When you think of ribs, you might picture slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone meat after hours of barbecue or oven roasting. But did you know that you can achieve tender, flavorful ribs in a fraction of the time using an air fryer? With the right dry rub, air fryer ribs come out juicy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and packed with bold, smoky flavors—no grill or smoker required.
In this article, we’ll share a quick and easy air fryer ribs recipe featuring a delicious homemade dry rub. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or serving up something special for the weekend, these ribs will satisfy your cravings for tender, savory meat, with the added benefit of being much faster than traditional methods.
1. Air Fryer Ribs with Dry Rub
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 1 rack of baby back ribs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs, cut into sections to fit your air fryer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to help the rub stick)
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
Optional for Serving:
- Barbecue sauce (for brushing on at the end or dipping)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Remove the membrane: To ensure tender ribs, start by removing the thin, tough membrane from the back of the rib rack. Use a knife to loosen one corner of the membrane, then grab it with a paper towel and peel it off. This step allows the dry rub to penetrate the meat more effectively and makes the ribs easier to eat.
Cut the ribs into sections: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll likely need to cut the rib rack into smaller sections of 2-3 ribs per piece so they fit in the basket.
Step 2: Make the Dry Rub
Mix the dry rub ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and mustard powder. Stir until all the spices are well blended.
Step 3: Season the Ribs
Coat the ribs with olive oil (optional): Lightly brush the ribs with olive oil to help the dry rub stick. This step is optional, as the natural moisture from the ribs will also help the rub adhere, but the oil can enhance the crispiness of the ribs.
Apply the dry rub: Generously rub the dry spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the ribs sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For even more flavor, you can refrigerate the seasoned ribs for a few hours or overnight.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating is important to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior on the ribs.
Step 5: Air Fry the Ribs
Arrange the ribs in the air fryer basket: Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Try to avoid overcrowding—if necessary, cook the ribs in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the ribs: Air fry the ribs at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This will help them cook evenly on both sides and develop a nice, crispy crust.
Increase the temperature to crisp: After the initial 20 minutes of cooking, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the ribs are crispy and slightly charred on the outside. The internal temperature of the ribs should reach 190°F for optimal tenderness.
Step 6: Optional Glaze or Sauce
Brush with barbecue sauce (optional): If you like saucy ribs, you can brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Air fry the ribs with the sauce on to create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the ribs rest: Once the ribs are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ribs even more tender.
Serve: Garnish the ribs with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired, and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
2. Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
Sweet and Spicy: Add chili powder or extra cayenne pepper to the dry rub for a spicier kick. For a sweeter finish, drizzle the ribs with honey or maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking.
Herb-Infused Ribs: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dry rub for an herby, fragrant flavor profile.
Smoky BBQ Ribs: For a more intense smoky flavor, add liquid smoke to the dry rub or marinate the ribs in a smoky BBQ sauce before air frying.
Side Dish Ideas
Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the ribs.
Baked Beans: Serve the ribs with a side of baked beans for a classic BBQ-style meal.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or air-fried corn on the cob pairs wonderfully with the smoky flavors of the ribs.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad makes a great side dish for ribs, adding a cooling element to the meal.
This Air Fryer Ribs Recipe with Dry Rub is a game-changer for anyone who loves tender, flavorful ribs but doesn’t have hours to spare. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time while still delivering juicy meat and a crispy exterior. The homemade dry rub infuses the ribs with bold flavors, and you can easily customize the spice blend to suit your taste.