🍖 Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Description
Fall-apart tender baby back ribs made right in the air fryer. Perfectly seasoned, juicy inside, slightly crispy outside — no grill or smoker needed.
⏱️ Time
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Cook: 35–40 minutes
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Total: ~50 minutes
🍽️ Servings
2–3 servings
🛒 Ingredients
Ribs
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1 rack baby back ribs (about 1½–2 lbs)
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1 tbsp olive oil
Dry Rub
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp brown sugar (optional)
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¼ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional)
Optional
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¼–½ cup BBQ sauce (for glazing at the end)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ribs
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Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (important for tenderness).
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Cut ribs into sections that fit your air fryer basket.
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Rub ribs with olive oil.
Step 2: Season
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Mix all dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
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Rub seasoning generously over both sides of the ribs.
Step 3: Air Fry (Low & Slow First)
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F (177°C).
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Place ribs meat-side down in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
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Cook for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Flip & Finish
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Flip ribs meat-side up.
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Cook another 15–20 minutes, until tender and cooked through.
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Internal temperature should reach 190–203°F for tender ribs.
Step 5: Sauce (Optional)
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Brush ribs with BBQ sauce.
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Increase temperature to 380°F.
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Cook 3–5 minutes until sauce is sticky and caramelized.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Coleslaw
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Corn on the cob
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Roasted potatoes
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Simple green salad
❓ Q & A (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Do ribs really get tender in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Cooking them at a lower temp first allows them to tenderize before crisping.
Q: Do I have to remove the membrane?
A: Highly recommended. Leaving it on makes ribs chewy and tough.
Q: Can I use spare ribs instead?
A: You can, but they’re thicker and need 5–10 extra minutes of cooking time.
Q: Why are my ribs dry?
A: Possible reasons:
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Cooked too hot too fast
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Overcooked
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Not enough oil or seasoning
Low-and-slow first is the key.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Cook fully, refrigerate up to 3 days, then reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Q: Can I make them without BBQ sauce?
A: Absolutely. They’re delicious with just the dry rub.
Q: How do I make them spicy?
A: Add:
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Extra cayenne
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Smoked chipotle powder
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Hot BBQ sauce