Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Rib Recipe – Perfectly Tender Ribs

Ribs are a universally loved dish, often associated with hours of slow cooking or smoking. But what if you could enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without the long wait? Enter the Air Fryer Rib Recipe—a game-changer for anyone looking to save time while still savoring that fall-off-the-bone tenderness. With the help of an air fryer, you can prepare ribs that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with flavor in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a backyard gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Prep Time, Active Time, Resting Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time (Cooking): 25-30 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

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Cuisines

• American
• Barbecue

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Course

• Main Course

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Servings and Calories

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400 calories

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Small bowl

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Ingredients

• 1 rack of baby back ribs (approximately 2 pounds)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

1. Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for more tender results. Use a knife to lift one corner of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

1. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs. Drizzle olive oil over the ribs and massage it in to help the spices adhere.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Ribs

1. Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket. If the rack is too large, you can cut it into smaller sections to fit.
2. Cook the ribs at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add the Barbecue Sauce

1. After 20 minutes, brush the ribs generously with barbecue sauce on both sides.
2. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. This helps caramelize the barbecue sauce, giving the ribs a deliciously sticky glaze.

Step 6: Rest the Ribs

1. Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut the ribs into individual pieces and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side, if desired. Pair them with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ribs

1. Don’t Skip the Membrane: Removing the membrane ensures the spices and barbecue sauce penetrate the meat better, making the ribs more flavorful.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer is essential for even cooking and a perfect sear.
3. Customize the Flavor: You can adjust the spice rub to your liking or experiment with different barbecue sauces (sweet, spicy, smoky).
4. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the ribs reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) for the best texture.

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Why Make Ribs in the Air Fryer?

• Time-Saving: Traditional rib recipes can take hours. This air fryer method cuts cooking time significantly.
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Convenience: No need to fire up the grill or preheat the oven. The air fryer does it all with minimal cleanup.

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With this Air Fryer Rib Recipe, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish on the table in less than an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers fantastic results every time. So grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy ribs that taste like they’ve been slow-cooked for hours—without all the fuss!