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Air Fryer Country Style Ribs: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

In the world of culinary convenience, the air fryer has made a name for itself as a powerhouse appliance that delivers crispy results without the excess oil. Among the many dishes that can be perfected in this handy gadget, air fryer country style ribs stand out for their rich flavour and tender texture. This delicious recipe is not only simple but is also sure to impress your family or guests at any meal.

What Are Country Style Ribs?

Country style ribs, despite their name, are not actually ribs in the traditional sense. Instead, they are often cut from the shoulder area of the pig, known as the pork shoulder or Boston butt. This cut is well-marbled, making it ideal for slow cooking and high-temperature methods alike. When cooked properly, country style ribs become incredibly tender, bursting with flavour, and perfect for absorbing marinades and spices.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer for country style ribs has several advantages:

1. Quick Cooking: The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
2. Less Fat: Enjoy the crispy texture of fried food without the excess grease. The air fryer circulates hot air, which helps achieve a satisfying crunch on the outside without deep-frying.
3. Ease of Use: With minimal prep and cleanup, making air fryer country style ribs is straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal.

Ingredients

To prepare air fryer country style ribs, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 kg country style ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Your choice of BBQ sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs

Start by patting the country style ribs dry with kitchen paper. This step helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning during cooking.

2. Create the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a paste.

3. Season the Ribs

Rub the marinade thoroughly onto each rib, ensuring they are well coated. For an extra burst of flavour, consider letting the ribs marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight in the fridge.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. This step helps to achieve a perfect, crispy finish on the ribs.

5. Cook the Ribs

Arrange the seasoned ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the ribs for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. For extra caramelisation, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

6. Confirm Doneness

The ideal internal temperature for pork is 70°C (160°F). Use a meat thermometer to check, ensuring the ribs are fully cooked.

7. Serve

Once cooked, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite. Serve your air fryer country style ribs with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Air fryer country style ribs are an easy and mouth-watering dish that showcases the versatility of this innovative kitchen appliance. With minimal effort and time, you can achieve succulent, flavour-packed ribs that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for any casual gathering or weeknight meal, this recipe is destined to become a new favourite in your household. So gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a delightful culinary experience!