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These easy BBQ Ribs made in the Air Fryer are going to have you second-guessing every using the oven or the grill again. Make perfectly juicy, tender, Air Fryer ribs in just minutes. This recipe is a family favorite for a reason!
You might also enjoy these Air Fryer Country Style Ribs. Tender and juicy every time!
Looking for a smaller snack? Check out these pork belly bites! So delicious!
This is one of our favorite go to recipes for family get togethers on Memorial Day.
When I first made these BBQ ribs I made sure to share them with my dad, but not tell him how I made them. He was a bit of a skeptic of cooking ribs in the Air Fryer.
Once he took that first juicy bite, he was hooked! These perfectly seasoned ribs take just a few minutes, are then basted in your favorite barbecue sauce, and served easily with your favorite sides.
Not only that, but they are fall-off-the bone juicy ribs that are very tender.
I also did not have to prepare my nonstick basket with any oil or parchment paper for this delicious recipe. If you’re wondering what oils work best with the Air Fryer, check out this post on the best oils to use in the Air Fryer.
Maybe one of the best things about this air fryer ribs recipe is the few simple ingredients that are needed.
Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories.
Ingredients Needed
- baby back ribs (pork ribs)
- ground black pepper
- salt(to taste)
- onion powder
- light brown sugar
- favorite Barbeque sauce
Now that you have all of your ingredients together, let’s start working on making these juicy air fryer ribs.
You may have to adjust the rack of ribs due to the size of your air fryer. Make sure to cut the rack of ribs in half as you will have a tough time fitting a whole rack of ribs into the Air fryer basket.
How to Make Ribs in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs with a sharp knife and then cut the rack in half to fit into the Air Fryer basket.
- Add all of the sugar and spice mixture into a small bowl and mix well.
- Make sure the ribs dry by dabbing with a paper towel and then rub the ribs on both sides with the seasoning.
- Place the ribs into the preheated Air Fryer basket and air fry for 18 minutes. Flip the ribs and cook for an additional 12 minutes.
- Brush on the BBQ sauce (I prefer Sweet Baby Rays but you can use your favorite or even a homemade sauce!)
- Increase the Air Fryer temperature to 400 degrees for an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
- Use a meat thermometer and make sure the ribs are cooked to the internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully remove the ribs from the basket and allow them to rest under foil for 3-5 more minutes.
- Add additional Bbq sauce and then slice as desired and serve.
FAQs and Substitutions
What is the internal temperature you should ensure the ribs are cooked to?
When cooking ribs, you should use a meat thermometer and ensure that the ribs have reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
How do I serve air fryer baby back ribs?
Serve air fryer ribs as a dish all on it’s own, or with your favorite side dishes such as corn on the cob, potato salad, cornbread, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or pasta salad.
How do I store leftover ribs?
Place any leftover ribs into an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat ribs, remove from the refrigerator and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Add additional BBQ sauce if needed.
How long should I cook air fryer bbq ribs?
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the rack of ribs. I cook my ribs on average of 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
When should I add the bbq sauce to my ribs?
Once the ribs are all but fully cooked, add the barbecue sauce to the ribs and cook for an additional few minutes. After resting the ribs, add extra bbq sauce if desired.
What Bbq sauce should I use?
I prefer to use Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, but you can also use your favorite Bbq sauce or even a homemade BBQ sauce. You can make a homemade barbecue sauce quickly with a few bbq sauce ingredients such as ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dry mustard, and red wine vinegar.
But if you’re like me and want easy, just use your favorite store brand.
What seasonings can I use for the spice rub?
You can make your own homemade bbq spice rub with items such as onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, dry mustard, ground black pepper, and more. The sky is the limit for flavor and spices and it’s all up to you and your preferred taste.
Our whole family loves this easy dish and yours will, too! If you’re looking for an easy recipe for the most tender ribs, this is it!
Looking for more great recipes? We’ve got you covered.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:
- Air Fried Parmesan Chicken
- Air Fried Honey Mustard Salmon
- Air Fried Hasselback Potatoes
- Air Fried Brussel Sprouts
- Air Fried Hamburgers
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Air Fryer BBQ Ribs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional for spice
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and then cut the rack in half to fit into the or Fryer basket.
- Add all of the sugar and spice mixture into a small bowl and mix well.
- Make sure the ribs dry, (you can use a paper towel for this) and rub the ribs on both sides with the seasoning.
- Place the ribs into the preheated Air Fryer basket and cook for 18 minutes. Flip the ribs and cook for an additional 12 minutes.
- Brush on the BBQ sauce (I prefer Sweet Baby Rays but you can use your favorite or even a homemade sauce!)
- Increase the Air Fryer temperature to 400 degrees and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer and make sure the ribs are cooked to the internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully remove the ribs from the basket and allow them to rest under foil for 3-5 more minutes.
- Add additional Bbq sauce and then slice as desired and serve.
Notes
- When cooking ribs, you should use a meat thermometer and ensure that the ribs have reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the rack of ribs. I cook my ribs on average of 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
- Once the ribs are all but fully cooked, add the barbecue sauce to the ribs and cook for an additional few minutes. After resting the ribs, add extra barbecue sauce if desired.
- I prefer to use Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, but you can also use your favorite Bbq sauce or even a homemade BBQ sauce. You can make a homemade barbecue sauce quickly with a few bbq sauce ingredients such as ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dry mustard, and red wine vinegar. But if you’re like me and want easy, just use your favorite store brand.
- You can make your own homemade bbq spice rub with items such as onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, dry mustard, ground black pepper, and more. The sky is the limit for flavor and spices and it’s all up to you and your preferred taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you use this recipe for Spareribs?
Yes!
New to air fryer thank you !!!!