Cooking pork ribs in the air fryer is a quick and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, beginners can achieve tender, juicy ribs with a flavorful crust. This easy recipe ensures your ribs are perfectly cooked every time, making it a great addition to your air fryer recipe collection.

Ingredients:

Pork Ribs (spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs work great)

For the Marinade:

Barbecue Sauce (your favorite BBQ sauce)

Soy Sauce

Garlic Powder

Honey

Brown Sugar

Optional: A pinch of Black Pepper, Onion Powder, and Chili Powder for extra flavor.

air fryer steak recipe

How to make the air fryer pork ribs 

Marinade Preparation: In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, honey, and brown sugar. Mix well until fully combined. If you prefer a stickier marinade, feel free to add a little more honey or barbecue sauce to achieve the desired consistency.

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) to warm up while you prep the ribs.

Air Fryer pork ribs

Marinade the Ribs: Pat the rack of ribs dry with a paper towel. Brush the marinade generously over both sides of the ribs using a small bowl and a brush. Ensure individual ribs are well-coated for the best flavor.

Cooking the Ribs: Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, meat side facing up. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning the ribs halfway through the cooking time with tongs to ensure even cooking. In the last 3 minutes, brush a bit more barbecue sauce onto the ribs for an extra layer of flavor.

Rest Before Serving: Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps to lock in the juices, making your ribs even more tender and delicious.

PRO tips for the perfect air fryer rib recipe


Preparation Is Key
: Begin by patting the ribs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings stick better and promotes a crispier exterior.

  • Remove the Membrane: For tender ribs, remove the membrane (also known as the silverskin) from the underside of the ribs. Gently slide a knife under the membrane to loosen it, then pull it off in one piece. This step is crucial for allowing the marinade to penetrate the meat and for achieving a more tender result.
  • Marinate for Flavor: Allow the ribs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight in the fridge is ideal. This not only infuses the ribs with flavor but also tenderizes them. Use a resealable bag or an airtight container to ensure the ribs are fully coated and the flavors are locked in.
  • Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the marinated ribs sit out until they reach room temperature. This promotes even cooking, ensuring the inside is as perfectly done as the outside for tender pork ribs
  • Use the Right Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature, typically around 180°C (360°F) for ribs. Cooking at the right temperature helps to render the fat, ensuring your ribs are juicy and tender inside with a beautiful crust outside.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the ribs in a single layer in your air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate freely. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain the quality of each rib.
  • Flip for Even Cooking: Use tongs to flip the ribs halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides get that deliciously crispy and caramelized exterior.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ribs have reached the ideal internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Not only does this confirm they’re safe to eat, but it also prevents overcooking.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked ribs to rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your ribs are moist and flavorful.
  • Final Glaze: For an extra touch of flavor, brush on a final layer of your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. This step adds a shiny glaze and an additional layer of flavor.

Air Fryer Pork Ribs

This Air Fryer Pork Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful ribs with a crispy exterior, using simple ingredients and minimal prep for a delicious meal in under an hour.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Bowl
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons Barbecue Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 3 tablespoons Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • A pinch of Black Pepper Optional – Onion Powder, and Chili Powder for extra flavor

Instructions
 

  • Marinade Preparation: In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, honey, and brown sugar. Mix well until fully combined. If you prefer a stickier marinade, feel free to add a little more honey or barbecue sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) to warm up while you prep the ribs.
  • Marinade the Ribs: Pat the rack of ribs dry with a paper towel. Brush the marinade generously over both sides of the ribs using a small bowl and a brush. Ensure individual ribs are well-coated for the best flavor.
  • Cooking the Ribs: Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, meat side facing up. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning the ribs halfway through the cooking time with tongs to ensure even cooking. In the last 3 minutes, brush a bit more barbecue sauce onto the ribs for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps to lock in the juices, making your ribs even more tender and delicious.
Keyword Air Fryer Pork Ribs

FAQs:

Can I use boneless ribs? 

Yes, boneless pork ribs can also be used in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as boneless ribs may cook a bit faster.

How do I know when the ribs are done? 

The best way to ensure your ribs are perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Pork ribs should be safe to eat if their internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C). Look for tender ribs with crispy edges.

What if my air fryer is smaller?

For smaller air fryers, you may need to cut the rack of ribs into smaller pieces or cook them in batches to ensure they fit in a single layer. This helps with even cooking and achieving crispy air fryer ribs.

Can I prepare these ribs ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the ribs in plastic wrap or an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in even tastier ribs.

What sides go well with air fryer pork ribs?

Pork ribs pair wonderfully with classic sides like potato salad, air fryer corn, or your favorite summer vegetables. Choose sides that complement the rich, savory taste of the ribs.

Enjoy your delicious, tender, and juicy air fryer pork ribs with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This recipe will become a new favorite for quick dinners, summer cookouts, or any time you crave amazing ribs with less mess and hassle.

Enjoy your juicy air fryer ribs.

About the Author

Get to know me more.

I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many excellent tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating