Air Fryer Ribs

If you think you need a smoker to make incredible ribs, let me change your mind. These Air Fryer Ribs come out unbelievably tender with a beautiful caramelized bark and sticky BBQ glaze that tastes like they've been cooking for hours. I start by removing the membrane and coating the ribs with a flavorful dry rub made with smoked paprika, garlic, brown sugar, coffee, and chili powder. The air fryer locks in the juices while creating an amazing crust. During the final few minutes, I brush on my favorite BBQ sauce and let it caramelize into a glossy, finger-licking finish. Every bite is smoky, sweet, savory, and incredibly tender. These ribs are proof that great barbecue doesn't have to take all day.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• No smoker or grill required
• Tender, juicy ribs every time
• Incredible smoky BBQ flavor
• Crispy caramelized bark
• Ready much faster than traditional ribs
• Simple pantry seasonings
• Perfect for weeknight barbecue cravings
• Family favorite that's easy to make

Variations

Honey BBQ Ribs

Brush with honey BBQ sauce during the last few minutes.

Spicy Cajun Ribs

Add Cajun seasoning and extra cayenne pepper to the rub.

Sweet Heat Ribs

Mix hot honey into your favorite BBQ sauce.

Garlic Butter Ribs

Brush with melted garlic butter instead of BBQ sauce.

Bourbon BBQ Ribs

Use a bourbon-infused barbecue sauce for extra richness.

Memphis Style

Skip the sauce and enjoy the dry rub on its own.

Asian Sticky Ribs

Replace BBQ sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

Air Fryer Ribs

These Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs are juicy, tender, and coated in a smoky homemade dry rub before being finished with a sticky BBQ glaze. A quick and easy way to enjoy barbecue without firing up the grill.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course main dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2½ pounds baby back ribs
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coffee grounds
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

 

• Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. Cut the rack into 2 to 3 sections that fit inside your air fryer basket.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
• In a small bowl combine: Brown sugar, Smoked paprika, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Salt, White pepper, Chili powder, Coffee grounds. Mix until well combined.
• Coat both sides of the ribs with yellow mustard. Generously season both sides with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
• Place the ribs meat side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes. Flip the ribs over and cook another 10 minutes.
• Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F. Brush both sides generously with BBQ sauce. Cook another 2 to 4 minutes, until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized.
• Let the ribs rest for about 5 minutes. Slice between the bones and serve with your favorite BBQ sides.

Video

Recipe Tips

Don't skip removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs. It helps the seasoning penetrate the meat and gives you much more tender ribs.

Keyword bbq ribs, bbq ribs recipe, rib recipes, ribs, seasoned ribs

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