Easy Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe (+Video)
User Reviews
5
Easy Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe (+Video)
Description
Starting by peeling off the silver membrane from the back of the ribs helps achieve tenderness by allowing seasonings to penetrate and preventing chewing resistance. The dry rub seasoned ribs are cooked in a preheated air fryer at 375°F, initially meat-side down to develop a crust, then flipped halfway through for even cooking.
Meanwhile, a barbecue sauce combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cumin is gently heated until the sugar and salt dissolve, producing a sticky, sweet-savory glaze. After air frying, the sauce is brushed onto the ribs, enhancing their flavor and moisture.
The air fryer method shortens cooking time substantially compared to traditional oven baking while achieving a balance of crisp edges and tender meat. The ribs can be reheated in the air fryer or oven, and leftovers store well refrigerated for several days. Removing the membrane and monitoring cooking closely are key to the best results.
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 cumin ground
- salt to taste
- black 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 3-5 minutes so that the juices can redistribute through the meat. Feel free to brush with more barbeque sauce if you like.
Notes
- Remove the membrane on the back of ribs for tender results; peel it off carefully after loosening with a knife.
- Preheat the air fryer before adding ribs to prevent sticking and promote crisping.
- Monitor ribs near the end of cooking to avoid burning.
- Oven baking alternative: 300°F for 3 hours, then brush with BBQ sauce and bake 30 minutes more for similar tenderness.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days; reheat in air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 540 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 540kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 148mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 935mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 636mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 632IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 69mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
