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.