Ribs in Air Fryer Recipe

Craving ribs but short on time? The air fryer is your solution! This method cooks ribs to perfection—tender, juicy, and coated with a sticky glaze. Whether you prefer BBQ, honey garlic, or a spicy rub, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day snacks!

Ingredients

For the ribs:

• 1 rack of baby back ribs (about 1.5 lbs), cut into smaller sections
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Dry rub:

• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (or your preferred sauce)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs:
   • Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for better tenderness.
2. Season the ribs:
   • Rub olive oil over the ribs. In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients. Massage the rub evenly into the ribs, ensuring all sides are coated.
3. Preheat the air fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
4. Cook the ribs:
   • Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, meat-side down. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
5. Flip and glaze:
   • After 15 minutes, flip the ribs over to meat-side up. Brush generously with BBQ sauce or your chosen glaze.
6. Finish cooking:
   • Lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and the glaze is caramelized.
7. Check for doneness:
   • Ensure the internal temperature of the ribs reaches at least 145°F (63°C). For more tender ribs, aim for 190°F–203°F (88°C–95°C).
8. Rest and serve:
   • Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Slice between the bones and enjoy!

Tips

• Double the glaze: For extra saucy ribs, reserve some BBQ sauce to serve on the side.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cook ribs in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with flavors: Try honey mustard, teriyaki, or spicy chipotle sauce for a new twist.

Air fryer ribs are a game-changer—quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or craving a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers tender ribs with minimal effort. Serve them with your favorite sides for a crowd-pleasing meal in no time!