Air-Fried Ribs: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Recipe

Air fryers are a great way to cook ribs, and they turn out tender, juicy, and full of flavour. The best type of ribs to use is baby back pork ribs, but spare ribs or boneless country-style ribs can also be used. The ribs should be seasoned with a dry rub and cooked in the air fryer for around 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the ribs and the air fryer. After cooking, the ribs can be brushed with barbecue sauce and cooked for an additional 3-5 minutes. This recipe is a quick and easy way to make delicious ribs that the whole family will love.

Choosing the right ribs

Type of Ribs

The most common types of ribs used in air fryers are baby back ribs, spare ribs, St. Louis-style ribs, and country-style ribs. Baby back ribs are tender and lean, coming from the upper ribcage of the pig. Spare ribs are larger and require a longer cooking time. St. Louis-style ribs offer a good balance between size and cooking time. Country-style ribs are leaner and require a shorter cooking time.

Size and Fit

Ensure that the ribs fit properly in your air fryer basket or tray. You may need to cut the rack of ribs into sections so they fit comfortably without overlapping too much. This will ensure even cooking and browning.

Freshness and Quality

Always opt for fresh, high-quality ribs from a trusted butcher or grocery store. Look for ribs with a good amount of marbling, which is the fat distributed within the meat. This fat will help keep the ribs moist and juicy during cooking.

Bone-In or Boneless

You can choose between bone-in or boneless ribs, depending on your preference. Bone-in ribs have more flavour and are typically preferred for air frying. Boneless ribs are easier to eat but may dry out faster, so be mindful of the cooking time.

Pre-Seasoned or Unseasoned

Some ribs come pre-seasoned or marinated, which can save you time and add extra flavour. However, if you want to customize your own spice rub or use a specific barbecue sauce, opt for unseasoned ribs.

Cooking Time

Consider the cooking time recommended for the type of ribs you choose. Baby back ribs and St. Louis-style ribs typically take around 30 minutes in the air fryer, while spare ribs may need up to 40 minutes, and country-style ribs around 25 minutes. Adjust your choice of ribs based on your desired cooking time.

Removing the membrane

First, flip the ribs so that the rack-side is facing up. This will give you access to the thin membrane covering the back of the ribs.

Next, carefully slide a knife under the membrane (also known as the silverskin). Gently lift and loosen the membrane from the bone, and then slowly peel it off the back of the ribs. It should come off in one piece, like peeling off a piece of tape.

Alternatively, you can use your fingers to remove the membrane. Turn the ribs over and look for a piece of the membrane around the edges of the meat that you can grab hold of. Pull it back and slowly peel it off.

Once the membrane is removed, you can proceed to the next steps of your air fryer rib recipe, such as applying a dry rub or seasoning and placing the ribs in the air fryer. Enjoy your delicious, tender ribs!

Applying the rub

Before applying the rub, it is recommended to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This step helps enhance the flavour and tenderness of the cooked ribs. You can easily remove the membrane by sliding a knife between the silver skin and the ribs, then pulling it up to loosen and peeling it off.

Now, it's time to make the spice rub! In a small bowl, combine all the spices and mix well. You can use a variety of spices such as brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and mustard powder. Feel free to customise the rub according to your taste preferences.

Once you have prepared the spice rub, it's time to season the ribs generously. Make sure to rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, coating both sides evenly. You can also let the ribs sit in the refrigerator with the rub for a few hours or even overnight for more intense flavour. However, this step is optional and not necessary.

After the ribs are seasoned, it's important to preheat the air fryer before placing the ribs inside. Set the temperature to 375-380°F (190-195°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This step helps prevent the ribs from sticking to the basket.

Finally, place the seasoned ribs into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring that the meat side is facing down. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the ribs, you might need to cut the rack of ribs into sections to make them fit properly in the basket. Try to avoid overlapping the ribs too much for even cooking.

Cooking the ribs

Preparing the Ribs:

Before you begin cooking, there are a few essential steps to prepare your ribs for the air fryer. Firstly, decide on the type of ribs you want to use. Baby back ribs, spare ribs, and country-style ribs are all suitable options, but the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rib you choose.

Once you've selected your ribs, it's time to remove the membrane. This step is crucial as it helps make the ribs more tender and flavourful. Simply turn the ribs over and look for a piece of the membrane that you can grab hold of. You can also use a small knife to loosen the membrane by sliding it between the silver skin and the ribs.

Seasoning the Ribs:

After removing the membrane, it's time to add some flavour! You can use a store-bought rib rub or make your own by mixing spices like brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Generously season the ribs on both sides, ensuring they are well coated. If you have the time, you can let the ribs sit in the refrigerator with the rub for a few hours or even overnight for extra flavour.

Now it's time to fire up your air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350-380°F (180-190°C). While the air fryer is heating up, cut the rack of ribs into sections that will fit into your air fryer basket. You may need to cut the rack in half or even into thirds, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the ribs. Place the ribs into the basket with the meat side down and cook for 15-20 minutes. It's important to preheat the air fryer before adding the ribs to avoid sticking. Use kitchen tongs to flip the ribs halfway through the cooking process for even cooking.

Adding BBQ Sauce:

While the ribs are cooking, you can prepare your BBQ sauce if you're making it from scratch. A simple BBQ sauce can be made by combining ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and spices. You can also use your favourite store-bought sauce.

Once the ribs have cooked for the initial 15-20 minutes, remove the basket from the air fryer and brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on all sides. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at a higher temperature, around 400°F (200°C). This step helps to create a crispy texture on the exterior while making the sauce sticky and delicious. Keep a close eye on the ribs during the final minutes to avoid burning.

Resting and Serving the Ribs:

Finally, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring juicy and tender ribs. Feel free to brush on some extra BBQ sauce before serving if you prefer your ribs extra saucy!

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked air fryer ribs that are tender, juicy, and full of flavour. Serve them with your favourite sides, and don't forget the extra napkins—these ribs will be finger-licking good!

Adding the sauce

For the sauce to properly set, you should place the ribs back in the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes at a higher temperature of 400°F/200°C. This will give the ribs a nice, crispy texture and make the sauce sticky.

You can also baste the ribs with some sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. However, avoid basting too early as the sugar in the sauce may burn if exposed to heat for too long.

If you prefer saucy ribs, feel free to add more sauce after removing the ribs from the air fryer and letting them rest for a few minutes.

• BBQ sauce
• Honey garlic glaze (combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and ginger)
• Carolina Gold BBQ sauce
• Smoky bourbon BBQ sauce
• Sweet BBQ sauce

Frequently asked questions