Did you know you can make tender and juicy pork ribs in an air fryer? Air Fryer Pork Ribs come together in just 25 minutes, delivering all the flavor without the long wait. This baby back ribs recipe is perfect for when you crave the smoky, savory taste of ribs, but don’t want to fire up the grill.
These air fryer pork ribs offer a unique texture, with tender, juicy meat on the inside and a crispy exterior that’s different from traditional oven-baked ribs. The air fryer creates a slightly charred, caramelized coating, similar to ribs that have been finished on the grill, giving you that perfect bite with a satisfying crunch.
Why You Should Make This Air Fryer Ribs Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Air fryer pork ribs are ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfectly Tender: The air fryer keeps the ribs moist on the inside, while crisping them up on the outside.
- Minimal Ingredients: A simple seasoning rub and barbecue sauce deliver all the flavor, without the fuss.
- Versatile Pairings: These pork ribs pair well with a variety of side dishes, making them perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- Baby back pork ribs: Substitute with spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs for a meatier option (cook times may vary).
- Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, or try teriyaki sauce or honey mustard for a different flavor profile.
- Seasoning rub: Substitute with your favorite pork rub or use pre-made BBQ seasoning blends for convenience.
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Ribs
The air fryer method to preparing pork ribs keeps the meat moist, while giving it a perfect crispy finish. With a simple seasoning rub and a generous coating of barbecue sauce, these tender and juicy ribs are a surefire hit:
- Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- Pat the ribs dry.
- Rub the seasoning blend all over the ribs, including the underside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Cut the rack into three sections and place them in the air fryer.
- Set the timer for 20 minutes.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C). After the first 8-9 minutes, flip the ribs and continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Remove the ribs and brush them with barbecue sauce.
- Place the ribs back into the air fryer for 5 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
How to Serve and Store Air Fryer Pork Ribs
Serve these air fryer baby back ribs with:
- Coleslaw
- Baked Potato
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5-6 minutes, until warmed through.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Love
- Juicy Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Loaded Potatoes
- Air Fryer Juicy Whole Chicken
- Easy Air Fryer Salmon
- Low-Carb Air Fryer Mushroom Pizza
- Air Fryer Maple Glazed Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Pork Ribs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
These Air Fryer Pork Ribs offer a unique texture, with tender, juicy meat on the inside and a crispy exterior that’s different from traditional oven-baked ribs. The air fryer creates a slightly charred, caramelized coating, similar to ribs that have been finished on the grill, giving you that perfect bite with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back pork ribs
- 8-ounces barbecue sauce
For the Seasoning Rub:
- 1 ½ tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
- Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- Pat the ribs dry.
- Rub the seasoning blend all over the ribs, including the underside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Cut the rack into three sections and place them in the air fryer, flesh side down.
- Set the timer for 20 minutes.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C). After the first 8-9 minutes, flip the ribs and continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Remove the ribs and brush them with barbecue sauce.
- Place the ribs back into the air fryer for 5 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Serve with your favorite sides.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before seasoning for the most tender results.
- Season both sides of the baby back ribs.
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Cut the rack into sections to help the ribs fit better in the air fryer and cook evenly.
- Flip the ribs halfway through cooking to develop a crispy texture on both sides.
- Brush the barbecue sauce on in the final few minutes to prevent burning and create a nice glaze.
- Use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce, or make your own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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