Air Fryer Ribs Recipe: Quick & Tender Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs

An Air Fryer Ribs Recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without the need for grilling or long cooking times. To prepare, start by removing the membrane from the ribs and seasoning them with your favorite dry rub or marinade. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and place the seasoned ribs in the basket, ensuring they fit comfortably. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. For extra tenderness and flavor, you can brush the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. The air fryer creates a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This method is perfect for those craving ribs but short on time, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying or traditional grilling. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this Air Fryer Ribs Recipe is sure to impress.

Air Fryer Ribs Recipe: Quick & Tender Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs in Minutes

Air fryers have taken the cooking world by storm, offering a quick and convenient way to prepare traditionally slow-cooked meals with much less time and effort. One of the most popular dishes to make in the air fryer is ribs. Cooking ribs in an air fryer results in tender, juicy meat with a crispy exterior, giving you that perfect fall-off-the-bone experience without the need for long hours on the grill or in the oven. This Air Fryer Ribs Recipe is an excellent choice for anyone craving a delicious, hassle-free rib dinner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these air fryer ribs will deliver an incredible combination of smoky, savory flavors and mouthwatering tenderness.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make ribs in the air fryer, including the best cuts of ribs to use, seasoning options, and step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results every time. So, grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy one of the best rib recipes that will soon become your go-to for quick and easy barbecue!

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Ingredients:

• 1 rack of baby back ribs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Garlic powder (1 tablespoon)
• Onion powder (1 tablespoon)
• Paprika (1 tablespoon)
• Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
• Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
• Cayenne pepper (optional, ½ teaspoon for heat)
• BBQ sauce (your favorite, optional, for brushing on)

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Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Knife (to cut the ribs)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional for easier clean-up)
• Basting brush (for BBQ sauce)
• Tongs (for flipping the ribs)

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 25-30 minutes

Resting Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 2-3

Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (without BBQ sauce)

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg (varies depending on seasoning and BBQ sauce used)
• Cholesterol: 70mg

(Note: Nutritional information is based on using baby back ribs and a simple dry rub without BBQ sauce. Adding BBQ sauce will increase the calories and sugar content.)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Start by removing the silver skin (the thin membrane) from the back of the ribs. This is an important step to ensure the ribs cook evenly and are tender. Use a paper towel to grab the silver skin, and slowly peel it off. Once the membrane is removed, trim the ribs to fit your air fryer basket if necessary.

Step 2: Season the Ribs
Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Next, generously season both sides of the ribs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the seasoning mixture into the meat to ensure it’s evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This helps to ensure that the ribs cook evenly and get that crispy exterior.

Step 4: Cook the Ribs
Place the seasoned ribs into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the rack into halves or thirds to fit. Air fry the ribs for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the meat; it should be tender and fall off the bone with ease.

Step 5: Optional BBQ Sauce Glaze
If you prefer your ribs with a glaze of BBQ sauce, brush the ribs with a thin layer of sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will allow the sauce to caramelize and set without burning. You can brush the sauce on both sides of the ribs, or just the top, depending on your preference.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the ribs are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Cut the ribs into individual portions, serve, and enjoy!

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Ribs:

1. Choose the Right Cut: Baby back ribs or spare ribs are the best choices for cooking in the air fryer. Baby back ribs are smaller and tender, making them ideal for quicker cooking.
2. Don’t Skip the Silver Skin Removal: Removing the membrane on the back of the ribs will allow your seasoning to penetrate the meat more effectively, resulting in better flavor and tenderness.
3. Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning mix to suit your tastes. You can add more or less chili powder for heat or switch up the spices for different flavor profiles (like adding cumin or smoked paprika).
4. Air Fryer Size: Ensure your air fryer is large enough to fit the ribs comfortably. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, consider cutting the ribs into smaller sections for even cooking.
5. Resting is Important: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure they stay juicy and tender.
6. Experiment with Sauces: BBQ sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try mustard sauce, honey garlic sauce, or any other favorite glaze to elevate the flavor of the ribs.

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Cuisines:

• American
• Southern BBQ

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Course:

• Main Course
• Dinner
• BBQ

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Conclusion:

Cooking ribs in the air fryer is not only quick and easy, but it also results in perfectly tender, flavorful meat that rivals traditional slow-cooked ribs. With this Air Fryer Ribs Recipe, you can enjoy juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, weekends, or whenever you’re craving a delicious BBQ meal. Whether you choose to go with a dry rub or add your favorite BBQ sauce, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering outcome every time. Try it out today, and your air fryer ribs may just become your new go-to comfort food!