Crispy Air-Fried Ribs Recipe

Ingredients

1 rack of St. Louis Style or Baby Back Ribs

1 tsp of Kosher Salt

1/2 cup of BBQ Sauce

For the Rub

1 tsp Ground Black Pepper

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Brown Sugar

Instructions

Step 1:

Start by prepping the ribs: remove the membrane and trim off any excess fat.

Then, cut the rack into individual ribs.

Step 2:

Evenly sprinkle kosher salt over both sides of the ribs, using approximately ¼ tsp of salt per pound of meat.

Let the ribs sit for 1 hour to absorb the salt.

Step 3:

Mix together the ingredients for the rub in a bowl.

Generously apply the rub to all sides of the ribs, ensuring they’re fully coated.

Step 4:

Thread skewers through the ribs.

If using an air fryer with a rotisserie function, like the Power Air Fryer Oven, place the skewered ribs in the air fryer.

Set the temperature to 350°F.

Cook St. Louis style ribs for 25 minutes and Baby Back ribs for 15 minutes.

If your air fryer lacks a rotisserie feature, you’ll need to flip the ribs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once cooked, brush your favorite BBQ sauce over the ribs and serve immediately.

Notes:

Rib Selection:

St. Louis Style ribs and Baby Back ribs have different cooking times due to their size and thickness.

Adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Preparation:

Removing the membrane from the ribs ensures better texture and allows the rub to penetrate the meat more effectively.

Trimming excess fat helps to reduce greasiness.

Salting:

Salting the ribs ahead of time helps to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.

Letting the ribs sit for an hour allows the salt to penetrate deeply.

Rub Application:

The rub is a mix of black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar.

Applying it generously ensures a flavorful crust.

The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that complements the BBQ sauce.

Skewering:

Threading skewers through the ribs helps them cook evenly, especially in an air fryer with a rotisserie function.

It also makes flipping easier if your air fryer does not have a rotisserie.

Air Frying:

Cooking at 350°F ensures the ribs become crispy without drying out.

Adjust cooking times based on rib type: 25 minutes for St. Louis style and 15 minutes for Baby Back ribs.

Rotisserie vs. Non-Rotisserie Air Fryers:

If your air fryer has a rotisserie feature, it will ensure even cooking all around.

For air fryers without this feature, flipping the ribs halfway through cooking is crucial for even doneness.

BBQ Sauce Application:

Brushing BBQ sauce on the ribs after cooking ensures they remain crispy while adding a layer of tangy sweetness.

You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.

Serving:

Serve the ribs immediately after applying the BBQ sauce for the best texture and flavor.

The crispy exterior combined with the saucy coating provides a delightful contrast.

Optional Adjustments:

Feel free to adjust the rub ingredients to your taste.

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can add some heat, or using smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why should I remove the membrane from the ribs?

Removing the membrane ensures better texture and allows the rub and flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.

Can I use a different type of salt instead of kosher salt?

Yes, you can use sea salt or table salt, but adjust the amount since kosher salt has larger crystals.

Use about half the amount if using table salt.

What if I don’t have an air fryer with a rotisserie function?

If your air fryer doesn’t have a rotisserie function, you can still cook the ribs by flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Can I marinate the ribs overnight?

Yes, you can apply the rub and let the ribs marinate overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Just make sure to cover them well.

What type of BBQ sauce works best with this recipe?

Any BBQ sauce you prefer will work well.

Sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauces can all complement the crispy ribs nicely.

How do I ensure the ribs are crispy?

Cooking at the correct temperature (350°F) and not overcrowding the air fryer will help ensure the ribs become crispy.

Applying BBQ sauce after cooking also helps maintain the crispiness.

Can I use this recipe for beef ribs?

Yes, you can use beef ribs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as beef ribs are generally larger and take longer to cook.

What sides go well with crispy air-fried ribs?

Popular sides include coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, potato salad, or grilled vegetables.

Is it necessary to use skewers?

Skewers help with even cooking, especially in air fryers with a rotisserie function.

However, if you don’t have skewers, you can lay the ribs flat and flip them halfway through cooking.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to regain some crispiness.