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Air Fryer BBQ Ribs Recipe

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4.2 from 82 reviews

These Air Fryer BBQ Ribs are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, smoky pork ribs with a perfectly caramelized BBQ sauce finish. Using the air fryer method, the ribs cook faster than traditional oven or grill methods while delivering a deliciously juicy and crispy texture.

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ribs and Dry Rub

  • 3 Pounds pork spare ribs (membrane removed, cut into sections to fit the air fryer)
  • 1/3 Cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 Teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 Teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil

Finishing Sauce

  • 1/2 Cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry rub: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and olive oil until well combined.
  2. Coat the ribs: Brush or spread the dry rub mixture evenly over the entire rack of pork spare ribs, making sure every surface is covered for maximum flavor.
  3. Arrange ribs in the air fryer: Place one rack of ribs flat on the bottom rack of the air fryer pot, ensuring they fit comfortably without overlapping for even cooking.
  4. Air fry the ribs – first side: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Cook the ribs on one side for 8 minutes, allowing them to cook through and begin caramelizing.
  5. Flip and continue cooking: Flip the ribs over carefully and cook for another 8 minutes to cook the other side evenly.
  6. Check doneness: Test near a bone to check if the ribs are fully cooked. If the meat is not tender or cooked through, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Thicker ribs may require extra time.
  7. Brush with BBQ sauce: After cooking, brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce. Optionally, cook the ribs for an additional 1 minute to set the sauce and enhance caramelization.
  8. Repeat with remaining ribs: Remove the cooked ribs and repeat the process with the second rack, following the same steps for seasoning, cooking, and saucing.

Notes

  • Removing the membrane from ribs ensures better seasoning absorption and tenderness.
  • Adjust cooking time based on rib thickness and air fryer model.
  • Using liquid smoke adds a smoky flavor without a grill.
  • Let ribs rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.
  • Serve with extra BBQ sauce and your favorite sides like coleslaw or cornbread.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/air-fryer-bbq-ribs-recipe/