Air Fryer Country Style Ribs Recipe – Easy, Juicy & Flavorful

If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort, this Air Fryer Country Style Ribs Recipe is the perfect choice. These boneless pork ribs are juicy, tender, and coated with a rich barbecue glaze that crisps beautifully in the air fryer. Country style ribs are meatier and thicker than traditional ribs, making them ideal for a quick yet indulgent dinner. The air fryer not only cuts down cooking time but also delivers a crispy exterior without drying out the meat.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this recipe brings restaurant-quality ribs to your table in under an hour. Plus, it’s easy to customize the seasoning and sauces based on your personal preferences. Pair it with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted veggies for a complete and comforting meal.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving — 1/4 of recipe)

• Calories: 410 kcal

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Cholesterol: 105mg

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Sugar: 4g

• Sodium: 520mg

• Fiber: 0g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the brand of BBQ sauce and seasoning used.

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Prep Time, Cook Time & Other Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Resting Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Cuisine: American, BBQ

• Course: Main Course

• Servings: 4

• Calories per Serving: 410 kcal

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)

• Tongs

• Basting brush

• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

• Mixing bowl

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless country style pork ribs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a kick)

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

While the air fryer is preheating, pat the country style pork ribs dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming.

In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Rub this mixture evenly over the ribs until fully coated.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s a bit of space between each piece for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Air Fry the Ribs

Cook the ribs at 380°F (193°C) for 20–22 minutes, flipping them halfway through using tongs. This promotes even browning and crisping on all sides.

Step 5: Apply BBQ Sauce

Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce on both sides. Air fry for an additional 3–5 minutes at 400°F (204°C) to allow the sauce to caramelize and slightly char. This step gives the ribs that classic grilled look and sticky BBQ finish.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the ribs is at least 145°F (63°C). For a more tender texture, you can cook them until they reach 160–165°F (71–74°C).

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist and flavorful.

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Serving Suggestions

These air fryer country style ribs pair beautifully with classic Southern and BBQ sides like:

• Creamy coleslaw

• Corn on the cob

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Mac and cheese

• Roasted Brussels sprouts

• Grilled peaches or baked beans

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and a fresh finish.

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Tips for the Best Results

• Choose the right cut: Boneless country style ribs are meatier than regular ribs and better suited for air frying.

• Don’t skip the rub: The dry seasoning adds depth and enhances the BBQ flavor.

• Flip halfway: Always flip the ribs during cooking to ensure both sides crisp up.

• Caramelize the sauce: That last blast at a higher temp gives a smoky, sticky glaze that’s irresistible.

• Use parchment liner (optional): To minimize cleanup, you can use perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.

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Flavor Variations

• Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the rub; finish with a teriyaki glaze.

• Sweet & Spicy: Mix brown sugar into your rub and use a spicy BBQ sauce or add cayenne.

• Smoky Chipotle: Add chipotle chili powder and lime juice to the rub and finish with chipotle BBQ sauce.

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Why Use an Air Fryer for Country Style Ribs?

Air frying is a game-changer for home cooks who want tender, juicy ribs without heating up the oven or firing up a grill. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the exterior, giving ribs a mouthwatering sear in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s less greasy and more energy-efficient than traditional cooking methods.

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Storing & Reheating

Leftovers: Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes or until heated through. This preserves the texture better than microwaving.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Country Style Ribs Recipe proves that making flavorful, fall-apart-tender pork ribs doesn’t have to take hours or a grill. With just a few ingredients and under 40 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a dish that’s packed with BBQ goodness and perfect for family dinners or weekend cravings.

Ready to try it tonight? Fire up your air fryer and dig into one of the tastiest and easiest rib recipes you’ll ever make!