Air fryer ribs are easy to make and delicious!
Ribs in the air fryer are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of sweet and spicy flavor!
Make BBQ ribs anytime – with the air fryer, perfect weather is not required!
Amazing Air Fryer Ribs
- The air fryer is a true time-saver for making ribs with less prep and easy cleanup!
- Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, air fryer pork ribs taste like they’ve come right off the grill!
- Party-perfect ribs can be made in batches and kept warm in a Crockpot for easy access!
Ingredients and Variations
Ribs – Baby back pork ribs are bone-in and come in slightly smaller racks so they fit perfectly in most Air Fryers. Country-style pork ribs are boneless; spare ribs are bone-in and both can be used. They can be simply cut to fit your air fryer basket or tray. Thaw frozen ribs in the air fryer before cooking to ensure the seasonings cling to the meat and they cook all the way through.
Seasoning – Mustard helps tenderize the meat and helps the rub infuse flavor into the ribs. Experiment with an extra spicy rub like these spicy Cajun or Adobo blends.
Sauce – Choose your favorite BBQ sauce or whip up these easy sauces that you can customize; homemade barbecue sauce, or a tangy Teriyaki sauce.
Variation – Beef ribs and boneless ribs (pork or beef) can be used in this recipe as well, adjust for cooking time, as necessary. Look for a ‘prime’ designation which means a tender, more flavorful cut.
How to Make Air Fryer Ribs
Using the air fryer makes the most tender ribs in a fraction of the time, no need for hours in the oven. Cooking ribs has never been easier.
- Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs and using a sharp knife, cut the rack of ribs into pieces.
- Brush mustard on the ribs and then rub on the spice mix on all sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and air fry ribs per recipe below.
- Remove the ribs and wrap them together in aluminum foil and continue to cook them in the air fryer tray.
- Increase the air fryer temperature to 375°F, remove the ribs, and brush them with BBQ sauce.
- Cook until the sauce is caramelized, about 5 more minutes. Serve hot.
What to Serve With Ribs
While the air fryer baby back ribs are staying warm, put the air fryer back to work for some side dishes and make a delish mac and cheese, air fryer corn on the cob, some quick and easy curly fries, or savory mushrooms and asparagus. Add a creamy macaroni salad and some heavenly baked peaches for dessert.
Storing Air Fryer BBQ Ribs
Keep leftover air fryer ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or in the microwave.
More Easy Delish Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Ribs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Ribs
- Grip the membrane on the back of the ribs using a paper towel and pull it off. Cut the rack into 4 pieces. Brush mustard onto the ribs.
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Massage the spice rub into both sides of the ribs.
Cook the Ribs
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Place ribs bone-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place them back in the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 175°F.
- Remove the ribs from the foil and brush both sides with BBQ sauce.
- Place ribs back in the air fryer and increase the cooking temperature to 375°F. Cook for 5 minutes or until sauce is caramelized and desired char is achieved.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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