Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Baby Back Pork Ribs

There’s nothing quite like tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs—especially when they’re made effortlessly in the air fryer! This recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, juicy ribs with a slightly crispy exterior, all in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort, these air fryer ribs are a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Fast & Easy – No need for hours of slow cooking; the air fryer delivers tender ribs in record time.
✅ Perfectly Spiced – A balanced dry rub with smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.
✅ Crispy Yet Juicy – The air fryer locks in moisture while giving a delicious caramelized crust.
✅ Minimal Cleanup – No grill or oven mess—just a simple air fryer basket to clean.

Ingredients

  • 1 rack of high-quality baby back pork ribs
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.

2. Prepare the Ribs

  • Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness. (Tip: Slide a butter knife under the membrane, grip it with a paper towel, and peel it off in one piece.)
  • Pat the ribs dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better.

3. Make the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, mix:

  • Paprika
  • Brown sugar
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper

4. Season the Ribs

Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Air Fry the Ribs

  • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray.
  • Place the ribs in the basket (cut the rack in half if needed to fit).
  • Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. Optional Crispy Finish

For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes.

7. Rest & Serve

  • Let the ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps them juicy.
  • Slice between the bones and serve with your favorite BBQ sauce (optional) or enjoy as-is!

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ribs

🔹 Check Doneness – Ribs are ready when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the meat pulls away from the bones easily.
🔹 Adjust Spice Level – Reduce cayenne if you prefer milder ribs, or add more for extra heat.
🔹 Sauce Option – Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes for sticky, caramelized ribs.

These air fryer baby back ribs are a foolproof way to enjoy restaurant-quality ribs at home—no grill or smoker required! The dry rub creates a flavorful crust, while the air fryer ensures juicy, tender meat every time.