BBQ ribs are a summertime classic, and there’s nothing better than firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue. But if you’re looking for an easy cooking option, the air fryer is a great alternative. These BBQ ribs are cooked in the air fryer and come out delicious and tender. So fire up your air fryer and try this recipe today!
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Why you should make these Air Fryer BBQ ribs
- They’re easy to make – This recipe is simple and straightforward, and can be made in the air fryer in no time.
- They’re delicious – These ribs are cooked to perfection and are bursting with flavor.
- They’re healthier – Air fryers use less oil than traditional cooking methods, so these ribs are a healthier option.
- They taste very close to bbq ribs on the grill and they also save you the trouble of firing up your grill in the summer heat!
Ingredients
Avocado oil: This is a high-heat oil that is perfect for air frying. You can find it at most supermarkets or online.
Garlic powder: Much quicker than mincing garlic cloves, garlic powder is a great way to add flavor to your ribs.
Smoked paprika: A must-have for any bbq dish, paprika adds a delicious smoky flavor to these ribs.
Salt and pepper: Add a pinch of each of these seasonings to enhance the flavor of your ribs.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for these ribs. We recommend a thick, sticky sauce that will coat the ribs and add flavor.
Dried parsley: This will add a freshness to the ribs and gives them a great lift.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Coat the ribs with oil, then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, dried parsley and smoked paprika. Add to the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the thickeness of your ribs and the heat level of your air fryer. Turn halfway until crispy on both sides.
- Remove the ribs from the air fryer basket and brush with barbecue sauce, gently toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer back to the air fryer basket and continue cooking on 400°F until caramelized, about 3 minutes more.
- Serve immediately, with more barbecue sauce (if desired).
Tips & Recipe Notes
Trim excess fat off of the ribs before air frying. This will help to ensure that your ribs aren’t greasy, and it also allows for more direct heat on the meat so they cook faster.
You can add any barbecue sauce or seasoning you like to these ribs – just be sure to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe if you are using a sauce or rub with sodium.
Substitutions
These ribs can be made to this recipe – for example, if you can’t find pork spare ribs, you can use baby back ribs instead. Just adjust the cooking time according to the size of your ribs.
Variations
Try cooking these ribs with an apple cider BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
If you’re looking for something spicy, add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
FAQs
Yes, you can use this recipe for pork ribs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your pork ribs.
You can bake these ribs in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 40-45 minutes, or until cooked through.
Yes, you can make these ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer or oven. Just be sure to heat them until they are piping hot all the way.
Approximately 380 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes.
Approximately 390 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes.
Sides that would pair well with air fryer ribs include coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob. You could also try serving them with a side of grilled vegetables or a green salad.
Yes, they do!
Cooked ribs should not sit out longer than two hours, but the goal is to eat them within one hour of taking them out of the air fryer! If you’re hosting a party where you won’t be eating the ribs right away, I would recommend making these ahead of time, before.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, look no further than Air Fryer BBQ Ribs. These ribs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor – and best of all, they’re quick and easy to make.
What’s your favourite thing to cook in an air fryer? Let us know in the comments below!
Why not try my:
Air Fryer BBQ Ribs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Dried parsley
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- ¼ tsp Steak seasoning
- ¼ cup BBQ Sauce
- 2 lb Pork spare ribs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Coat the ribs with oil, then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, dried parsley and smoked paprika.
- Add to the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the thickeness of your ribs and the heat level of your air fryer.
- Turn halfway until crispy on both sides.
- Remove the ribs from the air fryer basket and brush with barbecue sauce, gently toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer back to the air fryer basket and continue cooking on 400°F until caramelized, about 3 minutes more.
- Serve immediately, with more barbecue sauce (if desired).
Notes
- If your sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
- If your sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stove until it thickens.
Would these ribs cook as well in an oven type air fryer as they seem to in the drawer type?
Yes for sure!