🍖 BBQ Ribs in an Air Fryer
Serves: 2–3
Time: ~35–45 minutes
Mood: cozy, proud, “I cheated the system”
🧺 Ingredients
The Ribs
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1 rack pork ribs (baby back work best in air fryer)
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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¾ tsp salt
The Sauce
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½ cup BBQ sauce
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Regular: bold & sticky
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Sugar-free or light: lower points / lighter finish
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Optional Extras
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Pinch of cayenne (heat)
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Apple cider vinegar (brightness)
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Honey or brown sugar (adds points but slaps)
👩🍳 How to Make It
1. Prep the ribs
Remove the membrane from the back if it’s still on.
Pat ribs dry.
Mix spices and rub all over the ribs.
2. Preheat the air fryer
Set to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
3. First cook (tenderizing)
Cut ribs into sections so they fit.
Wrap loosely in foil.
Air fry at 350°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Sauce & crisp
Unwrap ribs and brush generously with BBQ sauce.
Return to air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping once, until sticky and caramelized.
5. Rest
Let ribs sit 5 minutes before serving.
⭐ Why This Works (Points)
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Foil step = tender meat
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High heat finish = sticky crust
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No grill, no oven, no waiting all day
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Easy to control sauce = control points
🍽 How People Actually Eat These
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Standing at the counter
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With paper towels instead of plates
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Fighting over the last rib
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With corn, slaw, or nothing at all
❓ Q & A (Air Fryer Reality)
Q: What ribs work best?
Baby back ribs cook faster and fit better than spare ribs.
Q: Can I skip foil?
You can, but ribs won’t be as tender. Foil is worth it.
Q: Why aren’t my ribs fall-apart soft?
Air fryers cook fast, not slow. These are tender with bite, not slow-smoked ribs.
Q: Can I use frozen ribs?
Not recommended. Thaw fully for even cooking.
Q: How do I lower Weight Watchers points?
Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and lean baby back ribs. Sauce is where points hide.
Q: How do I know they’re done?
Meat pulls back from the bone and reaches 145°F+ internally.
🔥 Variations
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Spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce
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Sweet heat: Honey + chili flakes
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Dry rub only: Skip sauce, crisp longer
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Asian-style: Hoisin + soy + garlic.