Air Fryer BBQ Ribs
This Air Fryer BBQ Ribs recipe offers a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods, providing tender, juicy ribs infused with a flavorful seasoning blend and customizable BBQ sauce, all achieved effortlessly using the versatility of the air fryer.
Prep time
10 min
Cook time
30-40 min
Calories
1800
Servings
4
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer BBQ Ribs Recipe
Flavorful Seasoning Blend: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper creates a robust and flavorful seasoning blend that infuses the ribs with delicious taste.
Tender and Juicy Texture: Cooking the ribs in the air fryer at a high temperature ensures they become tender and juicy, while still retaining a slightly crispy exterior.
Convenience of the Air Fryer: Using the air fryer for cooking the ribs provides convenience and efficiency, allowing you to achieve great results with less time and effort compared to traditional methods like grilling or smoking.
Versatility of BBQ Sauce: The recipe allows for customization with your favorite BBQ sauce, allowing you to tailor the flavor profile to your liking and ensuring a delicious and personalized outcome.
Healthier Option: Cooking ribs in the air fryer reduces the need for excess oil or fat, resulting in a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying or pan-frying methods, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
More Air Fryer Tips & Tricks
Can you air fry frozen BBQ ribs?
Certainly! Air fryers are ideal for preparing frozen ribs efficiently. They facilitate rapid and uniform cooking, resulting in tender meat inside and a crispy exterior.
Do I need to defrost the ribs before cooking them in an air fryer?
No, it’s not necessary to defrost the ribs before air frying them. You can cook frozen ribs directly in the air fryer without any prior thawing. This feature is one of the conveniences of using an air fryer, as it saves time and allows you to enjoy flavorful ribs without additional preparation.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Ribs
Ingredients
1 rack of pork ribs
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim any excess fat. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
Season the Ribs: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Air Fry the Ribs: Once preheated, place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket, bone side down. Cook for 25-30 minutes.
Apply BBQ Sauce: After the initial cooking time, remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them generously with BBQ sauce on both sides.
Continue Cooking: Return the ribs to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and the BBQ sauce is caramelized.
Serve: Once cooked to your liking, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer BBQ Ribs with your favorite sides!
Tips and tricks for making Air Fryer BBQ Ribs
Prep the Ribs Properly: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim any excess fat. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels before seasoning them. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a crispy exterior.
Season Generously: Use a flavorful seasoning blend to coat the ribs evenly before cooking. Season with a mixture of spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the ribs. Preheating helps to create a hot cooking environment right from the start, which promotes even cooking and ensures that the ribs develop a nicely browned exterior.
Apply BBQ Sauce Carefully: While BBQ sauce adds delicious flavor to the ribs, applying it too early can cause it to burn. Instead, cook the ribs first until they are almost done, then brush them generously with BBQ sauce and continue cooking for a few more minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for pork ribs or 165°F (74°C) for beef ribs. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs, so use a thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
Nutrition breakdown ( per serving )
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 23 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 900 mg
*Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as ingredient brands and specific measurements used in the recipe. Additionally, if you adjust the serving size or make modifications to the recipe, the nutritional values may change accordingly.