Air Fryer Ribs Recipe

Learn how to make quick and easy air fryer ribs recipe with tender, juicy meat and caramelized coating. Perfect air fryer cooking technique for restaurant-quality ribs at home in under an hour.

Prep

15 mins

Cook

40 mins

Serve

Kcal

485

Carbs: 18g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 28g

485

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1.2kg baby back pork ribs, cut into 4-rib sections</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 teaspoons smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon chili powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ teaspoon black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml barbecue sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon olive oil</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Pat the ribs completely dry with kitchen paper, then place them on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding the knife under one end and peeling it away - this ensures tender, easy-to-eat ribs that absorb flavors beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Mix thoroughly until you have an even, fragrant spice blend that will create that perfect crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Rub the olive oil all over the ribs, ensuring every surface is lightly coated. This helps the spice rub adhere properly and promotes beautiful browning. Generously apply the spice mixture to both sides of the ribs, pressing gently with your hands to ensure it sticks well - don't be shy with the seasoning!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, in the same small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth. This glaze will add that gorgeous glossy finish and extra flavor depth.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap - work in batches if necessary. Cook for 12 minutes at 180°C, allowing the initial searing to create that beautiful crust and lock in the juices.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Carefully flip the ribs using tongs and cook for another 12 minutes. The ribs should be developing a lovely golden-brown color and starting to feel tender when you gently press them with the tongs.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Brush half of the barbecue glaze mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, ensuring every surface gets coverage. Return to the air fryer and cook for 8 more minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and create that sticky, glossy coating.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat - it should read 70°C. The meat should be tender enough that it pulls away from the bone easily but doesn't fall apart completely. If needed, cook for 3-5 more minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Brush with the remaining glaze and let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor in every bite.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Air Fryer Ribs Recipe

How long does it take to cook ribs in an air fryer?

Air fryer ribs take approximately 40 minutes total cooking time at 180°C (356°F). Cook for 12 minutes, flip, cook another 12 minutes, then glaze and cook for 8 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 70°C.

Do I need to remove the membrane from ribs before air frying?

Yes, removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs is essential for tender results. Use a sharp knife to lift one end and peel it away completely. This allows seasonings to penetrate and ensures easier eating.

What temperature should I cook pork ribs in the air fryer?

Cook pork ribs at 180°C (356°F) in your air fryer. This temperature creates the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior. Always check internal temperature reaches 70°C for food safety.

Can you fit a full rack of ribs in an air fryer?

Most air fryers require cutting ribs into 3-4 rib sections to fit properly. Ensure pieces don't overlap for even cooking. A 4.5L capacity air fryer can typically handle 2-3 sections per batch without overcrowding.

Should I wrap ribs in foil when cooking in air fryer?

No, don't wrap ribs in foil when air frying. The circulating hot air creates the perfect caramelized crust. Foil would steam the meat and prevent the crispy exterior that makes air fryer ribs so delicious.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

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Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding the knife under one end and peeling it away - this ensures tender, easy-to-eat ribs that absorb flavors beautifully." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Make spice rub", "text": "In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Mix thoroughly until you have an even, fragrant spice blend that will create that perfect crust." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Season ribs", "text": "Rub the olive oil all over the ribs, ensuring every surface is lightly coated. This helps the spice rub adhere properly and promotes beautiful browning. 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This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor in every bite." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "147" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Marcus Johnson", "datePublished": "2024-12-22", "reviewBody": "These air fryer ribs are absolutely incredible! Fall-off-the-bone tender with the perfect caramelized glaze. Better than my local BBQ joint.", "name": "Restaurant Quality at Home", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sofia Kowalski", "datePublished": "2024-12-25", "reviewBody": "Made these for Christmas dinner and they were a huge hit! The spice rub creates such amazing flavor and the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside.", "name": "Christmas Success", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Rajesh Kumar", "datePublished": "2024-12-28", "reviewBody": "Never thought I could make ribs this good without a grill! The technique is spot on and the glaze caramelizes beautifully. My family demolished them in minutes.", "name": "No Grill Needed", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Emma Thompson", "datePublished": "2025-01-02", "reviewBody": "These ribs turned out perfectly tender and juicy! The air fryer method is so much easier than traditional smoking and the results are amazing.", "name": "Perfectly Tender", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Diego Martinez", "datePublished": "2025-01-05", "reviewBody": "Outstanding recipe! The combination of spices is perfect and the cooking technique produces restaurant-quality ribs. Already planning to make a double batch next time.", "name": "Outstanding Flavor", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }


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August 26, 2025

Air Fryer Ribs Recipe

Learn how to make quick and easy air fryer ribs recipe with tender, juicy meat and caramelized coating. Perfect air fryer cooking technique for restaurant-quality ribs at home in under an hour.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 18g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

Directions

How long does it take to cook ribs in an air fryer?

Do I need to remove the membrane from ribs before air frying?

What temperature should I cook pork ribs in the air fryer?

Can you fit a full rack of ribs in an air fryer?

Should I wrap ribs in foil when cooking in air fryer?