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    Air Fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Ribs

    Air Fryer Ribs

    Posted On January 24, 2023 By Mirlene Last updated March 18, 2025 5 Comments

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    The best air fryer ribs with beef chuck riblets

    These juicy, succulent air fryer ribs are super easy to prepare. They are coated in a homemade spice blend and then topped with our homemade barbecue sauce. 

    Ribs in air fryer with bbq sauce

    This fool-proof recipe is a convenient way to prepare this hearty cut of meat and enjoy it year around. 

    One of the main benefits of using an air fryer is that it cooks food quickly and evenly, while

    also preventing the need for excess oil. 

    This results in a healthier and more flavorful meal.

    Air Fryer Ribs

    To begin, this recipe starts with a rack of beef ribs. If you prefer pork, you can use the same recipe to make it with pork ribs. 

    To keep the meat from drying out, it is wrapped in aluminum foil to cook for the majority of the cooking time. Then we uncover it so that it will brown on top while still retaining the moisture. 

    For this recipe, we used the same seasoning blend as we used for the Smoked Brisket. Towards the last few minutes of the cooking time, we baste it with our homemade BBQ sauce. 

    Beef Ribs Cut and Tips

    When it comes to beef cuts, we recommend you choose those that are meaty. 

    We recommend cleaning the ribs by removing as much of the membranes and skin as possible. 

    Some Popular Ingredients for Rubs

    As included in the spice blend to prepare this air fryer ribs recipe, some of the popular ingredients include a classic combination of salt, pepper, and paprika, or a bolder blend of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. 

    delicious air fryer ribs

    You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique blend.

    Trim your beef if needed. This means removing the skin, cutting away extra fat, and of course, as mentioned removing the membranes. 

    As the ribs cook, we recommend you check on the beef as it cooks so you do not overcook the meat. Remember, some cuts are thicker than others, it’s best to check on them to assure you cook the to your desired tenderness. 

    Recipe Key Ingredients 

    Beef ribs – short ribs or beef chuck riblets (2½ to 3 lbs. per rack trimmed and membrane removed. Clean and washed)

    BBQ Sauce: To give them a sweet and tangy. Using BBQ sauce is completely optional.

    Spice Blend: Various spices and herbs are used to flavor the meat. 

    The full recipe with the exact measurement is listed in the recipe card below.

    Ribs In Air Fryer Cooking Method

    After cleaning and washing the meat. Pat the meat dry with a clean paper towel.

    Pour the balsamic vinegar over the meat. Next, rub the spice blend onto the meat on all sides. 

    steps 1 -5 to make air fryer ribs

    Transfer the meat to the air fryer basket and pour the remaining balsamic vinegar over the meat in the basket.

    Set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Cook the ribs for about 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

    After 10 minutes, flip the meat to the other side and resume cooking. Once the ribs are cooked, add a layer of the barbecue sauce, return to the air fryer basket, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or check for your desired doneness.

    steps 6 to 9 to make air fryer ribs

    Enjoy with your favorite side dish.

    air fryer beef rib

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Are beef ribs and short ribs the same?

    No, they are not the same. Although both beef ribs and short ribs are cooked in similar ways, the cut is different as they are from two different parts of the cow. Short ribs are cut from the lower section in front of the cow, whereas back beef ribs are cut from the back in the upper section of the cow.

    How do you prepare beef ribs?

    There are many methods to prepare beef ribs. You can use the 3-2-1 Ribs method which includes smoking the meat for 6 hours, you can also slow cook the ribs, or prepare instant pot ribs.

    Are beef ribs tough?

    Beef Ribs can be tough if they are not cooked properly, making them very difficult to eat and enjoy.

    What are the two types of beef ribs?

    The two most common rib types are back ribs and back ribs. 

    Which is better beef or pork ribs?

    It depends on your preference. Beef ribs are much more expensive. Pork ribs cook faster, much easier to purchase as they are readily available.

    Cooked air fryer ribs

    Serving Suggestions 

    When it comes to serving your beef ribs, there are many options to choose from. Some well-liked sides include coleslaw, potato salad, and roasted vegetables. 

    You could also serve it with some crusty bread and butter or with this air fryer milk buns or serve them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

    They are also great with this Haitian Black Rice, This Haitian Instant Pot Red Beans And Rice, or with this Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash, they are also great with Red Cabbage Salad.

    How To Store Leftovers

    If you have leftovers, it is best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They

    should be eaten within 3-4 days to ensure maximum freshness. 

    To reheat, you can place your air fryer ribs back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes or until heated through, or you can put them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. 

    Cooking beef ribs in an air fryer is a great way to achieve delicious and succulent ribs in a

    fraction of the time it would take in the oven. 

    The added benefit of less oil and the ability to add a layer of barbecue sauce, make it a great meal to serve to your family and friends.

    ribs cooked in air fryer

    More Beef Recipes To Enjoy 

    Guinness Short Ribs

    Grilled Beer Marinated Steak

    Beef Noodle Soup

    Keto Beef Stew

    Jamaican Beef Patty

    Beef Donburi

    Beef Bolognese 

    Haitian Meatballs

    It warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from this site. 

    We’d especially love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.

    Also, we would appreciate it if could give it a star rating below

    cooked ribs in air fryer with bbq sauce

    Ribs In The Air Fryer

    Savory Thoughts
    Learn how to make these delicious ribs in the air fryer. These beef chuck riblets are perfect all year-round and serve well with your favorite BBQ sauce.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 Servings
    Calories 102 kcal

    Equipment

    • 6QT Touchscreen Air Fryer, Cornflower Blue by Drew Barrymore

    Ingredients
      

    • Beef Ribs (2.36 lbs); We used beef chuck riblets.
    • 1 Tbsp. Parsley Flakes; Dried
    • 1 Tbsp. Onion Powder
    • 1 Tbsp. Paprika
    • 1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
    • 2 ½ tsp. Kosher Salt
    • ¼ Cup Balsamic Vinegar
    • 1 Tbsp. Light Brown Sugar
    • 1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
    • Homemade BBQ Sauce Optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl mix all the dry spices together and sit aside.
      Trim the beef if needed. This means removing the skin, cutting away extra fat, and of course, as mentioned removing the membranes.
      After cleaning and washing the meat. Pat the meat dry with a clean paper towel. Set it aside on a large plate.
      steps 1 -5 to make air fryer ribs
    • Pour the balsamic vinegar over the meat. Next, rub the spice blend onto the meat on all sides.
      Transfer the meat to the air fryer basket and pour the remaining balsamic vinegar over the meat in the basket.
      Set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
      steps 6 to 9 to make air fryer ribs
    • Cook the ribs for about 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
      After 10 minutes, flip the meat to the other side and resume cooking.
      Once the ribs are cooked, add a layer of the barbecue sauce, return to the air fryer basket, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or check for your desired doneness.
      air fryer beef rib

    Notes

    *** Calories are estimated per serving ***
     
    *** This post contains affiliate links, which means we will receive compensation if clicked on them or make a purchase.  Please read our full disclosure here!
     
     
    When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera icon so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6ServingsCalories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 634mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 11IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    « Red Cabbage Salad
    Fall Off The Bone Instant Pot Ribs »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beth says

      January 26, 2023 at 6:05 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy recipe to make a fast and fabulous dish! Perfect for these busy nights!

      Reply
    2. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      January 26, 2023 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow, this looks so delicious. My family is going to devour it!

      Reply
    3. Lily says

      January 26, 2023 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      The seasoning for the ribs was perfect. I love that these can be made so easily in the air fryer. I might try these next time with your air fryer yuca fries!

      Reply
    4. Kathleen says

      January 26, 2023 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      I’m loving your rub and sauce on these incredible ribs. Can’t wait to taste them.

      Reply
    5. Quynh says

      January 26, 2023 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious! I love the seasoning for this!

      Reply
    5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

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