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How to Air Fry Baby Back Pork Ribs

Air frying is a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, succulent dishes with less oil than traditional frying methods. Baby back pork ribs are a beloved choice for barbecues and family meals, and cooking them in an air fryer offers a quick and convenient alternative to slow-roasting or grilling. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to achieve tender, flavour-packed baby back ribs in your air fryer.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 1 rack of baby back pork ribs (about 1-2 kg)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your favourite dry rub or spice blend (e.g., paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper)
• Barbecue sauce (optional)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Aluminium foil (optional)
• Basting brush (if using barbecue sauce)

Preparing the Ribs

1. Select and Prepare the Ribs

Choose a fresh rack of baby back ribs from your butcher or supermarket. Ensure that they are of good quality, ideally with a healthy layer of meat and marbling for flavour.

2. Remove the Membrane

Before seasoning, it’s best to remove the membrane on the back of the ribs. This thin, tough skin can prevent seasonings from penetrating the meat and can result in a less tender bite. Insert a knife under the membrane at one end of the rib rack and gently lift it away. Use a paper towel for a better grip and pull it off in one piece where possible.

3. Season the Ribs

Rub the ribs with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Generously season with salt and pepper, followed by your chosen dry rub. Massage the spices into the meat, making sure they are well distributed. For the best flavour, consider letting the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or preferably overnight.

Air Frying the Ribs

4. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. This helps create an optimal environment for cooking and achieves that crispy texture.

5. Prepare the Ribs for Air Frying

Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the ribs in half to ensure they fit comfortably. Make sure the ribs are not overcrowded, as this will inhibit airflow and result in uneven cooking.

6. Air Fry the Ribs

Cook the ribs in the air fryer for approximately 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the ribs to ensure they cook evenly. If you’d like to add barbecue sauce for a glazed finish, brush it on during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

7. Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 71°C (160°F). The meat should be tender and separate easily from the bone.

Serving Suggestions

Carefully remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender meat. Serve your delicious air-fried baby back ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side and a selection of sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked potatoes.

Conclusion

Air frying is a game-changer for cooking baby back pork ribs, providing a quick and easy way to achieve delicious results. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can enjoy tender, flavourful ribs without the need for extensive marinating or long cooking times. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, air-fried ribs are sure to impress. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to dig into a plate of mouth-watering baby back ribs!