Description
Discover why air fryer ribs have become the ultimate weekend indulgence. Learn how rapid hot-air circulation and minimal oil deliver restaurant-quality spare ribs and baby back ribs quickly and healthily.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs spare ribs or baby back ribs
- Olive oil for brushing
- Dry rub: brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper
- Barbecue sauce (optional): tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, spices
- Honey (optional)
- Apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Foil for steaming (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Pat ribs dry and remove membrane by sliding a butter knife under the membrane and peeling it off.
- Brush ribs lightly with olive oil.
- Apply dry rub generously on both sides.
- Arrange ribs in a single layer bone-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375 °F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For extra crispiness, increase temperature to 400 °F (200 °C) and cook for an additional 5–8 minutes.
- Optional: Whisk barbecue sauce with honey and apple cider vinegar, brush on ribs, and air-fry at 400 °F for 2–3 minutes.
- Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Remove the membrane to allow better seasoning penetration and avoid chewy texture. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. For best results, thaw ribs overnight and bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg