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Crispy Air Fryer Ribs Recipe Easy Savory Dry Rub for Perfect BBQ

crispy air fryer ribs - featured image

This recipe delivers tender, juicy pork ribs with a crispy crust using a simple savory dry rub and an air fryer. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners without the need for a grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground preferred
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs using a paper towel to grip and pull it off gently (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well blended (less than 3 minutes).
  3. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels, brush lightly with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the ribs bone-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping. Watch closely after 20 minutes to avoid burning.
  6. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer aiming for 190°F (88°C) internal temperature or look for meat pulling back from the bone. Cook an additional 3-5 minutes if needed.
  7. Remove ribs from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Optional: Brush BBQ sauce on ribs during the last 3 minutes of cooking for a saucier finish.

Notes

Remove silver skin for tenderness. Use olive oil to help rub stick and crisp ribs. Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket. Flip ribs halfway through cooking. Rest ribs after cooking for juicy meat. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste. For a saucier finish, add BBQ sauce in last 3 minutes. Leftovers can be reheated in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer ribs, crispy ribs, dry rub ribs, easy BBQ ribs, pork ribs recipe, weeknight dinner, savory ribs