Are you craving tender, juicy ribs without the guilt? Air fryer ribs are here to revolutionize your cooking experience. Say goodbye to greasy ribs and say hello to a delicious alternative.
Jump to:
Gone are the days of firing up the grill or spending hours slow-cooking in the oven. This air fryer baby back ribs recipe lets you enjoy mouthwatering BBQ flavor without all the hassle. The convenience and ease of cooking in an air fryer will have you wondering why you didn't try it sooner.
So, get ready to savor delectable back ribs or reheat leftover pork ribs effortlessly. In just a few simple steps, you'll be enjoying perfectly cooked and tender air fryer ribs that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Reasons to Love
- Enjoy tender and juicy ribs every time. Air fryers are perfect for cooking ribs because they use hot air circulation to cook the ribs evenly, resulting in tender and succulent ribs that practically melt in your mouth.
- Cut down on cooking time compared to other methods. Unlike slow-cooking or roasting ribs in the oven, air fryers can significantly reduce the cooking time for ribs. With their powerful heating elements and rapid air circulation, you can have deliciously cooked ribs in a fraction of the time.
- No need for outdoor grilling or smoking equipment. You can achieve that smoky flavor and perfectly charred exterior right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make BBQ ribs in an air fryer.
If you're ready to try this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- pork baby back ribs
- garlic powder
- BBQ seasoning
- BBQ sauce
- salt and pepper
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
To make air fryer ribs, just follow these simple directions. First, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 275°F (135°C) and set the cook time to 45 minutes. Then, cut the rack of ribs into two pieces, pat dry, and discard excess fat.
Season both half baby back ribs with salt, black pepper, and BBQ seasoning. Allow the dry rub to rest for at least 15 minutes in room temperature or refrigerate for one hour.
Gently transfer baby back ribs (meat side down) into air fryer basket or tray, creating some distance and slowly insert tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch.
After 10 minutes, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce. Increase the temperature at 300°F (149°C)
After 20 minutes, baste all sides and flip the ribs so the back of the ribs are down with meat side up.
At the last 5 minutes, brush last batch of BBQ sauce on all sides of the baby back ribs. Return the Air Fryer tray in the cooking chamber with the baby back ribs meat side up. Increase the temperature at 400°F (205°C).
Remove the Air Fryer tray and allow the baby back ribs to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. The ribs should be fork tender but the meat will not fall off the bone like slow cooking.
Hint: Although pork can be consumed at an internal temperature of 145°F, it's best to cook air fryer pork ribs to a temperature of at least 195°F. If needed, cook for an additional five minutes to reach desired temperature.
Variations
You can try plenty of easy variations to elevate your flavor game. Whether you prefer classic BBQ taste or want to explore different cultural influences, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Seasoning options: Experiment with various seasonings to add depth and character to your air fryer ribs. Consider trying BBQ seasoning for a smoky and tangy flavor profile. If you're feeling adventurous, go for Cajun spices that bring a hint of heat and complexity. For an Asian-inspired twist, reach for soy sauce-based marinades infused with ginger and garlic.
- Sauce selection: Don't limit yourself to traditional barbecue sauce! Explore different sauces that can take your air fryer ribs to new heights. A sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze can complement the richness of the meat beautifully. Alternatively, a glossy teriyaki sauce adds an irresistible umami touch.
- Dry rub magic: Give your ribs a kick by using a dry rub before air frying them. Create a blend of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and other spices according to your taste preferences. This dry rub will infuse the meat with layers of flavor while forming a delicious crust during cooking.
- Rib variety: Shake things up by experimenting with different rib cuts in your air fryer. Baby back ribs offer tender meat while spare ribs provide more meaty and succulent bites. If you crave a balance between tenderness and meatiness, go for St. Louis-style ribs that are trimmed from spare ribs.
See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)
Tips
Top tip: Flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure uniform browning and even cooking on both sides of the ribs. This simple step helps in achieving a delicious caramelized crust on all sides.
- Preheat the air fryer: Before placing the ribs in the air fryer, it's crucial to preheat it. This ensures that the cooking temperature is consistent throughout and helps in achieving even cooking.
- Let the cooked ribs rest before serving: Once your air fryer ribs are done, resist the temptation to dig in immediately. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in more flavorful and tender ribs.
- Adjust air frying time based on rib thickness: The thickness of your ribs can vary, so it's essential to adjust the air frying time accordingly for optimal results. Thicker cuts may require slightly longer times, while thinner ones will cook faster.
Serving suggestions
Here are some delectable side dishes that will take your rib feast to the next level:
- Classic BBQ Sides:
- Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw perfectly balances the rich flavors of the ribs. Or try it with broccoli slaw.
- Cornbread: Enjoy a slice of warm and buttery cornbread alongside your meaty masterpiece.
- Baked Beans: These sweet and savory beans are a tried-and-true BBQ favorite.
- Fresh Salads and Cooked Vegetables:
- Chopped Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a burst of freshness to each bite.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide a healthy and flavorful alternative.
- Roasted Favorites: Try some roasted Brussels sprouts for a heartwarming meal idea.
- Creamy Comfort Food:
- Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese: Indulge in velvety macaroni smothered in cheesy goodness for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes: Baked potatoes loaded with bacon, cheese, and sour cream make for a satisfying treat.
- Zesty Additions:
- Tangy Pickles: Pickles bring a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the ribs.
- Jalapeño poppers: If you like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeño poppers for an extra kick.
Storage
Once cooled, you can place the ribs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil. It is advisable to separate the ribs into individual portions for easier reheating later. Store the ribs in the refrigerator and they should stay fresh for up to 4 days.
If you want to store the air fryer ribs for a longer period of time, you can freeze them. Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the package with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the ribs overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them using your air fryer or oven until heated through.
Remember that reheated ribs may not be as crispy as when freshly cooked, but they will still taste delicious and be a convenient option for future meals.
Related Recipes
Want to try more of our air fryer recipes? Here are a few of our favorites:
- Air fryer tomatoes are perfectly caramelized and tender
- Banana turon is quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
- Chicken tenders in air fryer are irresistibly crunchy.
- Air fryer potato wedges are quick, hassle-free, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Air fryer Cornish hen results in crispy and flavorful meat.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ pounds Baby Back Ribs cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon BBQ seasoning
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 275°F (135°C). Set at 45 minutes.
- Pat dry all sides of baby back ribs. Discard excess fat.
- Season both half baby back ribs with salt, black pepper, and BBQ seasoning. Allow the dry rub to rest for at least 15 minutes in room temperature or refrigerate for one hour.
- Gently transfer baby back ribs (meat side down) onto Air Fryer tray, creating some distance and slowly insert tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch.
- After 10 minutes, baste all sides of baby back ribs with BBQ sauce. Increase the temperature at 300°F (149°C) *See notes for basting and closing the door.
- After 20 minutes, baste all sides and turn baby back ribs, meat side up.
- At the last 5 minutes, brush last batch of BBQ sauce on all sides of the baby back ribs. Return the Air Fryer tray in the cooking chamber with the baby back ribs meat side up. Increase the temperature at 400°F (205°C).
- Remove the Air Fryer tray and allow the baby back ribs to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Comments
No Comments