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    Home » Recipes

    09/10/2020

    30 Minutes Air Fryer BBQ Ribs

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    These are the best Air Fryer Ribs – so tender, crispy, and flavorful but not fall-off-the-bone! It’s a super easy recipe that takes 30 minutes to make. Baby back ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub, and then cooked in the air fryer, finally coated with a homemade sticky barbecue sauce. They are juicy, finger-licking delicious pork ribs and so addictive!

    These are the best Air Fryer Ribs – so tender, crispy, and flavorful but not fall-off-the-bone! It’s a super easy recipe that takes 30 minutes to make. Baby back ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub, and then cooked in the air fryer, finally coated with a homemade sticky barbecue sauce. They are juicy, finger-licking delicious pork ribs and so addictive! #AirFryerRibs #AirFryerPorkRibs #AirFryerBabyBackRibs
    Table of Contents Show
    Cooking Ribs in the Air Fryer
    Ingredients You’ll Need
    How To Cook Air Fryer Ribs
    Tips And Tricks For Making The Best Baby Back Ribs In The Air Fryer
    Sweet And Sticky Barbecue Sauce
    What Temperature Do You Cook Air Fryer Ribs?
    How Long Do You Cook Pork Ribs In The Air Fryer?
    How Do You Tenderize Ribs In An Air Fryer?
    Seasonings For Air Fryer Ribs
    How To Serve Air Fryer Ribs
    How To Store Air Fryer Ribs
    Can I Freeze Pork Ribs?
    How To Reheat Air Fryer Ribs
    Make Ahead Instructions
    Recipe Tools For Making Air Fryer Ribs
    Air Fryer Ribs Recipe (+Video)
    FAQ
    How To Remove the Membrane/Skin Off Ribs?
    Which Side Do You Cook Ribs?
    How To Cook Pork Ribs In The Oven?
    How To Cut Ribs Easily?
    More Air Fryer Recipes

    Cooking Ribs in the Air Fryer

    Hi guys, you don’t have to wait for a long time to get your ribs cooked perfectly! The biggest benefit of cooking ribs in the air fryer is that they cook so much faster than traditional low-and-slow methods such as baking, grilling, smoking or sous vide. Plus, they are so easy to make and incredibly flavorful! Perfect for a weeknight meal. Note that the texture is tender but not fall-off-the-bone.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Air Fryer Ribs ingredients on the counter.

    For the air fryer pork ribs, you’ll need

    • Pork baby back ribs: You can also use spare ribs for this recipe, but they’ll need a longer cooking time.
    • Spices (garlic powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and ground black pepper)

    And for the homemade barbecue sauce, you’ll need:

    • Ketchup
    • Brown sugar
    • Apple Cider Vinegar
    • Olive Oil
    • Ground Cumin
    • Salt and Pepper

    How To Cook Air Fryer Ribs

    Air Fryer Ribs Recipe: step 1 and 2 photos.

    1. Remove the membrane: Peel off the silverskin from the back of the ribs. This helps to make more flavorful and tender ribs.

    2. Divide the rack: Cut the rack of pork ribs into 2-3 sections so that it can fit into your air fryer basket.

    Air Fryer Ribs Recipe: step 3 and 4 photos.

    3. Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, mix the dry rub seasonings.

    4. Season the baby back ribs: Rub the ribs on all sides with the spice rub.

    Air Fryer Ribs recipe: step 5 and 6 photos.

    5. Cook the ribs in air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C for a few minutes. Once hot, place the ribs into the basket with the meat side down and cook for 15 minutes. Use kitchen tongs to flip the ribs, and cook for 10 more minutes at 375°F/190°C.

    6. Make the BBQ sauce: While the ribs are cooking, you can add bbq sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.

    Air Fryer Ribs recipe: step 7 and 8 photos.

    7. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce: Remove the basket from the air fryer and brush generously with barbecue sauce on all sides. Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for 3-5 more minutes at 400°F/200°C, or until the sauce has set and darkened slightly. (It may take more or less time based on the thickness or your ribs and the model of your air fryer.)

    8. Let the ribs rest: Remove the ribs from the basket and let them rest for 5 minutes so that the juices can redistribute through the meat. Feel free to brush with more barbeque sauce if you like.

    Tips And Tricks For Making The Best Baby Back Ribs In The Air Fryer

    • Remove the membrane for more flavorful and tender ribs.
    • Preheat the air fryer BEFORE placing the ribs into the basket. This will help to avoid the ribs from sticking to the basket.
    • Arrange the ribs in the basket properly, overlapping as little as possible.
    • Increasing the temperature after brushing the ribs with the BBQ sauce will create a crispy texture on the exterior while making the sauce sticky.
    • Watch very closely during the last few minutes so that your ribs won’t get burned.

    Sweet And Sticky Barbecue Sauce

    You can use store-bought or any other bbq sauce you like, but I love our homemade sweet and sticky sauce. It takes just a few minutes to make, and it’s so flavorful with the combination of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar and other spices. You can find how to make it in the recipe.

    I always make a double batch of the sauce so that I serve with other meals such as burgers or fries.

    What Temperature Do You Cook Air Fryer Ribs?

    We find cooking the ribs at 375°F for about 25 minutes and finishing up at at 400°F create a nice balance of juicy ribs and crispy exterior. 

    While the minimum internal temperature for pork ribs should reach 145°F according to USDA, the collagens and connective tissue don’t start to melt at a higher temperate. We’ve found the internal temperature should reach 185-203°F to get tender and juicy ribs. An instant-read thermometer is very useful when checking the internal temp.

    These are the best Air Fryer Ribs – so tender, crispy, and flavorful but not fall-off-the-bone! It’s a super easy recipe that takes 30 minutes to make. Baby back ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub, and then cooked in the air fryer, finally coated with a homemade sticky barbecue sauce. They are juicy, finger-licking delicious pork ribs and so addictive! #AirFryerRibs #AirFryerPorkRibs #AirFryerBabyBackRibs

    How Long Do You Cook Pork Ribs In The Air Fryer?

    It takes about 30 minutes in total to cook the ribs in the air fryer. You’ll need to cook them at 375°F for 25 minutes first, then increase the temperate to 400°F and cook for another 3-5 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the ribs as well as your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.  

    How Do You Tenderize Ribs In An Air Fryer?

    Tenderizing ribs is an important step to ensure they are juicy and flavorful. Before cooking, remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. You can also marinate them for several hours to make them extra tender. 

    Seasonings For Air Fryer Ribs

    The seasoning options for air fryer ribs are endless. You can use a dry rub or a wet marinade, depending on your preference. Some popular seasonings for ribs include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and find your perfect combination.

    How To Serve Air Fryer Ribs

    Air fryer ribs are perfect for any occasion, from game day to family dinners. Serve them with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread. Don’t forget to have extra napkins on hand because these ribs are going to be messy and finger-licking good!

    How To Store Air Fryer Ribs

    If you want to save your ribs for later, allow them to cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

    Closeup of dipping the ribs into the bbq sauce.

    Can I Freeze Pork Ribs?

    Yes, pork ribs can be frozen for later use. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to use them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

    How To Reheat Air Fryer Ribs

    To reheat air fryer ribs, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven by placing them on a baking sheet and cooking at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

    Make Ahead Instructions

    To make your life easier, you can prepare your ribs ahead of time. Season them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, simply place them in the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions.

    Recipe Tools For Making Air Fryer Ribs

    • Air Fryer: This is my second air fryer and I absolutely love it!
    • Tongs: To flip and removing asparagus from the basket.
    • Mixing bowls
    These are the best Air Fryer Ribs – so tender, crispy, and flavorful but not fall-off-the-bone! It’s a super easy recipe that takes 30 minutes to make. Baby back ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub, and then cooked in the air fryer, finally coated with a homemade sticky barbecue sauce. They are juicy, finger-licking delicious pork ribs and so addictive! #AirFryerRibs #AirFryerPorkRibs #AirFryerBabyBackRibs

    Air Fryer Ribs Recipe (+Video)

    These are the best Air Fryer Ribs – so tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious! It’s a super easy recipe that takes less than 40 minutes to make. Baby back ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub, and then cooked in the air fryer, finally coated with a homemade sticky barbecue sauce. They are juicy, finger-licking good pork ribs and so addictive!
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 28 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Benilyn
    Calories: 540kcal

    Ingredients 

    Ribs and Dry Rub:

    • 3 pounds baby back pork ribs (1 rack)
    • 3 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons paprika
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

    Sweet and Sticky BBQ Sauce

    • 1/2 cup ketchup
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions 

    • Remove the membrane: Peel off the silverskin from the back of the ribs.
    • Cut the rack of pork ribs into 2-3 sections so that it can fit into your air fryer basket.
    • Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper and cumin.
    • Season the baby back ribs: Pat the ribs dry and rub the ribs on all sides with the spice rub.
    • Cook the ribs in the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C for a few minutes. Once hot, place the ribs into the basket with the meat side down and cook for 15 minutes. (It’s important to let the air fryer to heat up first to avoid the ribs from sticking to the basket.)
    • Flip the ribs using kitchen tongs, and cook for 10 more minutes at 375°F/190°C.
    • Make the BBQ sauce: While the ribs are cooking, you can add bbq sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
    • Brush with BBQ sauce: Remove the basket from the air fryer and brush generously with barbecue sauce on all sides.
    • Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for 3-5 more minutes at 400°F/200°C, or until the sauce has set and darkened slightly. (It may take more or less time based on the thickness or your ribs)
    • Remove the ribs from the basket and let them rest for 5 minutes so that the juices can redistribute through the meat. Feel free to brush with more barbeque sauce if you like.

    Notes

    • You can also use spare ribs for this recipe, but make sure to cook for a longer time as spare ribs are usually larger.
    • If you’d like to make this recipe low carb and keto friend, you can use low carb sugar.
    • Check frequently during the last few minutes so that your ribs won’t get burned.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 935mg | Potassium: 636mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 632IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2mg
    Author: Benilyn
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs, Air Fryer Pork Ribs, Air Fryer Ribs
    Tried this recipe?Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking

    FAQ

    How To Remove the Membrane/Skin Off Ribs?

    For the most tender ribs, I recommend removing the thin membrane covering the rack. It takes a few minutes and is really easy:

    First flip the ribs with rack-side facing up. Then carefully slide a knife under the silverskin. Lift and loosen the membrane off the bone, and then you can peel it off the back of the ribs easily. (Watch our video to see the details.)

    Which Side Do You Cook Ribs?

    I recommend placing the meat side down in the basket first, as the extra fat on the bone side will cook down and add more flavor as they cook. Flip after 15 minutes for even cooking.

    How To Cook Pork Ribs In The Oven?

    If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make delicious ribs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F and place the seasoned ribs on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil and cook for 3-4 hours, or until they are tender.

    How To Cut Ribs Easily?

    Cutting ribs can be a messy and challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be. To make it easier, flip the ribs over so that the bones are facing up. Use a sharp knife to cut between the bones, and you’ll have perfectly sliced ribs in no time.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
    • Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
    • Air Fryer Potato Chips
    • Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

    If you tried this recipe, let me know how your air fryer ribs turn out in the comments below!

    These are the best Air Fryer Ribs – so tender, crispy, and flavorful but not fall-off-the-bone! It’s a super easy recipe that takes 30 minutes to make. Baby back ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub, and then cooked in the air fryer, finally coated with a homemade sticky barbecue sauce. They are juicy, finger-licking delicious pork ribs and so addictive! #AirFryerRibs #AirFryerPorkRibs #AirFryerBabyBackRibs

    Filed Under: Air Fryer, Drinks, Recipes Tagged With: baby back ribs, brown sugar, cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground cumin, ketchup, olive oil, paprika, pepper, salt

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hannah J Parrish says

      January 10, 2021 at 5:30 am

      if you have them sealed in foodsaver bags, I would just cover them in water…. Fill the sink with water and immerse the ribs still sealed. They will thaw pretty quickly and I figure they will turn out better. I have tied this method and it has worked well for me. While I haven’t tried cooking ribs or butts from frozen, I recently read an article concerning how this practice may make for a tougher piece of meat….. so take that for what its worth, which may not be much….

      Reply
    2. Janine says

      February 03, 2021 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE these ribs! When you noted they “don’t fall off the bone”, I knew this was the recipe for me! What good are ribs when you can’t rip and tear them from the bone? Where’s the fun?

      Reply
      • izzycooking says

        February 04, 2021 at 4:06 pm

        Hi Janine, glad you like the recipe. Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    3. Connie URBAN says

      March 25, 2021 at 3:11 pm

      I plan on making these tonight.
      Do you always cut them into individual rib pieces?
      How long resting before I do?
      They look amazing!

      Reply
      • izzycooking says

        March 25, 2021 at 5:33 pm

        Hi Connie, I recommend letting it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting.

        Reply
    4. Flo says

      May 25, 2021 at 8:28 pm

      5 stars
      I’m airfrying them right now. They smell delicious. I hope I can find the sauce recepie soon

      Reply
      • jessie richardson says

        October 01, 2021 at 3:34 pm

        Do you put it on air fry or bake

        Reply
    5. Vidhy says

      July 09, 2021 at 8:53 am

      5 stars
      Izzy, thanks for the simple recipe. It turned out very well. My wife was so impressed!

      Definitely gonna check out your blog for more simple yet awesomely delicious recipes.

      Reply
    6. Carla Ramos says

      August 24, 2021 at 5:18 pm

      5 stars
      This came out amazing! Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Izzy says

        September 08, 2021 at 5:54 am

        Hi Carla, glad that you like the recipe. Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    7. Priscilla says

      October 02, 2021 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great and easy recipe!! Was in the mood for dry rub ribs so didn’t make the sauce and they were still so delicious!! My ribs had little meat so the time needed was slightly shorter but an awesome recipe I’ll use again and again. So exciting to know that ribs can be made so quickly! Thanks for a great recipe

      Reply
    8. Crystal says

      October 20, 2021 at 8:21 am

      5 stars
      Ribs were amazing,perfect timing & texture. I added mustard,1 squeezed orange and apple juice when I marinated my ribs apart from the seasoning was absolutely delicious. On the bbq sauce I also added a little honey,red pepper flakes for spice & a tablespoon of strawberry jam for a sweet,tangy & spicy sauce taste . Thanks again for your recipe made my dinner such an easy clean up & saved me plenty of time to do sides.

      Reply
      • Izzy says

        October 23, 2021 at 2:30 pm

        Hi Crystal, glad to hear that your ribs were amazing. Thanks for sharing your experience! Izzy

        Reply
    9. Bernice says

      October 24, 2021 at 6:21 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious.

      Reply
      • Izzy says

        November 01, 2021 at 6:57 pm

        Hi Bernice, glad that you like the recipe. Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    10. Laurel says

      February 22, 2022 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      This are the best ribs I’ve ever eaten, I will never cooks ribs in my oven again only in the air fryer . Absolutely delicious , Thanks

      Reply
      • Izzy says

        February 27, 2022 at 5:05 pm

        Hi Laurel, glad that you like the recipe. Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    11. Tracy says

      March 01, 2022 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      I was a bit nervous about cooking my ribs in the air fryer, but the ribs came out great. I loved
      them!

      Reply
      • Izzy says

        March 03, 2022 at 9:41 am

        Hi Tracy, glad that you like the recipe. Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    12. Bill aka Bear Patterson says

      March 06, 2022 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      Simply divine indeed the very best ever!!!

      Reply
    13. Michelle B says

      March 16, 2022 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      These ribs are amazing, blew the whole family away. Tender, flavorful. Used Adobo seasoning as the dry rub and a Stubbs smoky mesquite bbq sauce. Cannot wait to make them aagin!

      Reply
    14. Patti says

      June 14, 2022 at 4:08 pm

      These ribs are awesome. I used to slow roast my ribs all day in the oven. I could not believe that ribs cooked in an air fryer, with so little time could come out this delicious. They are better than my all day slow roasted.
      Thank you

      Reply
    15. Rose Hamilton says

      July 04, 2022 at 4:35 am

      5 stars
      I didn’t follow your recipe exactly (mainly because I didn’t read it properly) and kind of adjusted in a couple of places dependent on what ingredients I had at home but they turned out great! Next time I’ll make sure I have more ribs as they just disappeared.

      Reply
    16. Ethel says

      July 05, 2022 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      Oh-My-Ribness! These are delicious! I can’t believe I made these in my Air Fryer! I appreciate you providing the video, that’s why I chose your recipe while scrolling online. Thank you

      Reply

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