Description
This easy Air Fryer Ribs recipe delivers tender, flavorful baby back ribs with a perfect smoky BBQ crust. Using an air fryer speeds up the cooking process while locking in juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat. Marinated with yellow mustard and a BBQ seasoning rub, then finished with your favorite barbecue sauce, these ribs are an effortless crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ribs
- 1 rack baby back ribs
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
- ¼ cup BBQ seasoning
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure tenderness. Then, cut the rack into 4 pieces for easier handling and cooking.
- Season and marinate: Place each rib piece on two sheets of heavy-duty foil. Spread yellow mustard evenly over both sides of each rib piece. Generously apply the BBQ seasoning rub on the front and back, gently patting it so the rub adheres well. Wrap each piece tightly with the foil. For best flavor, let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight. If short on time, you can skip the marinating step.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Place the wrapped rib pieces into the air fryer basket, slightly overlapping if needed, to maximize space without crowding.
- Cook the ribs: Set the air fryer to 375ºF and cook the ribs for 45 to 60 minutes. The ribs are done when the internal temperature reaches between 180°F and 190°F, ensuring tender, fully cooked meat.
- Apply barbecue sauce: Carefully remove the ribs from the air fryer and unwrap the foil. Brush BBQ sauce generously on all sides of the ribs.
- Finish in the air fryer: Return the ribs to the air fryer and cook uncovered at 400ºF for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce and add a sticky glaze.
Notes
- Removing the membrane is key to tender ribs; use a paper towel for better grip.
- Heavy-duty foil prevents the ribs from drying out during cooking.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of your rib pieces and air fryer model.
- You can substitute yellow mustard with Dijon or spicy mustard for different flavor nuances.
- Leftover ribs can be reheated in the air fryer at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes.
