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Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

Hey y'all! If you're craving fall-off-the-bone, juicy air fryer ribs with a smoky BBQ rub, you've landed in the right spot. This easy recipe brings out mouthwatering flavors and tender texture using just your air fryer—no grill required! Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or when you want barbecue without the fuss. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Enjoy delicious ribs in under an hour, no oven or grill needed.
  • Perfectly juicy results with a caramelized, smoky BBQ crust every time.
  • Minimal prep and mess, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Customizable rub—just adjust the spices to your taste!
  • Great for gatherings, family dinners, or a special weekend treat.

Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub: Ingredients List

  • 1 rack pork baby back ribs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

1. Prep the Ribs

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness. Here’s a guide from Serious Eats.
  2. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  3. Cut the rack in half or thirds so it fits snugly in your air fryer basket.

2. Apply the BBQ Rub

  1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne (if using).
  2. Rub olive oil all over the ribs, then massage the BBQ rub generously onto both sides of the meat.

3. Air Fry the Ribs

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Place ribs in the basket, meaty side down (work in batches if needed).
  3. Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Brush ribs with BBQ sauce and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5-8 minutes, until caramelized and sticky.

4. Rest and Serve

  1. Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing into individual pieces.
  2. Serve hot, drizzled with more BBQ sauce if you like!

Notes for Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

  • Remove the silver skin on the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness (see how at Kingsford).
  • Every air fryer cooks a bit differently—check doneness by ensuring ribs are tender and reach at least 190°F internal temperature (see USDA guidelines).
  • If your air fryer is small, work in batches so ribs cook evenly.
Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub: Variations

  • Sweet Heat: Add 1 tablespoon honey to your BBQ sauce for a sweet and spicy glaze.
  • Keto/Low-Carb: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and swap brown sugar for a keto-friendly substitute.
  • Asian-Inspired: Substitute BBQ rub with five-spice powder and brush with hoisin sauce.

Required Equipment for Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

  • Air fryer (large basket recommended)
  • Tongs
  • Basting brush
  • Sharp knife
  • Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup, optional)

Storage Instructions for Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

  • Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
  • For longer storage, freeze cooked ribs (wrapped in foil) for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat as above.

Serving Suggestions for Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

  • Serve with creamy coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled veggies.
  • Pair with classic cornbread or baked beans for a true BBQ experience.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Pro Tips for Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

  • Let the ribs marinate in the rub for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor (learn more about marinating here).
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—this ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
  • For extra juicy ribs, wrap in foil and rest for 10 minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute.

FAQ: Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes since spare ribs are thicker.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs should be tender, and the internal temperature should read at least 190°F for best texture.
Can I cook frozen ribs in the air fryer?
It's best to thaw ribs before air frying for even cooking and maximum juiciness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

★★★★★ 4.20 from 200 ratings

Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 35 mins
total: 50 mins
These juicy air fryer ribs are coated in a flavorful BBQ rub and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Enjoy tender, smoky ribs in less than an hour—perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Juicy Air Fryer Ribs with BBQ Rub

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork baby back ribs
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and cut the rack into sections that fit your air fryer basket.
  2. 2
    In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder to make the BBQ rub.
  3. 3
    Rub the ribs with olive oil, then generously coat all sides with the BBQ rub.
  4. 4
    Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the ribs in a single layer in the basket.
  5. 5
    Air fry the ribs for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meat is tender and cooked through.
  6. 6
    Brush with BBQ sauce if desired and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480cal
Protein: 32 gg
Fat: 32 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 18 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

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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