If you love tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs but don’t have the time or patience for slow cooking, then Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs are about to become your new go-to recipe! These ribs are cooked in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven or on the grill, yet they come out perfectly cooked, flavorful, and incredibly tender. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat inside juicy and tender, making it the fastest way to enjoy baby back ribs—ready in minutes!
Using the air fryer for ribs is a game-changer. The circulating hot air cooks the ribs evenly and quickly, and you don’t have to worry about turning on the grill or waiting for hours. With a savory dry rub and your favorite BBQ sauce, these ribs have the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. Plus, since you’re not using the grill, there’s no messy cleanup!
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 rack of baby back ribs (about 1.5-2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a little kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready.
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this helps the ribs cook more evenly and become more tender). To do this, slide a knife under the thin membrane and pull it off carefully.
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. This will help the rub stick to the meat and create a better crust.
- Season the Ribs:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat both sides evenly. If you like, drizzle a bit of olive oil on the ribs first to help the rub stick better.
- Cook the Ribs:
- Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, bone-side down. Depending on the size of your air fryer and ribs, you may need to cut the rack of ribs in half to fit them in. If needed, fold them slightly so they fit snugly.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Flip the ribs halfway through the cooking time for an even cook. Check for tenderness by piercing the meat with a fork; it should be tender but still holding its shape.
- Add BBQ Sauce:
- After the initial cooking time, brush your favorite BBQ sauce generously on the ribs, coating them evenly on both sides. Air fry for another 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and set.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once the ribs are perfectly cooked and the sauce is sticky and caramelized, remove them from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing between the ribs.
- Serve hot with additional BBQ sauce on the side and your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted vegetables.
Variations:
- Spicy Ribs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dry rub for extra heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or add a small amount of liquid smoke to the rub for a smoky flavor without using a grill.
- Sweet Ribs: For a sweeter taste, increase the amount of brown sugar or drizzle some honey on top before air frying.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 28g
- Total Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 12g
- WW SmartPoints: 9 (per serving, depending on BBQ sauce used)
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs:
- Fast: The air fryer cuts cooking time down significantly compared to traditional methods.
- Easy: No need to babysit the grill or oven for hours—just season, air fry, and brush with sauce!
- Perfectly Cooked: The air fryer cooks the ribs evenly and quickly, resulting in a perfect balance of crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Less Mess: No need for messy grills or ovens, and cleanup is a breeze!
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs are the perfect solution for when you’re craving that delicious BBQ flavor but want it fast and easy. These ribs will quickly become your go-to recipe for any night of the week! The air fryer does all the work, delivering tender, flavorful ribs in just minutes. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked ribs any other way! 🤪😋
