Air-Fried Pork Loin Ribs: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking pork loin ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy, and delicious ribs. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, giving you tasty ribs in under an hour.

To start, you'll want to prepare a dry rub with spices like brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Then, rub the seasoning all over the ribs and let them sit for a bit. When the ribs are ready, brush your air fryer basket with olive oil and place the ribs inside in a single layer. Air fry for around 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Finally, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and air fry for another few minutes until the sauce is caramelized.

You can serve these ribs with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. Enjoy!

Choosing the right cut of pork

Type of Ribs

The type of ribs you choose will impact the cooking time and the final texture of your dish. Here are some common types of ribs and how they fare in the air fryer:

• Baby Back Ribs: These ribs are the most popular choice for air fryer ribs due to their tenderness, small size, and leanness. They are cut from the loin of the pig and cook relatively quickly in the air fryer, making them a perfect choice for this cooking method.
• Spare Ribs: Spare ribs are larger and meatier, with more connective tissue. They require a longer cooking time in the air fryer to become tender. If you opt for spare ribs, be prepared to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
• St. Louis-Style Ribs: These are spare ribs with the rib tips removed. They tend to have darker meat, which benefits from low-and-slow cooking. While they can be cooked in the air fryer, they may dry out more easily.
• Country-Style Ribs: Cut from the pig's shoulder, these ribs have more meat and work well in the air fryer if you're looking for a meatier option.

Marbling and Fat Content

When selecting your pork loin ribs, look for well-marbled meat with an even thickness. This will ensure that the ribs cook evenly in the air fryer. The fat content contributes to the juiciness and flavor of the meat as it renders during cooking. Aim for a balance of fat and lean meat to get the best results.

Bone-in vs. Boneless

You can choose between bone-in and boneless pork loin ribs, depending on your preference. Bone-in cuts have more flavor but take longer to cook. Boneless ribs are easier to eat and less likely to dry out in the air fryer. If you opt for bone-in ribs, keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Fresh vs. Frozen

While fresh ribs are always preferable, you can also use frozen ribs for this recipe. Simply thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe. This will ensure that they cook evenly and reach the desired internal temperature.

Size and Fit

To ensure even cooking, choose ribs that fit comfortably in your air fryer, allowing for optimal air circulation and browning. If your ribs are too large, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces. On the other hand, if they are too small, they may cook too quickly and dry out.

In summary, when choosing the right cut of pork for your air fryer pork loin ribs, opt for well-marbled baby back ribs with an even thickness. Consider whether you prefer bone-in or boneless and adjust your cooking time accordingly. Fresh ribs are ideal, but frozen ribs can also be used if thawed properly. Finally, ensure that your ribs fit comfortably in your air fryer for the best results.

Preparing the ribs

Step 1: Selecting the Right Ribs

Choose the right type of ribs for your air fryer. Baby back ribs are a popular choice due to their tenderness, small size, and leanness. They are cut from the loin of the pig. Spare ribs are larger and meatier, with more connective tissue, and may require a longer cooking time. Country-style ribs, cut from the pig's shoulder, are also an option and work well in the air fryer.

Step 2: Removing the Membrane

Using a kitchen knife, carefully remove the thin membrane that covers the bony side of the ribs. This step is important as it allows the seasonings to absorb better and enhances the flavour of the ribs.

Step 3: Cutting the Ribs

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the rack of ribs into smaller pieces so they fit comfortably in the basket and cook evenly. For larger racks, cut them into equal portions or halves.

Step 4: Preparing the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, combine the spices and seasonings of your choice. A typical dry rub may include brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like cumin, oregano, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick. Mix the spices well.

Step 5: Seasoning the Ribs

Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning adhere better to the meat. Generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the ribs, gently massaging it into the meat. Let the ribs sit for about 20-30 minutes to allow the rub to work its magic and for the meat to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.

Step 6: Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-380°F (175-195°C). Many recipes recommend a two-step cooking process, starting at a lower temperature for a longer time and then increasing the heat for the final few minutes to crisp up the exterior.

Step 7: Arranging the Ribs in the Air Fryer

Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil, or use non-stick cooking spray, to prevent the ribs from sticking. Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the ribs in batches.

Step 8: Cooking the Ribs

Place the ribs in the preheated air fryer and cook for the recommended time, typically around 20-35 minutes for the initial cooking stage. For thicker or meatier ribs, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Step 9: Adding Barbecue Sauce

Once the initial cooking time is up, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them generously with your favourite barbecue sauce. You can also add the sauce during the final few minutes of cooking to allow it to caramelize and create a sticky, glossy finish.

Step 10: Resting and Serving

Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the meat is tender and juicy. Serve the ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side, and enjoy!

Making a dry rub

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

The first step in making a dry rub is to gather your ingredients. The specific ingredients you choose will depend on your personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Common ingredients used in dry rubs for pork loin ribs include:

• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Chilli powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dry mustard
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Oregano

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it's time to combine them. Measure out the desired amount of each ingredient and mix them together in a small bowl. You can also add other spices and herbs to customise the dry rub to your taste. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat

Before applying the dry rub, make sure the pork loin ribs are clean and dry. Use a paper towel to pat the meat dry and remove any excess moisture. This will help the dry rub adhere better to the surface of the meat. You can also trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the ribs if desired.

Step 4: Apply the Dry Rub

Generously apply the dry rub to all sides of the pork loin ribs. Use your hands to rub the mixture into the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated. Massage the dry rub into the meat gently, taking care not to be too rough. Allow the ribs to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes after applying the dry rub. This will help the flavours penetrate the meat and enhance the tenderness of the ribs.

Step 5: Cook the Ribs

Once the dry rub has been applied and the ribs have rested, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the instructions provided with your air fryer for the best results. Cook the ribs in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs to ensure they are cooked to your desired doneness.

Cooking the ribs

First, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and cut them into equal portions. Then, prepare a dry rub with a blend of spices and brown sugar. You can also add salt to the rub. Next, rub the seasoning all over both sides of the ribs.

Now, it's time to air fry! Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and cook at 325-380°F for 25-35 minutes. If you want extra-tender ribs, you can cook them at a lower temperature of 300°F for a longer time.

Once the ribs are almost cooked through, cut them into individual ribs, brush them with barbecue sauce, and air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes to finish cooking and crisp up the outside. The ribs are ready when the internal temperature of the meatiest part reaches 170-200°F.

For fall-off-the-bone ribs, cook the ribs at 325°F for 35 minutes. Then, turn the ribs over and cook at 300°F for another 20 minutes, checking every 5-7 minutes to ensure they don't darken too much. Finally, increase the heat to 400°F and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Adding sauce

Once the ribs have been cooked according to the recipe instructions, remove them from the air fryer and brush them generously with barbecue sauce. Place the ribs back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-10 minutes, depending on the recipe. This step allows the sauce to caramelize and gives the ribs a glossy, sticky finish. You can also add more sauce after removing the ribs from the air fryer for extra flavour.

For an Asian-style twist, brush the ribs with hoisin sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, try marinating the ribs in pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar for a tropical flavour.

Frequently asked questions