Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Ready in about 43 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs are surprisingly achievable in the air fryer, which renders and crisps them while keeping the meat tender. A dry rub and a late glaze deliver proper barbecue flavour indoors.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- 150 ml barbecue sauce
Method
- 1Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat dry.
- 2Rub all over with the sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- 3Cut the rack to fit and preheat the air fryer to 180°C/360°F.
- 4Cook 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender.
- 5Brush with barbecue sauce for the last 5 minutes and check they reach around 88°C/190°F.
- 6Rest 5 minutes, then slice between the bones.
Tips for the best results
- Pulling off the silvery membrane makes the ribs far more tender.
- Curl the rack around the basket if it is too long to lie flat.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer baby back ribs steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs is ready at 88°C / 190°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer baby back ribs?
A typical starting point is 180°C / 360°F for 25-30 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer baby back ribs is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs should reach 88°C / 190°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer baby back ribs serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.
Can I use spare ribs instead?
Yes, but spare ribs are meatier and need a little longer to become tender.