Air Fryer Pork Ribs
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These Air Fryer Pork Ribs are tender, juicy, and so delicious! Air-frying pork ribs is a total game-changer. Less time cooking, less mess to clean up, and a taste that will have you coming back for more!
Air Fryer Pork Ribs
I love ribs! Over the years, I have made them in the oven, in the pressure cooker, on the grill, and finally, in the Air Fryer! I just love my air fryer. (I have the Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer.) It’s perfect for cooking for just two or three people, and it’s great for summertime when it is too hot to turn on the oven.
Plus, when it comes to cooking ribs, the air fryer is a game-changer! It’s quick, easy, and delivers perfectly tender and juicy ribs every time. If you’ve never tried making pork ribs in an air fryer, you’re in for a treat. This recipe will walk you through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering air fryer pork ribs that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
The Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe
Imagine biting into pork ribs that are crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside. That’s exactly what you get with this air fryer pork ribs recipe. Not only does it cut down the cooking time, but by using the air fryer, you can avoid heating up the kitchen in the middle of the summer or slaving over a hot grill when it is 100 degrees outside!
Why You Should Make These Air Fryer Pork Ribs
- Quick: Air frying is faster (and cooler) than heating up and cooking in the oven or on the grill. These ribs are ready in less than 40 minutes.
- Perfect Texture: Get a crispy exterior without sacrificing tenderness.
- Easy Clean-Up: Clean-up is a breeze with the air fryer.
Ingredients needed
(Ingredients at a glance; you can find the full recipe with ingredient amounts in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
- Rack Pork Ribs (divided into batches) | Choose baby back ribs for the best flavor and texture.
- Herbs and spices | Garlic powder, onion powder, Creole seasoning (you can substitute with smoked paprika), rosemary, salt and pepper.
- Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup favorite BBQ Sauce | Use your preferred brand or homemade version.
- Optional: Green Onions for garnish
How to make Pork Ribs in the Air Fryer
1 Prep: Mix the spices and Olive Oil in a small bowl and stir. Blot the ribs dry with a paper towel. Cut the ribs to fit in the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. It takes around 5 minutes.
2 Marinate the ribs: Spread the spice rub over the ribs and gently rub it in so it sticks. Repeat on the other side. Allow the spices to rest on the ribs for at least a half hour. Cover and place in the fridge for longer rest times.
3 Air fry the ribs: Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Place the spiced ribs on the basket. Close the air fryer and bake for 12 minutes. Flip and cook for another 12 minutes. Remove the ribs from the air fryer and quickly brush on your favorite Barbecue Sauce, and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. The BBQ glaze will be a little bubbly, and it’s okay if they’re a little charred. Remove from air fryer and allow to sit for 3 minutes before cutting and serving.
4 Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions or your favorite garnish.
Recipe Tips
- Choose Quality Ribs: Look for meaty and well-marbled ribs for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Remove the membrane: The thin, rubbery lining on the back of the ribs can be removed to make them more tender.
- Pat Dry Before Seasoning: This helps the spices adhere and creates a crispy crust.
- Cook in Batches: Ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach an internal temperature of 195-200°F.
- Rest the ribs: After cooking, allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Variations
- Honey Garlic Ribs: Swap out the BBQ rub and sauce for a honey garlic glaze. Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger. Brush on during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Chipotle Ribs: Create a chipotle rub with ground chipotle powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add blended chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your BBQ sauce for extra heat.
- Korean-style: Marinate the ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and gochujang for a spicy and sweet Korean BBQ flavor.
Pin this recipe for later.
Storage Suggestions
- To Store: Place leftover ribs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Once cooled, place the ribs in a shallow container and freeze for up to two months.
- To Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer for several minutes, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
Should ribs be marinated before air frying?
Marinating is optional but highly recommended. Letting the rub or marinade sit on the ribs for at least 30 minutes will infuse them with flavor and help tenderize the meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
What temperature should I use to cook pork ribs in the air fryer?
Set your air fryer to 380°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking the ribs evenly while achieving a nice, crispy exterior.
Can I use other types of ribs for this recipe?
Due to their size, baby back ribs work best for this recipe. Country style pork ribs (boneless) can be cooked at 380° for 8 minutes, flip over and cook another 8 minutes. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.
Do I need to flip the ribs while cooking in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping the ribs halfway through cooking helps ensure they cook evenly. Most air fryers recommend shaking or flipping the food to promote even browning.
How many servings in a rack of baby back ribs
Depending on the number of ribs in the rack, you will get 3 to 4 servings. (Plan on about four ribs per person.)
More Air Fryer Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Healthy Chocolate Air Fryer Breakfast Cookies
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Berry Fruit Crisp
Did You Make This These Air Fryer Pork Ribs?
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Air Fryer Pork Ribs
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: air fryer
Description
These Air Fryer Pork Ribs are tender, juicy, and so delicious! Air-frying pork ribs is a total game-changer. Less time cooking, less mess to clean up, and a taste that will have you coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 1 rack Pork Ribs (divided into batches)
- 1/2 teaspoon Creole Seasoning (or substitute Smoked Paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup favorite BBQ Sauce
- optional: green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the spices and Olive Oil together in a small bowl, and stir.
- Blot the ribs dry with a paper towel. Cut ribs to fit in air fryer basket.
- Spread the spice rub over the ribs and gently rub it in so it sticks. Repeat on the other side. Allow the spices to rest on the ribs for at least a half hour. Cover and place in the fridge for longer rest times.
- Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F. It takes around 5 minutes.
- Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray.
- Place the spiced ribs on the basket. Close the air fryer and bake for 12 minutes. Flip the and cook for another 12 minutes.
- Remove ribs from air fryer and quickly brush on your favorite Barbecue Sauce, and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. BBQ glaze will be a little bubbly and it’s okay if it’s a little charred.
- Remove from air fryer and allow to sit for 3 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, or your favorite garnish.
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