Welcome to your new favourite way to cook pork ribs! This Air Fryer Pork Ribs recipe is all about speed, simplicity, and incredible flavour. Get ready to transform ordinary ribs into an extraordinary meal with just a few ingredients and your trusty air fryer. Let's dive in!
Welcome back to Timeas Kitchen, fellow food enthusiasts! If you're a regular here, you might remember my recipe for air fryer pork belly bites or my loved air fryer honey garlic chicken wings. Well, that little air fryer of yours has been working overtime in my kitchen lately, and it's inspired another fantastic creation: these incredibly easy Air Fryer Pork Ribs!
Now, you might be thinking, 'Ribs? Aren't those more of a summer BBQ thing like my honey glazed pork ribs?' And you're not wrong! There's definitely a surge in rib popularity when the weather warms up and everyone's firing up their grills for those classic backyard cookouts, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July or Labor Day here in the UK. But the beauty of this air fryer method is that it brings that same delicious, finger-licking experience right into your kitchen, no matter the season! Rainy Tuesday? Craving ribs in December? No problem!
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Speaking of perfect pairings, these Air Fryer Pork Ribs absolutely sing when served alongside a truly amazing side dish. And lucky for you, I just happen to have the perfect recipe right here on Timeas Kitchen for my quick and easy homemade coleslaw and of course French Fries. Trust me, the richness of the ribs and the creaminess of the coleslaw are a match made in culinary heaven. You absolutely have to try them together! Consider this your invitation to a seriously satisfying meal. Let's get down to the delicious details of these air fryer ribs, shall we?
Ingredients
Alright, let's gather our heroes for this incredible Air Fryer Pork Ribs adventure! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you likely have many of these items already in your pantry. We're keeping the spice rub classic yet impactful, and the air fryer will do the rest of the magic. Here's everything you'll need to create these mouth watering ribs:
- Pork Ribs: The star of the show! Choose your favourite cut. Baby back ribs are leaner and more tender, while spare ribs are meatier and more flavorful. About 1-1.5 lbs should work well for most air fryer sizes.
- BBQ Sauce: Your personal touch! Use your favourite brand or homemade BBQ sauce for that classic, tangy, and smoky finish.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch to help the spice rub adhere beautifully to the ribs and promote a little crisping during the cooking process.
For seasoning you will need:
- 1 teaspoon Salt: The fundamental flavour enhancer, bringing out the natural taste of the pork and other spices. Don't skimp – it's crucial for well-seasoned ribs!
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Adds a touch of earthy warmth and a subtle kick that complements the richness of the pork. Freshly ground is always best if you have it!
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: This brings a sweet and savoury depth, adding a foundational aromatic layer to our rub without the need for fresh onions.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: This versatile spice adds a lovely smoky sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the ribs. You can use regular, smoked, or even sweet paprika depending on your preference!
- 2 teaspoon Brown Sugar: The secret ingredient for that irresistible sweet and slightly molasses-like crust. It also helps with caramelization in the air fryer.
That's all there is to it! A simple lineup of ingredients that will transform into incredibly flavourful and tender Air Fryer Pork Ribs. Now that we have everything ready, let's move on to the easy step-by-step instructions.
How to Make the Air Fryer Pork Ribs?
Alright, the moment you've been waiting for! Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and show you exactly how to transform these simple ingredients into mouth watering Air Fryer Pork Ribs. The process is surprisingly easy, and with a few simple steps, you'll be enjoying perfectly cooked ribs in no time.
If you're more of a visual learner, or just prefer to see the process in action, I've also created a short and sweet video tutorial that walks you through each step. You can watch it right here:
But if you're ready to dive right in, keep reading for the detailed, step-by-step instructions. Let's get cooking!
Seasoning the Pork Ribs
First things first, let's create our flavor powerhouse – the spice rub! In a small bowl, combine all the dry spices: salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar.
Give everything a good stir with a spoon or whisk until the spices and brown sugar are evenly distributed. This aromatic blend is what will infuse our pork ribs with that classic BBQ flavour we all know and love.
Now, let's get those ribs ready for their flavour bath! Depending on the size of your pork ribs, you might find they're a bit too long to fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. If that's the case, simply use a sharp knife to cut the rack of ribs in half. This will make them easier to manage and ensure they cook evenly.
Once they're halved (if needed), take about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brush it generously over all sides of the ribs. This light coating of oil serves a crucial purpose: it acts like a fantastic glue, helping our delicious spice rub adhere beautifully to the surface of the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with flavour.
With the ribs lightly oiled, it's time to generously coat them with that fantastic spice mixture we just created. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over all surfaces of the ribs – the top, bottom, and sides. Don't be shy! Use your hands to gently rub the spices into the meat, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. This thorough coating is key to achieving that rich, savoury flavour in every single bite of your Air Fryer Pork Ribs.
Air Frying the Pork Ribs
Now for the magic! To ensure our Air Fryer Pork Ribs cook evenly and beautifully, we'll start by preheating our air fryer. Set your air fryer to 205°C (approximately 400°F) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This preheating step helps to create that initial sear and ensures consistent cooking.
Once the air fryer is preheated, we'll prepare the basket. Place a sheet of parchment paper in the bottom of the air fryer basket. This helps with easier cleanup and prevents the ribs from sticking. Then, lightly spray the parchment paper with olive oil spray. This extra step will further prevent sticking and promote a nice crisp on the underside of the ribs.
Carefully place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. We're starting with the bone side down. Set the air fryer temperature to 190°C (approximately 375°F) and cook for 15 minutes.
After the initial 15 minutes of cooking, carefully open the air fryer basket. You'll already notice the ribs starting to look and smell fantastic! Now, using tongs, gently flip the ribs so that the bone side is now facing upwards.
Continue cooking the ribs at the same temperature of 190°C (approximately 375°F) for another 10 minutes. This second stage of cooking will ensure the meat is cooked through and becomes wonderfully tender.
Coating the Ribs
Once the second 10-minute cooking interval is up, it's time to add that classic BBQ goodness! Carefully open the air fryer basket. Using a brush, generously coat the top side of the ribs (the side that was facing upwards) with your favourite BBQ sauce. Don't be shy – get a nice, even layer on there!
Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking at 190°C (approximately 375°F) for another 5 minutes. This brief final cook allows the BBQ sauce to caramelize beautifully and adhere to the ribs.
After these 5 minutes, open the basket once more. Now, using tongs, carefully flip the ribs over so the sauced side is now facing down. Brush the other side of the ribs generously with more BBQ sauce.
Return the basket to the air fryer for one last cook of 5 minutes at the same temperature. This final step ensures both sides of your Air Fryer Pork Ribs are coated in that delicious, slightly sticky BBQ glaze
And there you have it! In just a few simple steps and under 40 minutes of cooking time, you've created incredibly delicious, fall-off-the-bone Air Fryer Pork Ribs. The air fryer works its magic to deliver that perfect balance of a slightly crispy exterior and wonderfully tender, juicy meat infused with smoky, sweet, and savory flavours.
Honestly, it's hard to believe how easy and satisfying this recipe is! Get ready to enjoy some seriously finger-licking good ribs that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Spice Rub Variations
The beauty of this Air Fryer Pork Ribs recipe is its versatility. Here are some delicious spice rub variations you can easily make:
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a bit of heat.
- Smoky & Sweet: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika and consider adding a pinch of chipotle powder for extra smokiness.
- Garlic Lover's: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the spice mix for a more pronounced garlic flavour.
- Herbaceous Blend: Include 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the spice rub for an earthy, aromatic twist.
- Coffee Rub: For a unique and robust flavour, try a coffee-based rub (you can find many recipes online). The bitterness of the coffee pairs surprisingly well with pork.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own signature Air Fryer Pork Ribs! Experimenting with flavours is part of the fun of cooking. Enjoy!
How to Serve?
For a truly classic and satisfying meal, I love serving these incredible Air Fryer Pork Ribs with a generous side of crispy French fries – the perfect salty and starchy counterpoint to the rich, flavourful ribs. And of course, don't forget extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!
But the deliciousness doesn't have to stop there! These versatile ribs pair wonderfully with a variety of other sides, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are a few more serving ideas to round out your meal:
- Creamy Coleslaw: The cool and crunchy texture of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the tender ribs.
- Buttery Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn is always a welcome addition to a BBQ-inspired feast.
- Fluffy Cornbread: A slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread is perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce.
- Classic Potato Salad: A creamy and tangy potato salad is a hearty and satisfying side.
- Garlic Bread: For those who love a little extra flavour and something to mop up the sauce.
- Green Salad with a Vinaigrette: A lighter option to balance the richness of the ribs.
- Baked Beans: A smoky and sweet side that's a BBQ staple.
No matter what you choose to serve them with, these Air Fryer Pork Ribs are sure to be a hit! So gather your favourite sides and get ready for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
How to Store the Pork Ribs?
If you happen to have any of these delicious Air Fryer Pork Ribs leftover (though I wouldn't blame you if they all disappear!), here's the best way to store them:
- Let them cool slightly: Allow the ribs to cool down to room temperature first. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can affect the texture and promote bacterial growth.
- Wrap them well: Wrap the ribs tightly in either heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can place them in an airtight container. For extra protection against drying out, you can even wrap them in foil first and then place them in a container.
- Store promptly: Refrigerate the wrapped ribs as soon as they've cooled down. Properly stored ribs will generally last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Enjoying leftover ribs is a treat when stored properly! You can reheat them in the oven, air fryer (for a bit of crisping!), or even on the stovetop.
Top Tip
Here are some "Top Tips" to ensure your Air Fryer Pork Ribs turn out perfect every time:
- Don't Overcrowd the Basket: This is crucial for even cooking and achieving that nice crispiness. Cook the ribs in batches if necessary to ensure there's space for the hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer helps to ensure the ribs start cooking immediately and evenly, contributing to a better texture.
- Pat the Ribs Dry: Before applying the olive oil and spice rub, pat the surface of the ribs dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes a crispier exterior.
- Don't Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to open the air fryer basket frequently during cooking. Each time you open it, you release heat and prolong the cooking time. Trust the process!
- Let Them Rest (Briefly): Once the ribs are cooked and sauced, let them rest in the air fryer basket for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavourful ribs.
FAQ
Both the air fryer and the oven can make delicious ribs, but they offer different advantages:
- Choose an air fryer if: You're short on time, cooking a smaller portion, want a slightly crispier exterior, and appreciate energy efficiency and easier cleanup.
- Choose an oven if: You're cooking for a crowd, prioritize that ultra "fall-off-the-bone" texture, or want to easily cook very large racks of ribs.
Ultimately, both methods can produce delicious results! Our air fryer recipe proves that you don't need to spend hours to enjoy tender and flavourful ribs. It's all about finding the method that best suits your time, needs, and desired texture.
Absolutely! While the air fryer is known for its ability to crisp things up, it definitely can make ribs incredibly tender. The key is in the cooking time and temperature.
Think of it this way: the air fryer acts like a mini convection oven, circulating hot air efficiently around the ribs. This consistent heat cooks the meat through effectively. While it might not replicate the super low-and-slow process of a smoker or oven for ultimate fall-off-the-bone in the exact same way, you can absolutely achieve wonderfully tender ribs that are easy to pull apart and a joy to eat.
That's all there is to creating these incredibly delicious Air Fryer Pork Ribs! We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the ease and fantastic flavour. If you do, we'd absolutely love to see your creations! Share your photos and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quick and tasty recipes just like this one. Happy air frying!
Related
Looking for other air fryer recipes like this? Try these:
Make the Best Air Fryer Pork Ribs Tonight! (Easy Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 Cosori Air Fryer XXL
Ingredients
- 700 g pork ribs remove the membrane
- 1 teaspoon sea salt kosher
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper freshly ground, black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or granules
- 1 teaspoon paprika Hungarian mild
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar Demerara
- 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tablespoon bbq sauce your preferate
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the dry spices: salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the rack of ribs in half. Take the olive oil and brush it generously over all sides of the ribs.
- Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over all surfaces of the ribs and gently rub the spices into the meat.
- Set your air fryer to 205°C (approximately 400°F) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Then, lightly spray the parchment paper with olive oil spray.
- Place the seasoned ribs bone side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 190°C (approximately 375°F) and cook for 15 minutes.
- Flip the ribs and continue cooking at the same temperature of 190°C (approximately 375°F) for another 10 minutes.
- Using a brush, generously coat the top side of the ribs with your favourite BBQ sauce. Continue cooking at 190°C (approximately 375°F) for another 5 minutes.
- Flip the ribs and brush the other side of the ribs generously with more BBQ sauce. Return the basket to the air fryer for one last cook of 5 minutes at the same temperature.
- Let them rest in the air fryer basket for a couple of minutes before serving.
Vasile says
So delicious!
Laci says
Must try this recipe!