If you love ribs but dread the long cooking times and messy grills, cooking ribs in an air fryer is a game changer. It’s fast, easy, and delivers juicy, tender ribs with a crispy exterior every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this guide will walk you through how to cook ribs in an air fryer with simple steps, tips, and tricks to get perfect results.
Why Cook Ribs in an Air Fryer?
– Speed: Traditional ribs take hours to cook low and slow, but air fryer ribs are ready in about 45 minutes.
– Convenience: No need to fire up the grill or heat the oven. Your air fryer does all the work.
– Texture: You get tender meat inside with a crispy, caramelized crust outside.
– Less Mess: Air frying reduces grease splatter and cleanup is a breeze.
– Healthier: Uses little to no extra oil compared to frying or baking.
What You’ll Need
– Pork baby back ribs (or beef short ribs if preferred)
– Dry rub spices: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, kosher salt, black pepper
– Barbecue sauce (choose one with brown sugar for caramelization)
– Aluminum foil (optional for wrapping)
– Meat thermometer (to check doneness)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Ribs in an Air Fryer
1. Prepare the Ribs
Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin layer can prevent seasonings from penetrating and can make ribs less tender. Use a sharp knife to loosen it, then pull it off with a paper towel for grip. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick and promote crispiness.
2. Season the Ribs
Mix your dry rub spices in a bowl. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the rub, pressing it into the meat. This adds flavor and helps create that delicious crust.
3. Fit the Ribs in the Air Fryer
Depending on your air fryer size, you can either:
– Keep the rack whole and bend it to fit around the edges of the basket.
– Cut the rack into smaller sections (about 3 pieces) to fit flat in the basket without overlapping.
Avoid overcrowding so the hot air circulates evenly.
4. Cook Low and Slow First
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C). Cook the ribs for about 35 minutes. This slow cooking helps the meat become tender without drying out.
5. Add Barbecue Sauce and Crisp Up
After the initial cook, brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce. Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for another 10 minutes uncovered. This step caramelizes the sauce and crisps the edges.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute for moist, flavorful meat. Serve with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Ribs
– Use meaty ribs with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.
– Pat ribs dry before seasoning to get a crispy crust.
– Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
– Check internal temperature: Ribs are done around 195-200°F (90-93°C).
– Foil is safe in the air fryer and can help with cleanup or wrapping ribs for tenderness.
– Marinate beef ribs for extra flavor using a mix of soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper for 2+ hours or overnight.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Ribs
– Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
– Freeze: Cool ribs completely and freeze in a shallow container for up to 2 months.
– Reheat: Warm in the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Cooking ribs in an air fryer is a fast, foolproof way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without the fuss. Give it a try and enjoy restaurant-quality ribs at home anytime!