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Crispy Air-Fried Ribs Recipe

3.9 from 81 reviews

This Crispy Air-Fried Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful ribs with a perfectly crispy exterior, all made conveniently in your air fryer. Using a simple homemade rub and a quick air frying method, you can enjoy delicious St. Louis or Baby Back ribs in just 30 minutes, topped with your favorite BBQ sauce for that smoky, tangy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs

  • 1 rack of St. Louis Style or Baby Back Ribs
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce

Rub

  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Brown Sugar

Instructions

  1. Prep the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim off any excess fat. Then, cut the rack into individual ribs.
  2. Salt the ribs: Evenly sprinkle kosher salt over both sides of the ribs, using about ¼ teaspoon per pound. Let the ribs sit for 1 hour to allow them to absorb the salt, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
  3. Make and apply the rub: In a bowl, mix ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar. Generously coat all sides of the ribs with this rub to build a flavorful crust.
  4. Prepare for air frying: Thread skewers through the ribs to keep them in position. Place the ribs in the air fryer. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, use it for even cooking. Otherwise, flip the ribs halfway through cooking.
  5. Air fry the ribs: Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F. Cook St. Louis style ribs for 25 minutes or Baby Back ribs for 15 minutes until the exterior is crispy and ribs are cooked through.
  6. Finish and serve: Brush your favorite BBQ sauce on the ribs immediately after cooking. Serve hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Removing the membrane ensures the ribs are tender and allows the rub to penetrate better.
  • Allowing the ribs to rest with salt enhances flavor and improves texture.
  • If your air fryer lacks a rotisserie feature, flipping the ribs halfway through cooking is crucial for even crisping.
  • You can adjust cooking times slightly based on the thickness of your ribs and the specific air fryer model.
  • Use your preferred BBQ sauce to customize flavor.

Keywords: Air Fryer Ribs, Crispy Ribs, BBQ Ribs, St. Louis Style Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Easy Rib Recipe