Introduction
Baby back ribs, revered for their tender, juicy meat and rich flavor, are a staple at barbeques and family dinners. While traditional recipes often involve lengthy grilling or slow-cooking processes, this air fryer method promises the same mouth-watering results with a fraction of the time and effort. Especially for UK home cooks, the air fryer has become a handy kitchen appliance for healthier and quicker meals. In this guide, you’ll learn how to achieve perfectly cooked ribs using your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 rack of baby back ribs (around 1.2kg)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup of your favourite BBQ sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Start by removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This is important for tender ribs and allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat. Use a knife to loosen the membrane at one end and grip it with a paper towel to pull it off completely.
Step 2: Marinate
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Coat the ribs generously with this marinade, ensuring it covers all sides. For the best flavor, let the ribs marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, ideally overnight.
Step 3: Prepping the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). If your air fryer requires preheating, let it run at this temperature for about 3-5 minutes before putting the ribs inside.
Step 4: Cooking
Place the marinated ribs into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cut the rack into smaller sections. Ensure the ribs fit comfortably and avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through. Regularly baste the ribs with your favourite BBQ sauce 10 minutes before the end of cooking to create a sticky, glazed finish.
Step 5: Serving
Once cooked, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat. Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. These succulent ribs pair well with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Ribs
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the ribs in batches if necessary to ensure hot air circulates every part of the rib.
- Experiment with Rubs and Sauces: Feel free to personalize your ribs with different dry rubs and BBQ sauces for varied flavours.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Conclusion
This air fryer baby back ribs recipe offers a quick and easy alternative to traditional methods, promising delicious results with minimal fuss. It’s a testament to how versatile the air fryer can be, delivering tender and flavorful ribs each time. So next time you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving some ribs, whip out your air fryer and try this simple yet rewarding recipe!