Tillie Doyle
Cooking pork spare ribs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender, and juicy ribs without the need for oil or butter. The air fryer also makes cleanup a breeze, as it doesn't cause excessive oil splatter. You can season your ribs with a dry rub or slather them in barbecue sauce, and they'll be ready to eat in about 30 minutes. So, whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a hassle-free weeknight meal, air fryer pork spare ribs are a great option!
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ribs
Types of Pork Ribs:
Firstly, it is essential to understand the different types of pork ribs available. The three most common types are St. Louis-style ribs, baby back ribs, and spareribs. St. Louis-style ribs are spareribs that have been trimmed to remove the hard breastbone and chewy cartilage, resulting in a more uniform shape. Baby back ribs, also known as loin back ribs, are taken from the loin area around the pig's back and spine. They are shorter, curvier, and more lean than spareribs. Spareribs, the most popular type, come from the belly area of the pig, where bacon originates. They are larger, meatier, and tend to have more fat, resulting in a more flavourful experience.
What to Look for When Buying Spareribs:
When purchasing spareribs from the grocery store, look for ribs sold in a single, large slab weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds, with at least 11 bones per slab. The meat should have a pinkish-red colour with some marbling, indicating good fat content for flavour. Avoid meat that appears pale or has dark spots on the fat.
Enhancing Flavour with Dry Rubs and Marinades:
To enhance the flavour of your spareribs, consider using a dry rub or marinade. Apply the rub or marinade a day before cooking to allow the flavours to permeate the meat. Spareribs benefit from the tenderising effect of salt in the rub, so if using enhanced or pre-seasoned ribs, reduce the amount of additional salt you add.
Storage and Preparation:
Plan to cook spareribs soon after buying them, as they have a short fridge life of two to three days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to six months. When preparing frozen spareribs, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for 12 to 14 hours before cooking. Before cooking, let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Portion Planning:
When deciding how many ribs to buy, consider the number of people you're serving and their appetites. A full slab of spareribs is typically enough for two adults, but one hungry person could finish it alone. If serving multiple barbecue meats or side dishes, you may want to cut the ribs into individual bones to encourage guests to take smaller portions.
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Seasoning and marinating
After selecting your seasonings, it's time to prepare the ribs. Remove any surface ice crystals by rinsing the ribs under warm water if they are frozen. Then, pat them dry thoroughly. This step is important because it ensures that your seasonings will stick to the meat and allows for even browning and caramelisation. Next, drizzle a teaspoon of oil over the ribs and toss them to ensure they are thoroughly coated. You can use any standard cooking oil that pairs well with your chosen seasonings.
Now it's time to apply the seasonings. Sprinkle your chosen spices and salt and pepper (if using) over both sides of the ribs. You can also wrap each portion in tin foil before seasoning to lock in moisture and flavour. Make sure to get an even coating of spices on the meat. Once the ribs are seasoned, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer.
If you're short on time, you can also try marinating your ribs beforehand. Prepare the ribs as mentioned above, and then add the oil and seasonings. After that, you can either cook them immediately or store them in the freezer for a convenient, ready-to-cook meal.
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Cooking temperature and time
The cooking temperature and time for pork spare ribs in an air fryer depend on the type of ribs and your preference for doneness. Spare ribs are larger and fattier than baby back ribs, so they will take longer to cook.
If you are cooking baby back ribs, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) and cook the ribs for 20 minutes. Then, brush barbecue sauce over the ribs and cook for another 5 minutes at 400°F.
For spare ribs, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the ribs in the basket, leaving a little space between each rib to allow air to circulate. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping the ribs after 10 or 12 minutes for even cooking. Check the pork by cutting into the thickest part of the meat; it should be nearly white, with a slight pink blush. If you prefer your meat more cooked, return it to the air fryer for 2 minutes at a time.
The safe internal temperature for perfectly cooked ribs is 145°F, but you can cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 195-200°F if you prefer. To check the temperature, use a meat thermometer.
Cooking times may also vary depending on the size of your ribs. Ribs weighing between 4.5 and 6 ounces (130-180 grams) should be cooked in 15 minutes. Larger ribs may need to be cut in half to fit in the air fryer and may require additional cooking time.
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Flipping and resting
Flipping your pork spare ribs is an important step in the cooking process. Depending on the air fryer you have, you may need to flip your ribs to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. It is recommended that you flip the ribs after the first 15 minutes of cooking. You can then cook them for an additional 15 minutes.
After the ribs have been flipped and cooked for the additional 15 minutes, you can check if they are cooked by making a small cut and examining the colour of the meat. The pork is cooked when the meat is nearly white in the centre of the thickest part. It is worth noting that, unlike chicken, pork can be eaten with a slight pink blush. If you prefer your pork to be more well done, you can put it back in the air fryer for 2 minutes at a time.
Once your ribs are cooked, it is important to let them rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the meat is tender and juicy. The ribs should be allowed to rest for at least 3 to 4 minutes, although some sources suggest resting them for 5 minutes. This will ensure the ribs are at the optimal temperature and will improve their texture and taste.
You can also brush your ribs with barbecue sauce before serving. One source suggests brushing the sauce onto the ribs and then cooking them for an additional 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After this, the ribs should be allowed to rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Storing and reheating
Storing:
Allow the leftover ribs to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the ribs soggy and promote bacterial growth. Then, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container to prevent air exposure, which can cause the ribs to dry out. Store the wrapped or containerised ribs in the refrigerator, where they will stay good for 3 to 5 days.
If you wish to keep the ribs for longer, you can freeze them. Once the ribs have cooled, place them in a shallow, freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen ribs can be stored for up to two months.
Reheating:
You can reheat your ribs in an air fryer or a conventional oven, but the air fryer method is highly recommended as it helps keep the bones and meat evenly heated and maintains the ribs' original flavour and tenderness.
To reheat in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow proper air circulation. For best results, monitor the ribs closely, checking on them periodically to prevent overcooking or burning. As a guideline, reheating ribs in an air fryer takes about 5 to 10 minutes, but the exact time will depend on factors such as the thickness of the ribs, the initial temperature of the ribs, and the specific air fryer model.
To prevent the ribs from drying out during reheating, you can add a small amount of liquid to the air fryer basket, such as water, broth, apple juice, or additional barbecue sauce.
If you choose to reheat the ribs in a conventional oven, it is recommended to do it low and slow to avoid drying out the meat.
You can also reheat the ribs in a microwave, but this method may not provide the same level of crispness as the air fryer or oven. Microwave reheating typically takes 20 to 30 seconds.
Remember, it is generally not recommended to reheat ribs more than two times before discarding them.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking pork spare ribs in an air fryer takes between 25 and 35 minutes.
The temperature for cooking pork spare ribs in an air fryer ranges from 325°F to 380°F.
Pork spare ribs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 170-200°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Yes, you can cook frozen pork spare ribs in the air fryer. Remove any ice crystals by rinsing them under warm water, then pat them dry and add oil and seasoning before cooking as usual.
You can season your pork spare ribs with a dry rub of salt, sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also add barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for a sticky, crispy glaze.
