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Crispy Air-Fried Ribs: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Cooked Ribs


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Air Fryer Pork Ribs are incredibly tender and juicy, coated in a flavorful spice blend and finished with a sticky barbecue glaze. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, they offer a deliciously easy way to enjoy ribs with minimal fuss.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Remove the membrane from the back of the pork ribs using a paper towel for grip.
  3. Trim any excess fat from the ribs to ensure even cooking.
  4. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Rub olive oil over the ribs and generously apply the spice mixture, massaging it into the meat.
  5. Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket, cutting them into smaller sections if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, add an additional 5-10 minutes.
  7. Ensure the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone. If needed, continue cooking in 5-minute increments.
  8. Remove the ribs and brush barbecue sauce on both sides.
  9. Return the sauced ribs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to caramelize the sauce.
  10. Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  11. Slice between the bones for easy serving.
  12. Place on a platter and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce if desired. Serve with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.
  13. Gather your friends and family and enjoy these delicious ribs!

Notes

  • Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the spice mixture and olive oil overnight.
  • Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spice blend to your taste; add more brown sugar for sweetness or cayenne for heat.
  • Use Different Sauces: Feel free to try different sauces beyond barbecue for a unique twist.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes