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Juicy, tender air fryer ribs in just 35 minutes! My recipe for ribs in the air fryer is effortless, flavorful, and BBQ-night approved. Whether you don't have access to a grill or just want to try another great way to cook ribs, this is the perfect rib recipe for you!
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Air Frying Ribs
- How to Air Fry Ribs
- Isabel's Top Tips for Cooking Ribs in the Air Fryer
- Using a Traditional Oven Instead of the Air Fryer
- How to Cut Ribs after Air Frying
- Top Reviews
- FAQ
- How to Store Air Fried Ribs
- How to Freeze Ribs After Air Frying
- How to Reheat Ribs
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Ribs
- Ribs Recipes
- Air Fryer Ribs
- Reviews
My family and I are obsessed with baby back ribs. After making the most amazing grilled baby back ribs at home, I knew I had to try air-frying ribs for a quick and easy alternative to grilling. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed!
This recipe for air-fried baby back ribs is so incredible that you will struggle to believe it's as simple as it is - but it is! Just a few easy steps, simple ingredients, and 35 minutes in the air fryer are all you need to make juicy, tender pork ribs.
Ingredients for Air Frying Ribs
- Pork Ribs: I'm using baby back pork ribs, and that is what this recipe is tuned for, but you can also air fry spare ribs or boneless country-style ribs. Just make sure they can fit in your air fryer, and keep an eye on the timing, as it may differ for different rib cuts.
- BBQ Sauce: I'm using my sweet homemade BBQ sauce. It is so delicious! If you prefer more vinegar, you can try my Carolina-style BBQ sauce. Alternatively, just use your favorite store-bought bottled sauce.
- Rib Rub: Brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, black pepper, paprika, sea salt flakes or kosher salt, cumin, chili powder, and mustard powder mix together to form the ultimate rib rub for this air fryer ribs recipe. It has a sweet and smoky flavor that is just fantastic paired with the BBQ sauce, and the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully on the meat. You can also use my rib rub.
How to Air Fry Ribs
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. While it heats, pat ribs dry and cut them into 4 equal portions. Combine your rib rub seasoning in a bowl and mix well. Generously season ribs all over on both sides.
- Spray air fryer tray with cooking spray and place the ribs on the rack. Air fry for 30 minutes, turning at the 15 minute mark. After 30 minutes is up, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and air fry for another 5 minutes.
- Slice the ribs, serve, and enjoy!
Isabel's Top Tips for Cooking Ribs in the Air Fryer
- I use a 10-quart air fryer, but you should be able to fit your ribs into a smaller model.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce! You can use any kind you like, from sweet to spicy and everything in between. Whatever your favorite is, it will pair perfectly with these air-fried pork ribs.
- Serve air-fried pork ribs with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking the ribs. The air fryer must already be hot when the ribs begin cooking, so don't skip this step.
- Flip at the 15-minute mark for best results.
- My Rib Dry Rub is the perfect rib seasoning with air fryer baby back ribs! It is a mix of sweet, spicy, and earthy flavors for the ideal balance of flavor.
Air-frying pork ribs are a great choice when you want a quick and easy BBQ meal or want to grill out but the weather isn't right, or you don't have the time! Seriously, though, they are so delicious and convenient that you will want to make them this way every time.
Using a Traditional Oven Instead of the Air Fryer
To cook these baby back ribs in the oven, follow these instructions:
- Season the ribs all over with your seasoning mix. Cover well and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Take ribs from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature, then lay them bone-side down on a wire rack. Add the wire rack to a baking tray lined with foil.
- Add to the oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. After 1 hour, brush with BBQ sauce and cook for 15 minutes. When the ribs reach an internal temperature of 195°F to 200°F, they are ready. Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature.
How to Cut Ribs after Air Frying
- Lay your ribs flat with the back side of the ribs facing up in order to cut from the back.
- Using a sharp knife, cut right next to the rib between each rib so each cut has plenty of meat on the bone.
Top Reviews
Made this tonight, really good! - Will
This recipe worked out perfectly for me! I had to improvise a little with the BBQ sauce, but it was all delicious. Thank you! - Kit
Ribs were delicious
Easy I will use this recipe weekly
Thanks for sharing
👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Aeil
Wow. Just wow. I made these tonight. The.best.ribs.ever. I had to call my neighbors to share they were that good. I only hope the next time I make these they come out as good! - Katherine
See them all here→ or keep scrolling to the comments section below!
FAQ
You do not need to remove the membrane to air fry pork ribs.
All air fryer models vary, just like traditional ovens, so your results might vary, too. If your ribs aren't coming out the way you're hoping for, cook them for 5 minutes less and baste halfway through the cooking process with BBQ sauce.
While this is possible, I would recommend thawing them first as the meat may come out more tough if you don't thaw them first. Thawing will adhere the seasoning and sauce to the ribs better, too. If you're in a rush, you can add them to a plastic bag and place the bag in cold water to thaw. Change the water every 30 minutes and they should be thawed in under 1 hour or so.
How to Store Air Fried Ribs
Store leftover air fried pork ribs in an airtight container or tightly sealed plastic bag with the air pushed out for up to 3-5 days.
How to Freeze Ribs After Air Frying
To freeze leftover ribs, store them in a tightly sealed freezer-safe bag with the air pushed out. Wrap in foil for extra protection and label with the freezing date. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To reheat ribs from frozen, first, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then follow reheating instructions.
How to Reheat Ribs
- Preheat the oven to 250˚F and place leftover ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Once the oven heats, add ribs to the oven until the meat reaches about 140˚F on a meat thermometer and is heated through.
- Uncover the ribs and brush them with barbecue sauce. Continue to bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can reheat ribs in the air fryer. To reheat ribs in your air fryer, follow these instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350˚F. Arrange your ribs in the air fryer after preheating.
- Add 1 Tablespoon of oil to the ribs to keep them from drying out and to crisp the outside.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes until heated through (140˚F on a meat thermometer).
- If you find they are not heated through to your liking, add them back for another 1-2 minutes.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Ribs
Ribs Recipes
- Grilled Baby Back Ribs
- Braised Korean Short Ribs
- Grilled Beef Short Ribs
- Slow Cooker Short Ribs
- Instant Pot Short Ribs
I have served these air fryer ribs for friends many times now, and let me tell you - it never gets old being asked for the recipe! These air fryer ribs are seriously amazing, and they're easy, too. Every time I make them, I can't believe they're ready in under 40 minutes for such incredible results. Give air frying ribs a try, and I know you'll be impressed, too!
Air Fryer Ribs
Video
Equipment
- Air Fryer Oven
Ingredients
- 3 pounds baby back pork ribs
- ½ cup barbecue sauce - use your favorite kind
- 1 serving rib rub seasoning - use the full serving of the recipe
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F. While it heats, pat ribs dry and cut them into 4 equal portions. Combine your rib rub seasoning in a bowl and mix well. Generously season ribs all over on both sides.3 pounds baby back pork ribs,1 serving rib rub seasoning
- Spray air fryer tray with cooking spray and place the ribs on the rack. Air fry for 30 minutes, turning at the 15 minute mark. After 30 minutes is up, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and air fry for another 5 minutes.½ cup barbecue sauce
- Slice the ribs, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- To cut ribs, lay your ribs flat with the back side of the ribs facing up in order to cut from the back. Using a sharp knife, cut right next to the rib between each rib so each cut has plenty of meat on the bone.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce! You can use any kind you like, from sweet BBQ sauce to spicy and everything in-between. Whatever your favorite is, it will pair perfectly with these air fryer pork ribs.
- Serve air fried pork ribs with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Make sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking the ribs. It's important the air fryer is already hot when the ribs begin cooking, so don't skip this step.
- Flip at the 15 minute mark for best results.
Kit says
This recipe worked out perfectly for me! I had to improvise a little with the BBQ sauce, but it was all delicious. Thank you!
Em Beitel says
So glad you enjoyed it, Kit! Thank you so much!
Will says
Made this tonight, really good!
Em Beitel says
Thanks so much, Will! We're so glad you enjoyed it!
Erik says
I do the air fry method with open pit and brown sugar mix and then throw them on the grill to finish them off with the sauce and me and my wife say they are the best ribs we've ever had, thank you!!
Aeil says
Ribs were delicious
Easy I will use this recipe weekly
Thanks for sharing
👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Em Beitel says
Thank you so much, Aeil! We're very glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Heather Engle says
These were delicious & I followed the recipe to the letter; they turned out a little tough. The meat was not falling off the bone, as I prefer. Any tweaks I could try to get the desired results?
Isabel Laessig says
Hi Heather! Hmm, I'm sorry to hear this. However, I'm glad you still enjoyed the taste! What I would recommend is cooking for 5 minutes less than the stated time next time - and basting halfway through the process with BBQ sauce as well. We also used a tray-style air fryer model rather than one with a basket, and that could have something to do with it. But, I believe reducing the time by 5 minutes and basting with BBQ sauce halfway through will ensure your ribs are tender next time. Enjoy!
bill says
This recipe works surprisingly well in cooking ribs tender enough to eat. I have the Foodi Ninja which is a tray type not the basket type so I don't have to turn the ribs and can just cook straight through. As far as "fall off the bone" tenderness, this really isn't the recipe for that and it shouldn't be expected. Do you not want to hold the rib in your hand to eat? I plan to cook just a little longer next time to get them just a little more tender.
Isabel Laessig says
I'm very glad to hear you enjoyed it, Bill! Thank you for your comment and review!
Melanie Harvey says
Hello out there, i haven't made the recipe yet but I do plan to make the ribs country style our favorite cut of ribs. I have all the ingredients for the rib rub here just hope its not to spicey my partner doesn't like real spicey. Hope they turn out maybe I can comment on it .
Sincerely,
Melanie Lynne
Isabel Laessig says
Thanks so much, Melanie! I'm happy to hear you'll be making them!
Katherine Mee says
Wow. Just wow. I made these tonight. The.best.ribs.ever. I had to call my neighbors to share they were that good. I only hope the next time I make these they come out as good!
Isabel Laessig says
So glad you enjoyed them, Katherine! Thank you so much for your comment!
Shirl Morgan says
Can you cook without thawing mear?
Isabel Laessig says
Hi Shirl! I do think this is possible at the same temperature and time, but I would recommend thawing them first as the meat may come out more tough if you don't thaw them first. Thawing will adhere the seasoning and sauce to the ribs better, too. If you're in a rush, you can add them to a plastic bag and place the bag in cold water to thaw. Change the water every 30 minutes and they should be thawed in under 1 hour or so.