For extra tender ribs, consider wrapping them tightly in foil after step 3 and refrigerating for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Adjust cooking times based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the ribs. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read around 190-200°F for optimal tenderness. Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor profile. A smoky BBQ sauce complements the liquid smoke particularly well. If you don't have liquid smoke, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a slightly different, but still delicious, smoky flavor.
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME35 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 20 mins
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SERVING4 People
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VIEWS112
Imagine succulent, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, imbued with smoky sweetness, achieved in under an hour, all thanks to the magic of your air fryer. This recipe transforms a weekend indulgence into a weeknight reality.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate27 g
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Cholesterol88 mg
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Fiber1 g
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Protein18 g
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Saturated Fat9 g
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Sodium1070 mg
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Sugar20 g
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Fat29 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPrepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and discard. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Cut the rack into 4 manageable pieces. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
02
StepInfuse with Smoke: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and liquid smoke. Generously rub this mixture onto both sides of the rib pieces. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
03
StepCreate a Dry Rub: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Evenly coat both sides of the ribs with this flavorful dry rub. (Prep time: 3 minutes)
04
StepRest and Marinate: Allow the ribs to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the dry rub to penetrate and enhance the flavor. (Rest time: 30 minutes)
05
StepPreheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) according to the manufacturer's instructions. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
06
StepAir Fry: Place the ribs in the air fryer basket, bone-side down, ensuring they are not overcrowded (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 15 minutes. (Cook time: 15 minutes)
07
StepFlip and Continue Cooking: Flip the ribs so that the meat-side is down. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes. (Cook time: 10 minutes)
08
StepApply BBQ Sauce (First Layer): Remove the ribs from the air fryer. Brush approximately 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce onto the bone-side of the ribs. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
09
StepAir Fry with Sauce (First Layer): Return the ribs to the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. (Cook time: 5 minutes)
10
StepApply BBQ Sauce (Second Layer): Flip the ribs again, so the meat-side is up. Brush the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce onto the meat-side. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
11
StepFinal Air Fry and Char: Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the ribs reach your desired level of char and the sauce is caramelized. (Cook time: 5 minutes)
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Please Rate
Kayleigh Stamm
May 25, 2025I let the ribs marinate in the dry rub overnight, and they were even better the next day!
Rasheed Hirthe
May 24, 2025I used a different BBQ sauce, and they still turned out great. The recipe is very versatile.
Adam Ebert
Apr 8, 2025The cooking time was spot on. The ribs were perfectly cooked and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Lucinda Ziemann
Mar 2, 2025The dry rub is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. I wouldn't change a thing.
Nellie Marquardt
Dec 27, 2024I was skeptical about air frying ribs, but this recipe proved me wrong! They were amazing.
Maya Lemke
Sep 23, 2024This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! The ribs came out so tender and flavorful.
Kailey Gerlach
Sep 4, 2024My family devoured these ribs! I'll definitely be making them again.
Sterling Mosciski
Jul 2, 2024I added a little cayenne pepper to the rub for an extra kick. Delicious!
Jensen West
May 19, 2024Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.