Hey y'all! Craving fall-off-the-bone, juicy ribs but don't want to fire up the grill or wait for hours? These Air Fryer Country Style Ribs are your answer! With a crispy exterior, tender inside, and loads of smoky flavor, they're perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or family gatherings. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Country Style Ribs Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Delivers mouthwatering, tender, and juicy ribs every time.
- No need for a grill or smoker—enjoy BBQ flavor year-round.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy dinner for two.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
- 2 pounds country style pork ribs (boneless or bone-in)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
How to Make Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, pat the ribs dry with paper towels and rub them all over with olive oil.
Step 2: Season the Ribs
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the ribs and rub it in well on all sides.
Step 3: Air Fry the Ribs
Arrange the seasoned ribs in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce & Finish Cooking
Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce, then air fry at 400°F (204°C) for an additional 5-7 minutes until caramelized and the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F (88°C) for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before serving, so the juices redistribute and every bite is extra juicy.
Notes for Making the Best Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
- For extra flavor, marinate the ribs in the spice rub for up to 2 hours before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even crisping. Learn more about proper air fryer techniques.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer for best results—country style ribs are most tender above 190°F (88°C).
Variations of Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
- Asian-Inspired: Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki or hoisin sauce and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Spicy Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning in the rub and finish with a spicy hot sauce glaze.
- Honey Garlic: Mix honey and minced garlic into your BBQ sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
Required Equipment
- Air fryer (at least 5-quart capacity recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Always check food safety guidelines from USDA for proper storage.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pair with creamy coleslaw and cornbread for a classic BBQ meal.
- Serve alongside roasted potatoes, mac & cheese, or grilled veggies.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
- Cut ribs into similar sizes for even cooking—this ensures juicy, uniform results.
- Baste with extra BBQ sauce halfway through for deeper flavor and sticky caramelization.
- Let ribs rest before slicing to keep all those flavorful juices inside. Find more expert advice at Simply Recipes.
FAQ: Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
- Can I use boneless or bone-in country style ribs?
- Both work great! Boneless cook a bit faster, but bone-in adds extra flavor and juiciness.
- Do I need to flip the ribs while air frying?
- Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and deliciously crispy edges.
- What's the best BBQ sauce for air fryer country style ribs?
- Go with your favorite! Sweet, smoky, or spicy—whatever suits your taste buds. Try making your own for a personal touch!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 pounds country style pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
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2Pat the country style pork ribs dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil.
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3In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the ribs.
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4Arrange the seasoned ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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5Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the ribs are caramelized and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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6Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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