Here’s a mouthwatering Air Fryer Ribs recipe — tender, juicy, and caramelized with a crispy edge. Perfect when you don’t want to fire up the grill but still crave that BBQ flavor.
🍖 Air Fryer Ribs (Baby Back or St. Louis Style)
🧂 Ingredients:
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1 rack baby back ribs (or St. Louis-style), about 2–2.5 lbs
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2–3 tbsp BBQ dry rub (store-bought or homemade)
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½ tsp salt (optional, if rub isn’t salty)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the Ribs:
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Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness.
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Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
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Cut the rack into 3–4 rib sections to fit in your air fryer basket.
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Rub all over with dry rub, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 15–30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Air Fry:
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Arrange ribs in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
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Air fry for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Internal temp should reach 190–200°F for tender ribs.
3. Sauce & Finish:
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Brush ribs with BBQ sauce.
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Return to air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 more minutes, just until caramelized and sticky.
📝 Optional Homemade Dry Rub:
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp chili powder
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¼ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
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Salt & pepper to taste
✅ Tips:
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Baby back ribs cook a bit faster than St. Louis-style ribs due to size.
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Add a splash of apple juice or vinegar to the meat before cooking for a tangy kick.
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Let ribs rest a few minutes before serving for juicier bites.