Air-Fried Ribs: Crispy, Tender, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to make delicious, tender, and juicy ribs without the fuss of a grill or smoker. You can use pork or beef ribs and season them with a simple mix of salt and pepper, or a more complex blend of spices. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of ribs and your desired level of doneness, but generally, it takes around 20-30 minutes to cook ribs in an air fryer.

Choosing the right ribs

Type of Ribs

The most commonly used ribs for air frying are baby back pork ribs. These ribs are tender and lean, coming from the upper rib cage of the pig. They fit well in most standard-size air fryers and offer a good balance of meat and bone. However, you can also use other types of ribs such as St. Louis-style ribs or country-style ribs, but keep in mind that they may require adjustments in cooking time and temperature.

Source of Ribs

When choosing ribs, consider the source and quality. If possible, opt for ribs from a local butcher instead of a mainstream grocery store. Butchers often provide ribs with more intact bones, which are crucial for flavour. Look for meaty and well-marbled ribs, as they will be the most tender and flavourful.

Freshness and Quality

Always select fresh and high-quality ribs. Check the packaging or ask your butcher about the slaughter date and choose the freshest option available. Look for ribs with a bright red colour and avoid those with excessive moisture or discolouration. Fresh ribs will have a firmer texture compared to older ones, which may feel slimy or sticky.

Bone-in vs. Boneless

You can choose between bone-in and boneless ribs, depending on your preference. Bone-in ribs tend to have more flavour and are often considered more traditional. They also take longer to cook but result in tender and juicy meat. Boneless ribs, on the other hand, cook faster and are easier to eat, making them a convenient option.

Size and Thickness

Pay attention to the size and thickness of the ribs. If your air fryer has specific size limitations, choose ribs that fit comfortably without overcrowding the basket. Thicker ribs will require a longer cooking time, while thinner ribs may cook faster. Consider cutting the ribs into even pieces to ensure even cooking and easier arrangement in the air fryer basket.

Marbling and Fat Content

Look for ribs with a good amount of marbling, which is the distribution of fat within the meat. Fat adds flavour and moisture to the ribs, making them more juicy and tender. Avoid ribs with excessive external fat, as it may drip into the air fryer and cause smoking. A moderate amount of fat is ideal for the best results.

Remember to consider the size of your air fryer, the number of servings you need, and your personal preferences when choosing the right ribs for air frying. By selecting the right type, source, and quality of ribs, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and mouthwatering air fryer ribs.

Preparing the ribs for the air fryer

Firstly, you will need to remove any membrane or silver skin from the underside of the ribs. This can be done by slicing off a small corner of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off. This step is important as it allows the seasonings to absorb better into the meat.

Next, cut the rack of ribs into several equal portions. The number of portions will depend on the size of your air fryer basket and how much rib meat you have. Aim to cut the ribs so that they fit comfortably into the basket in a single layer.

After cutting, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it helps the seasonings adhere better to the meat and also promotes a crispier texture.

Now it's time to season the ribs. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, mustard powder, or cayenne. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl and then rub them generously all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides.

At this point, your ribs are almost ready for the air fryer! If you want to enhance the flavour even further, you can let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. This extra step allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more intense flavour.

Finally, if you're using an air fryer basket, it's a good idea to prepare it with a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil. This step ensures that the ribs don't stick to the basket and makes cleanup easier.

Now your ribs are ready to go into the air fryer! Follow the subsequent cooking instructions for your chosen recipe, and you'll soon be enjoying delicious, tender, and crispy fried ribs.

Seasoning the ribs

Step 1: Choose Your Seasonings

Start by selecting your seasonings. You can go with a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Feel free to use a store-bought BBQ seasoning blend or make your own. The key is to be generous with your seasonings to ensure a flavourful result.

Step 2: Prepare the Ribs

Before you apply the seasonings, it's important to prepare the ribs properly. Start by removing any membrane or silver skin from the underside of the ribs. You can do this by slicing off a small corner of the membrane and then using a paper towel to grip and pull it off. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel—this will help the seasonings adhere better. If you have the time, you can also try marinating the ribs in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to infuse them with even more flavour.

Step 3: Apply the Seasonings

Now it's time to apply the seasonings. Place your ribs in a large bowl or on a baking sheet. Combine your chosen seasonings in a small bowl and mix well. Then, rub the seasoning mixture onto all sides of the ribs. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for even flavour distribution. Don't be shy with the amount of seasoning you use—remember, a generous coating will pay off in the end!

Step 4: Let the Seasonings Settle

Once your ribs are seasoned, let them sit for a few minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb and adhere to the meat. You can also cover and refrigerate the seasoned ribs for a few hours or overnight if you want to enhance the flavour even more. This step is optional but can take your ribs to the next level.

Step 5: Cook the Ribs

Finally, it's time to cook your beautifully seasoned ribs in your air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook for the recommended time, flipping the ribs halfway through to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! By following these steps, you'll end up with mouthwatering, flavourful ribs that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the fruits of your labour, and don't forget to share!

Cooking the ribs

First, preheat your air fryer to 350–380°F (175–195°C).

If you're using a basket-style air fryer, add a couple of tablespoons of water to the bottom of the basket to prevent smoking. This will catch the dripping grease and add a steaming effect to keep the meat tender.

Next, prepare the ribs. Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs using a knife, then cut the rack into three or four equal parts. Dry the ribs with a paper towel, then apply a thin coating of yellow mustard to help the seasoning stick.

Now it's time to season the ribs. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try a BBQ rub with spices like garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and cumin. Make sure to season both sides of the ribs generously.

Once the ribs are prepared and seasoned, place them into the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Set the timer for 20–25 minutes, and cook at 380°F (195°C). If your ribs are not fully cooked after this time, they may need a few extra minutes.

After the initial cooking time, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with your favourite BBQ sauce. Place them back into the air fryer, uncovered, and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C).

Finally, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. For extra sauciness, brush with additional BBQ sauce before serving.

Adding sauce to the ribs

After the ribs have been seasoned and cooked in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes, remove them from the air fryer and brush the barbecue sauce all over the meat. Place the ribs back in the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-10 minutes at a higher temperature of 400°F.

If you want your ribs to be extra saucy, you can brush on more barbecue sauce after they have been removed from the air fryer and are resting. Alternatively, you can thin out the sauce by mixing it with a couple of tablespoons of water and brushing this mixture all over the ribs before placing them back in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions