Sticky BBQ Ribs in the Air Fryer

If you’re craving tender, flavorful BBQ ribs but don’t want to spend hours slow-cooking, your air fryer can be your best friend. This recipe for sticky BBQ ribs delivers all the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors you love in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of baby back ribs (about 1.5-2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for basting)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribs:

• Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This thin layer can be a bit tough when cooked, so it’s best to peel it off. Use a knife to lift the edge of the membrane, then grip it with a paper towel and pull it off in one piece.

2. Season the Ribs:

• In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Rub the olive oil over the ribs, then generously coat the ribs with the spice mixture. Make sure to cover both sides thoroughly.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will ensure the ribs cook evenly.

4. Cook the Ribs:

• Cut the rack of ribs into sections that will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket.
• Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the ribs at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Flip the ribs halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.

5. Add the BBQ Sauce:

• After 20 minutes, remove the ribs from the air fryer. Generously brush the BBQ sauce over both sides of the ribs.
• Return the ribs to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5-7 minutes. This will caramelize the BBQ sauce, making the ribs sticky and flavorful.

6. Rest and Serve:

• Once done, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ribs even more tender.
• Serve the sticky BBQ ribs with extra BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy!

Tips:

• For extra smokiness: Add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce before basting the ribs.
• For a glaze: If you like your ribs extra sticky, you can brush on another layer of BBQ sauce after the final cooking step and let them rest covered in foil for a few minutes.