Oh yeah—air fryer baby back ribs are a total game-changer. You get that crispy bark with juicy meat in way less time than the smoker or oven. Here’s a killer recipe:
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs (Crispy & Juicy)
Ingredients:
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1 rack baby back ribs (about 2–2.5 lbs)
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1–2 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard (binder)
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Your favorite BBQ rub (or mix: 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp brown sugar, pinch of cayenne)
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BBQ sauce (optional, for glazing)
Instructions:
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Prep the ribs:
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Remove the silver skin from the back of the rack (use a paper towel to grip it).
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Cut the rack into sections (2–3 bones per piece) so they fit in your air fryer.
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Season:
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Rub mustard all over the ribs.
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Coat generously with the BBQ rub. Let sit 15–30 mins for flavor to sink in.
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Preheat the air fryer:
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Set to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
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Cook:
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Arrange rib sections in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).
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Air fry at 380°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. They should be tender and have a nice crust.
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Optional glaze:
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Brush with BBQ sauce and air fry an extra 3–5 minutes at 400°F to caramelize.
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Rest & serve:
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Let them rest a few minutes before eating. Serve with slaw, cornbread, or just a roll of paper towels.
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Want a smoky flavor boost without a smoker? I can recommend a quick hack for that too.