Last Updated on July 14, 2023 by MOe
Intro to Air fryer ribs
Ribs are a classic BBQ food that are loved by many.
The tender meat that falls right off the bone and the finger-licking sticky barbecue sauce make ribs a crowd favorite.
However, traditional methods of cooking ribs involve grilling or smoking them for hours on end.
This requires constant monitoring and a lot of time.
Air fryers provide a convenient and easy way to cook ribs that are just as tender, juicy and flavorful in a fraction of the time.
With an air fryer, you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs with crispy edges in about an hour without needing to continuously tend to a grill or smoker.
In this article, we will provide a simple recipe for making perfect air fryer ribs along with tips and tricks for the best results.
Let’s get started!
Benefits of Cooking Ribs in an Air Fryer
Here are some of the biggest benefits of using an air fryer to make ribs versus traditional cooking methods:
– Convenience – Ribs can be cooked start to finish in an hour in an air fryer versus 4-6 hours on a grill or smoker.
This saves a lot of time and doesn’t require constant monitoring.
– Easy Cleanup – With an air fryer, there’s no need for a huge smoker or grill.
Cleanup is as easy as wiping out the fryer basket when done.
– Versatility – Air fryers can make any style of ribs from baby back to spare ribs.
You can easily add barbecue sauce or dry rubs to customize flavor.
– Moist and Tender – The circulated hot air cooks ribs evenly, ensuring they come out juicy and tender without drying out.
– Space Saving – Air fryers are small appliances that don’t require a lot of outdoor space like a grill.
They easily fit on a kitchen counter.
– Safety – With no open flame, air fryers are generally safer to use than grills and smokers.
With an air fryer, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful ribs any night of the week without the hassle. Now let’s look at tips for picking the perfect rack of ribs.
Choosing the Right Ribs
One key to amazing air fryer ribs is selecting the right rack of ribs.
Here are some things to look for:
– Meaty Racks – Find racks of ribs that have a good amount of meat between the bones, at least 1⁄2 inch thick for more tender results. Avoid racks that look skimpy.
– Even Shape – Try to pick racks that have bones of a similar length and shape for even cooking. Avoid oddly shaped or irregular racks.
– Good Marbling – Look for marbling, the thin white lines of fat within the meat. This fat keeps the ribs moist and flavors the meat.
– Flexible – Choose ribs that bend and flex rather than feel stiff. This indicates tender meat.
– Non-Enhanced – Opt for ribs without an enhanced solution injected to retain moisture. This can result in a salty taste.
The best cuts of ribs for the air fryer include baby back ribs, spare ribs and St. Louis style ribs. Baby backs are naturally tender while spare ribs have the most meat.
Seasoning Your Ribs
Adding flavorful seasoning is key to amazing air fryer ribs.
There are two main approaches – dry rubs or barbecue sauce.
Dry Rubs
Dry rubs involve coating the ribs in spices, herbs and seasonings before air frying. Some common ingredients include:
– Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a crust
– Paprika – Provides a smoky flavor
– Chili powder – Brings mild heat
– Garlic powder – For aroma and flavor
– Onion powder – Adds savory undertones
– Salt and pepper – Seasons the meat
– Cayenne pepper – Optional for spiciness
You can experiment with your own custom dry rubs or use store-bought ones.
Apply the rub generously on all sides of the ribs before air frying.
The rub will form a crispy, flavorful crust on the exterior.
Barbecue Sauce
For saucier ribs, coat them with barbecue sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cook time.
The sauce will caramelize and glaze the ribs. Opt for thicker, sticky barbecue sauces rather than thin, vinegar-based ones.
Some great flavor options include:
– Sweet and smoky
– Spicy chipotle
– Tangy mustard
– Bourbon
– Carolina style
Brush on a layer of barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs when they are nearly finished cooking. You can add another layer right before serving. This helps prevent burning.
Now that we’ve covered seasoning methods, let’s look at the process for cooking air fryer ribs.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Ribs Recipe
Follow these simple steps for finger-licking ribs made in the air fryer:
Ingredients:
– 1 rack baby back ribs, membrane removed
– 1⁄4 cup barbecue rub OR sauce
1. Remove Membrane
Turn ribs over so the bone side is facing up. Slide a knife under the thin membrane covering the back of the rack.
Grab a corner of the membrane and peel it off slowly.
This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat.
2. Cut into Portions (Optional)
For shorter cook times, you can cut ribs into 2-3 portions.
Use a sharp knife to slice between bones. Keep portions similar in size.
3. Season the Ribs
Apply a generous coating of dry rub or barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs. Rub it into the meat.
4. Brush with Oil
Use a basting brush to lightly coat ribs with oil. This helps crispen the exterior and promotes even cooking.
5. Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 350°F. This high heat helps render fat and sear the ribs.
6. Cook Ribs
Place ribs meaty-side up in air fryer basket. Try not to overlap ribs. Cook for 15 minutes at 350°F.
7. Flip and Cook
Remove basket and carefully flip ribs. Return to air fryer and cook 15 more minutes at 350°F.
8. Brush Sauce
During last 10 minutes of cook time, brush ribs with barbecue sauce to glaze. Cook until sticky.
9. Finish on Broil
For an extra-crispy finish, broil ribs 3-5 minutes until browned. Keep an eye to avoid burning.
10. Rest and Serve
Let ribs rest 5 minutes before cutting into portions.
Serve wings with extra barbecue sauce.
Cooking times will vary based on cut and thickness of ribs. Baby backs take about 30 minutes while meatier spare ribs need 35-40 minutes.
Check for doneness by poking ribs with a fork. They should be very tender but not falling off the bone.
The internal temperature of ribs should reach 195-205°F when done. If unsure, use an instant read thermometer to check.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ribs
Follow these tips and tricks for finger-licking ribs made in the air fryer:
– Pat ribs dry before seasoning – This helps the rub or sauce adhere better.
– Cut ribs in halves or thirds to reduce cook time.
– Flip ribs halfway during cooking for even browning.
– Brush ribs with oil before cooking – This improves crispiness.
– Spray air fryer basket with oil before adding ribs to prevent sticking.
– Cook at a high temp (350°F) to get a good sear.
– Add barbecue sauce during last 10-15 minutes to avoid burning.
– Broil for 3-5 minutes at very end for crispy texture.
– Let ribs rest 5 minutes before serving – This allows juices to redistribute.
– Add roasted vegetables like onions and peppers to the air fryer for a complete meal.
– To keep ribs warm, place in a 200°F oven on a sheet pan after cooking.
Get creative with flavors by adding ingredients like brown sugar, honey, herbs or hot sauce to the dry rub or barbecue sauce.
The possibilities are endless!
Serving Tips
To highlight your perfect air fryer ribs, follow these serving suggestions:
– Cut ribs into individual portions for easy eating.
– Serve with traditional BBQ sides like baked beans, coleslaw, corn on the cob and cornbread.
– Offer extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
– Garnish ribs with chopped parsley or green onions.
– Pair ribs with homemade pickles, pickled onions or pickled jalapeños.
– Serve ribs on a platter lined with parchment paper to catch drips.
– Offer moist towelettes and extra napkins for messy fingers.
– Have cold beer or lemonade available to quench thirst.
Now that you’re ready for incredible air fryer ribs, here are some full recipe ideas to try:
– Bourbon Brown Sugar Air Fryer Ribs – The sweet and savory flavors are a hit.
– Spicy Sriracha Air Fryer Ribs – These have the perfect kick of heat.
– Air Fryer Hawaiian Ribs – Pineapple juice and soy sauce make these so tender.
– Air Fryer Memphis Dry Rub Ribs – A classic Memphis dry rub coats these ribs.
– Air Fryer Rib Tips – Seasoned rib tips cook up extra crispy.
The options are endless when it comes to flavoring and sauces.
Give air fryer ribs a try for your next backyard BBQ or weeknight dinner.
In no time, you’ll be biting into tender, juicy ribs with crispy edges and sticky barbecue fingertips. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Ribs
Along with being convenient for cooking, air fryers make it super easy to reheat leftover ribs to crispy perfection.
Here are tips for storing and reheating ribs:
– Let ribs cool completely before refrigerating. Wrap tightly in foil.
– Refrigerate ribs for 3-4 days maximum. Freeze for longer storage.
– When reheating, unwrap ribs and place in air fryer basket.
– Set air fryer to 300°F and cook for 6-8 minutes until hot.
– Brush ribs with sauce at end for extra moisture.
– For crisper reheated ribs, broil for 2-3 minutes after air frying.
Storing ribs properly is important to retain texture and moisture.
Avoid letting cooked ribs sit out for extended periods to prevent spoilage.
When reheating in the air fryer, the circulating hot air will revive any crispiness that was lost during storage.
It’s a much quicker and tastier way to reheat versus the microwave.
Possible Problems and Solutions
While air fryer ribs are quite simple to make, here are some potential issues and how to troubleshoot:
Problem: Ribs are tough and chewy
Solution: Make sure not to overlap ribs in the basket. Cook at a high temp (350°F) to properly tenderize meat.
Problem: Ribs are dried out
Solution: Brush ribs with oil before cooking. Spray air fryer basket to prevent sticking and overcooking.
Problem: Ribs are burnt
Solution: Avoid thick sugary sauces that can burn. Cook sauce for only the last 10 mins of cooking.
Problem: Ribs have raw spots
Solution: Check for even thickness and cut ribs into smaller pieces if needed. Cook just until 195°F internally.
Problem: Ribs are not crispy
Solution: Pat ribs dry thoroughly before cooking. Broil for 2-5 mins at the very end to crisp exterior.
With a few simple tips, you can easily make amazing ribs in your air fryer any night of the week.
Air Fryer Ribs vs. Traditional Methods
While air fryer ribs are quick and convenient, how do they compare to ribs made using traditional long cooking methods?
Here is a breakdown of air fryer ribs versus oven baked, grilled, smoked or Instant Pot ribs:
– Air fryer ribs cook much faster – around 30-40 mins versus 3-6 hours for other methods.
– Air fryer ribs require occasional flipping but don’t need constant monitoring like grilling or smoking.
– Air fryer ribs come out consistently moist and tender thanks to circulated air rather than drying out.
– Air fryer ribs can develop a nice sear similar to grilled ribs by using high heat.
– Air fryer ribs require minimal cleanup compared to dealing with BBQ grill or smoker residue.
– Air fryer ribs can use the same seasonings and sauces as other cooking methods.
While purists may argue traditional cooking makes the absolute best ribs, air fryer ribs are an easy weeknight alternative that still yield amazing texture and flavor in a fraction of the time.
The convenience factor of the air fryer can’t be overstated. You can start frozen ribs from your freezer and enjoy tender, juicy ribs in about an hour without having to babysit a smoker or grill.
The circulating hot air of the air fryer cooks ribs evenly all over. While ribs may have slightly less smoky flavor compared to BBQ methods, the end result is quite similar.
So don’t be afraid to give air fryer ribs a try on a busy work night or as a quick appetizer for guests. You can experience the fun of eating ribs any night with minimal time and effort.
Popular Air Fryer Ribs Recipes to Try
Once you get the basics down, there are endless ways to season and sauce air fryer ribs. Here are some popular recipe ideas:
– Brown Sugar Sriracha Air Fryer Ribs – For spicy and slightly sweet ribs.
– Memphis Dry Rub Air Fryer Ribs – Classic Memphis BBQ flavor.
– Thai Chili Air Fryer Ribs – Infused with Thai spices and peanut sauce.
– Coffee Rubbed Air Fryer Ribs – Bold coffee flavor complements ribs.
– Honey Garlic Air Fryer Ribs – Savory and sticky for fall-off-the-bone results.
– Korean BBQ Air Fryer Ribs – Gochujang paste and sesame seeds flavor these ribs.
– Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Ribs – For ribs with a tangy sweet glaze.
– Air Fryer Ribs with Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce – Uses soda for sauce.
Don’t forget classic barbecue sauces like Sweet Baby Ray’s, Sweet and Smoky, Carolina Vinegar Sauce and more.
You can also experiment with dry rub combinations, herb blends, spices, citrus juices, jams, chutneys and unique ingredients like coffee, cocoa powder, miso paste, harissa and more.
Let your imagination run wild when it comes to infusing flavor into air fryer ribs. The possibilities are limitless!
The Convenience of Air Fryer Ribs
At the end of the day, air fryer ribs are all about convenience and ease.
There are many advantages to making these quick yet delicious ribs:
– Short cook time frees up your day compared to grilling or smoking for hours on end.
– Minimal direct supervision needed once ribs are in the air fryer.
– Easy to customize flavors with your favorite rubs, sauces and seasonings.
– Ability to cook from frozen for meals ready in an hour.
– Small countertop appliance takes up little space.
– Kid-friendly method as no potentially dangerous knives, heat or chemicals required.
– User-friendly for beginners unlike mastering the intricacies of grill or smoker.
– Apartment friendly and less messy than BBQ methods.
– Time and energy efficient using a small appliance versus firing up a grill.
For busy people short on time but craving the delicious flavors of ribs, the air fryer is sure to become your new best friend.
You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this convenient cooking method sooner!
Say goodbye to tending a smoker and hello to easy weeknight ribs the whole family will devour. Air fryer ribs offer the finger-licking satisfaction of BBQ ribs without the hassle.