Forget the grill and give your smoker a rest—these Juicy Air-Fryer Ribs taste fall-off-the-bone delicious!
I’ve loved barbecue ribs as long as I can remember. Actually, some of my earliest childhood memories are of going to this supper club called Jerry’s Old Town Inn. Jerry’s wasn’t your typical chain steakhouse like Outback. This place was classy with rich wood floors, a crackling fireplace, and ceramic pigs everywhere. When you ordered ribs, they’d roll them out on a serving trolley like a medieval feast. Then the waiter would set a shiny “bone bucket” at your table for the scraps. I felt like Fred Flintstone. It was glorious.
Jerry’s has been gone for years, but my craving for ribs remains as strong as ever. I don’t make them as often as I’d like, but now that I’ve got an air fryer, ribs are back on the menu. Don’t get me wrong—my charcoal grill can fire up some finger-licking ribs—but grilling season in Wisconsin practically ends before it begins. The air fryer, though? That’s year-round rib season. Plus, I get to keep the oven free for baked potatoes and roasted veggies. I need all those sides, because my kids love ribs even more than I do. They pick the bones clean like scavenging crows.
These ribs come out tender and smoky-sweet with just enough crisp around the edges to almost convince me they came off the grill. The mustard not only adds some tang, but it also helps the spice rub stick. And while I prefer making my own sauce, store-bought is fine and certainly saves time. Either way, they’ll turn out great!
Air fryer—why it works for ribs
I got an air fryer for Christmas a couple of years ago, and it took me a while to use it for more than just making fries and frozen pizzas. I kept meaning to use it for other recipes, but I was a bit skittish at first. Could an air fryer really cook a whole chicken or a rack of ribs? Well, it turns out it can.
My air fryer isn’t as large as I’d like; it’s just your average size at about five to six quarts. Chances are, your air fryer is about the same size, and, if it is, that small space works to your advantage. Air fryers work by circulating hot air closely around the meat. This helps the fat render quickly without drying out the ribs. Even better, there’s no need to babysit like with a grill or oven.
I’ve found it’s best to cook the ribs at 350°F for the first 25 minutes. Spare ribs are pretty thick and fatty. That lower heat ensures they tenderize nicely. Save the high heat (390°F) for the last five minutes when you glaze the ribs with sauce. They’ll turn out sticky, with a slight crust—in other words, perfect.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate any leftover ribs for up to 3 days. To reheat, toss the ribs back into the air fryer (set to 350°F) for about 5 minutes or until heated through. You can also use your oven at the same temperature, though it may take a few minutes longer. Avoid the microwave, unless you prefer rubbery ribs.
Serving suggestions
Ribs pair well with everything from Stovetop Corn On The Cob to a classic Baked Potato. Although lately, I’ve been really enjoying Seasoned Potato Wedges. Seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, they remind me of Jerry’s Old Town. And since the oven is free, I have space to make Southern Mac And Cheese. The cheesy crust and velvety sauce make it a decadent side for the equally decadent ribs. To that end, I guess it’d be wise to serve something nutritious as well, like Roasted Broccoli And Carrots or a leafy Kale Salad.
How to Store Air Fryer Ribs
Let the ribs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the ribs by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic then storing them in an airtight container. They should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then cook in the oven or on the grill on low heat.
Juicy Air Fryer Ribs (So Easy!) | Baked Bree
Ingredients
- 1 rack of spare ribs
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup barbecue spice
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 fresh green chili optional
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to cut the membrane off the bottom of the rack of ribs.
- Brush the ribs with mustard and sprinkle with barbecue spice. Cut the rack of ribs in half so that they can fit in the air fryer.
- Place the ribs in the air fryer bone-side down. Cook at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, pull the basket from the air fryer and brush the ribs all over with barbecue sauce. Replace the basket in the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 5 minutes.
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