds a savory twist to traditional baked beans.
• Roasted Baby Potatoes: These tiny potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They make a great finger food option to go with your ribs.
• Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese: This slow-cooked mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent option. It's a great choice if you're serving a crowd or looking for a make-ahead side dish.
• Air Fryer Vegetables: Keep it simple and healthy by serving your ribs with a variety of air-fried vegetables. Options like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and asparagus will add a nutritious and flavorful touch to your meal.

Frequently asked questions