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Air Fryer Ribs: Recipes, Tips & Variations

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This Air Fryer Ribs recipe collection delivers restaurant-quality spare ribs, baby back ribs, and beef short ribs with minimal oil and fuss. Utilizing convection cooking, each variant balances juicy tenderness with a crisp exterior in under an hour. From the foil-steam hack in the BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs to the robust coffee-chili dry rub on Beef Short Ribs, every technique ensures layered flavors and foolproof results. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, or meal prep, this guide covers prep, seasoning, cooking, reheating, and troubleshooting.

Ingredients

For the ribs:

  • 2 lbs beef ribs (short ribs or spare ribs), membrane removed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the glaze (optional):

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C). Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels to help the rub adhere and promote browning.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the ribs with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture evenly all over, pressing gently to adhere.

Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, bone-side down if possible, leaving a little space between each piece for hot air circulation.

Air-fry at 375 °F for about 25 minutes, flipping the ribs once halfway through, until they’re cooked through and beginning to brown at the edges.

If you like a slightly crispier exterior, increase the temperature to 400 °F (200 °C) for an additional 5–8 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t char.

Meanwhile, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. After the ribs finish the crisp step, brush them generously with the glaze and return to the air fryer at 400 °F for 2–3 minutes to set the sauce.

Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve hot, spooning any pan juices over the top.

Notes

  • Always remove the membrane for deeper seasoning penetration.
  • Adjust sugar and heat levels in rubs to taste.
  • Use an internal thermometer for optimal doneness.
  • Reserve clean sauce for dipping to avoid contamination.
  • Let ribs rest five minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/air-fryer-ribs-recipes-tips-variations/