Juicy & Tender Country Style Ribs in Air Fryer Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy way to prepare a comforting pork dish, look no further than this Country Style Ribs in Air Fryer Recipe. These meaty, boneless ribs are packed with rich flavor, enhanced by a simple spice rub and cooked to perfection in your air fryer—no need to fire up the grill or preheat the oven.

What makes country-style ribs special is their meaty texture and versatility. Unlike traditional ribs, they come from the shoulder area and have more meat and less bone, making them ideal for air frying. This recipe produces juicy ribs with a caramelized exterior, slightly crispy edges, and mouthwatering tenderness in under an hour.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend meal, this dish fits the bill. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, and the flavor will have your family asking for seconds.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 370 kcal

• Protein: 31g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 4g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 550mg

• Cholesterol: 105mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used.

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Prep Time, Cook Time & Other Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 30 minutes

• Resting Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Main Course

• Servings: 4

• Calories per Serving: 370 kcal

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)

• Mixing bowl

• Tongs

• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

• Aluminum foil (optional for easier cleanup)

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional for smoky depth)

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

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

Pat the country-style ribs dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks and to help them brown nicely in the air fryer. Trim any excess fat if needed, but a little fat enhances flavor and juiciness.

Step 2: Season the Ribs

In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the ribs and toss to coat. In a separate small bowl, mix all the dry spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the ribs and rub it in thoroughly with your hands to ensure they’re fully coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This ensures the ribs start cooking immediately and helps form a delicious crust.

Step 4: Air Fry the Ribs

Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches.

Air fry the ribs at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. After 20 minutes, brush each rib generously with barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes. This will help caramelize the sauce and develop a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 145°F (63°C), though many prefer country-style ribs cooked to around 160–165°F for tenderness.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

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

Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side, along with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if needed for even browning and proper air circulation.

• Customize your rub: You can add brown sugar, cayenne, or herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

• Add BBQ sauce later: Brushing on the barbecue sauce in the final 5–10 minutes prevents it from burning.

• Make it ahead: Season the ribs a few hours ahead and refrigerate for deeper flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 1 hour from start to finish.

• No grill or oven needed: Perfect for weeknight dinners, especially in warm or rainy weather.

• Tender and Flavorful: Juicy inside with a crispy BBQ-coated crust.

• Fewer dishes: Minimal prep and cleanup thanks to air frying.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your air-fried country-style ribs with:

• Creamy coleslaw for crunch and freshness

• Air fryer potatoes or sweet potato fries

• Cornbread or garlic bread

• Macaroni and cheese for comfort food heaven

• Grilled vegetables for a balanced plate

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Storing & Reheating Leftovers

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months. Wrap in foil or freezer-safe bags.

• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the texture may be softer.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bone-in country-style ribs?
A: Yes, but cooking time will increase slightly. Add 5–8 extra minutes and check internal temperature.

Q: Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?
A: Absolutely. The spice rub alone gives great flavor. Or swap BBQ sauce for a mustard or honey glaze.

Q: What if my ribs aren’t tender?
A: If they feel tough, try lowering the temperature to 350°F and cooking a bit longer. Country-style ribs benefit from slightly longer cooking times for maximum tenderness.

Q: Can I marinate the ribs instead?
A: Yes. A marinade of olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and seasonings overnight adds extra flavor and moisture.

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Conclusion

This Country Style Ribs in Air Fryer Recipe is a delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful pork without the need for a smoker or grill. It’s simple enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for any meat lover. With a quick cook time and bold barbecue flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your air fryer meal rotation. Try it once, and you’ll crave it again and again.