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The Best Air Fryer BBQ Ribs: A Perfectly Tender Treat

There’s nothing quite like the tantalising aroma of BBQ ribs wafting through the air. Traditionally cooked low and slow on a barbecue or in an oven, these succulent cuts can, surprisingly, be made in your air fryer with ease and delicious results. If you’re a fan of tender meat coated in rich, sticky sauce, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll explore how to achieve the best air fryer BBQ ribs, ensuring a delightful meal for any occasion.

Why Air Fry Ribs?

Air fryers are fantastic kitchen gadgets that use hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy texture similar to frying but with significantly less oil. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making BBQ ribs in your air fryer:

1. Speed: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional methods, making it easy to enjoy BBQ ribs without waiting for hours.

2. Less Mess: Say goodbye to the BBQ grill clean-up. The air fryer contains splatter and is easier to clean.

3. Tender Meat: The airflow in an air fryer can help to render fat and break down connective tissues, resulting in tender, juicy ribs.

4. Versatility: You can experiment with flavours and cooking times to achieve your perfect rib.

Ingredients

To whip up a batch of delicious air fryer BBQ ribs, you will need the following:

• 1 rack of baby back ribs (or spare ribs, if preferred)
• BBQ rub (store-bought or homemade)
• Your favourite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Homemade BBQ Rub (optional)

If you’d like to make your own BBQ rub, here’s a simple recipe:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and save for seasoning the ribs.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get down to cooking your air fryer BBQ ribs.

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

1. Remove the Membrane: Start by flipping the ribs over and peeling off the silver skin (membrane) on the bone side. This helps the rub penetrate the meat and makes it more tender.

2. Season the Ribs: Pat the ribs dry with kitchen towel. Rub salt and pepper all over, followed by your BBQ rub. Ensure even coverage for maximum flavour.

Step 2: Cook the Ribs

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F).

2. Arrange the Ribs: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cut the ribs into smaller sections to fit. Place them in the basket with the meat side facing up.

3. Air Fry: Cook the ribs for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. This will help them cook evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Sauce Them Up

1. Glaze with BBQ Sauce: After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ribs from the air fryer. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on both sides.

2. Final Crisp: Return the sauced ribs to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 200°C (392°F) to caramelise the sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the ribs are beautifully caramelised and sticky, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Cut between the bones into individual servings and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side, along with your favourite sides—think coleslaw, corn on the cob, or potato salad.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer BBQ Ribs

• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. If necessary, cook the ribs in batches.

• Adjust Cooking Time: Different air fryers have varying power levels. Keep an eye on your ribs during cooking to avoid overcooking.

• Experiment with Flavours: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different marinades, rubs, and sauces to create your unique twist on BBQ ribs.

Conclusion

Air fryer BBQ ribs are a game-changer for anyone craving tender, flavourful ribs without the lengthy cook time. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal that will impress friends and family alike. So, grab your air fryer and get started on this delightful culinary adventure—you’ll be savouring the results in no time!

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