Air Fryer BBQ Ribs Recipe
Let’s be real, I live in Kansas City, where BBQ is serious business. Good ribs aren’t optional here. If a recipe can impress in the BBQ capital, you know it’s legit. I've been air frying since 2016, back when folks would side eye a plate of air fryer ribs. Making ribs in the air fryer might sound like a shortcut, but when they’re done right, they’re tender, saucy, and full of flavor, not dry, and certainly not tough. I've done the hard work and testing so you don't have to!
Servings 4 servings
Calories 375kcal
Ingredients
- 1 rack ribs baby back or spare ribs
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke Optional; smoked salt works great, too.
- 2-3 tablespoons pork or BBQ rub I used my Homemade Rub linked in the notes below
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.This is a thin layer that can be tough to remove. Sometimes it will peel right off. You can also cut it, and pull it off. Cut the ribs in half or so the ribs are able to fit in the air fryer.
- Drizzle the liquid smoke over both sides of the ribs.
- Season both sides with the pork rub, salt and pepper.
- Cover the ribs and allow the ribs to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Add the ribs to the air fryer. It is ok to stack the ribs.
- Cook for 15 minutes on 360 degrees.
- Open the air fryer. Flip the ribs. Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove the ribs from the air fryer. Drizzle the ribs with BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 27g