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30-Minute Tender Air Fryer Ribs with Barbecue Sauce

If you believe that succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs require hours of cooking, it’s time to think again. With the magic of an air fryer, you can achieve tender ribs in just 30 minutes, infusing them with delightful barbecue flavour. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Ribs:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork baby back ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Barbecue Sauce:

• 240 ml (1 cup) of your favourite barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Aluminium foil
• Basting brush
• Kitchen scissors or sharp knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs
   Start by removing the silver skin from the back of the ribs. This thin membrane can prevent the ribs from absorbing flavour, so it’s best to take it off. Use a sharp knife to gently lift an edge and then pull it off, using a paper towel for grip if necessary.

2. Season the Ribs
   In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, if using. Rub this spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavours.

3. Prepare the Air Fryer
   Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). While it heats, you can prepare the ribs and barbecue sauce.

4. Cook the Ribs
   Cut the ribs into smaller sections if needed, so they fit comfortably in the air fryer basket. Place the ribs in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded, as this can affect cooking time.

   Cook the ribs for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes. This will give you beautifully crispy edges and tender meat.

5. Glaze with Barbecue Sauce
   While the ribs are cooking, prepare the barbecue sauce by mixing the barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.

   After the total cooking time of 25 minutes, carefully remove the ribs from the air fryer. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs.

6. Final Crisp
   Return the sauced ribs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes at the same temperature. This will create a deliciously sticky glaze.

7. Serve
   Once done, carefully take the ribs out of the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them up. Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side and perhaps some coleslaw or potato wedges for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Ribs

• Thickness Matters: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the ribs. Always ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for pork.

• Resting Time: Letting the ribs rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, making for an even more tender bite.

• Extra Flavour: For an extra depth of flavour, consider marinating the ribs overnight in the refrigerator with your spice rub or even the barbecue sauce.

With this 30-minute air fryer ribs recipe, you can enjoy the indulgence of barbecue ribs without the lengthy wait. Perfectly seasoned and beautifully glazed, these ribs will surely impress family and friends alike. Grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy tender, flavourful ribs in no time!

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