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I am sure by now you are well aware of how much I love my air fryer.
It isn’t your typical air fryer with an air fryer basket, it has racks that allow you to dehydrate foods, warm things up, as well as make air fryer recipes and so much more.
This is the perfect air fryer for cooking sides of ribs in a single layer or even individual ribs or if you prefer, spare ribs.
You can use my dry rub or even just use your favorite BBQ sauce for this easy recipe.
Cooking a rack of ribs has never been easier.
Who would have thought that you could cook tender ribs so easily?
Although this post sounds like a sales pitch for the air fryer company, I promise it is not.
While I have worked with this company many years ago, I am under no obligation to say nice things about them or even mention them.
I do it because I truly love this product and have tried many other air fryers, none of them could compare to the versatility and ease of this air fryer.
Ok, enough about my borderline inappropriate love for kitchen appliances, let’s get to the easy recipe.
What You Will Need to Make Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
When making these air fryer baby back ribs you will need the following ingredients:
- Baby Back Ribs
- Garlic Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Italian Seasoning
- Onion Powder
- Your Favorite BBQ Sauce or mine
Personally, I like to keep my recipes low carb whenever possible so I avoid sugars when picking out a BBQ sauce.
So far my favorite keto-approved bbq sauce is this sugar-free bbq sauce.
It’s kinda pricey on Amazon but you can pick it up pretty cheap at most grocery stores so I would suggest clicking over to see which one it is and then putting it on your grocery list to save some money.
If you want to use a BBQ sauce with sugar, whether it be brown sugar or white, you won’t have to adjust the recipe although sometimes the sugars can make the edges crispy.
Personally, I like it when that happens but even without the sugar, this BBQ sauce does a good job of leaving a nice texture.
How to Make Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
To make air fryer baby back ribs the first thing you will need to do is cut the silver skin off of the back of the ribs.
Be sure to rinse the ribs well after you are done removing the fat and then dry them off. I usually use a clean hand towel or paper towel to pat them dry.
The next step is to wrap the ribs in foil after seasoning them and adding the barbecue sauce.
I set my power air fryer at 300 and cook the ribs for a total of 2 to about 2 and a half hours.
This usually depends on the thickness of the ribs and how crisp I want the outside to be.
I cook for about 1 hour and then flip them, then cook for another hour.
I then take them out, add more barbecue sauce, and remove the top layer of foil to give the outside layer a little bit of a crust. This usually only takes about 20- 30 minutes.
You can turn up the heat to make this part quicker or raise the rack to place the ribs near the heating element.
This will do a pretty quick job of crisping up the outside so be sure to watch it and make sure it doesn’t burn.
Be sure to check the recipe card below for simple directions and instructions on the cooking process.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Using a meat thermometer is a good way to make sure your ribs reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
For best results when you have a new air fryer, cooking at a lower temperature will prevent overcooking and allow you to make notes for next time.
I always enjoy juicy ribs and cook extra time if needed but once you cook at too high of a temperature, it can be hard to save the recipe.
Starting at a lower temperature until you get used to your air fryer is the best way to figure out the proper amount of time for the best air fryer BBQ ribs.
Once your ribs are cooked all the way through, you can add additional BBQ sauce and pop them back in for another ten minutes or so to get a crisp on the meat side.
Side Dishes that Go Great with Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Some of my favorite recipes for side dishes to serve with beef ribs, baby back ribs, and country-style ribs, are air fryer corn and twice-baked potatoes.
I also enjoy serving mashed potatoes or onion rings.
There is a trend with my side dish choices for easy air fryer ribs, they are all high in carbs.
Since I have been following a low-carb diet, these days I serve a salad with my air fryer baby back ribs topped with this easy vinaigrette dressing.
I also enjoy a side of cauliflower mashed potatoes or baked cauliflower mac and cheese.
So many things pair well with this easy air fryer recipe, so the possibilities are endless.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you are looking for more recipes to make in your air fryer besides the best air fryer ribs, you may enjoy these easy keto chicken wings that are also made in the air fryer.
If you are looking for a lunch recipe for your air fryer, this post shows you how to make the healthiest lunch meat in the air fryer.
Another low-carb favorite recipe of mine is this crispy air fryer zucchini chips recipe.
Another low-carb favorite is this recipe for super easy low-carb crackers, this recipe can easily be made in an air fryer or in the oven. I also enjoy these air fryer banana chips.
Unfortunately, they aren’t easy to fit into a low carb diet but they do go well in trail mix. But if you are looking for a cheat day meal, this BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos Recipe will hit the spot.
I hope you enjoyed learning how I made these BBQ Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs.
Don’t forget to leave me a comment letting me know your thoughts on this easy air fryer recipe.
Also, be sure to follow along on social media as well as sign up for the free newsletter so that you never miss a post again.
BBQ Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Ingredients
- Ribs
- 1 Tablespoon of Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Italian Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon of Onion Powder
- Your Favorite BBQ Sauce (enough to slather the ribs)
Instructions
To make air fryer baby back ribs the first thing you will need to do is cut the silver skin off of the back of the ribs. Be sure to rinse the ribs well after you are done removing the fat and then dry them off. I usually use a clean hand towel or paper towel to pat them dry. The next step is to wrap the ribs in foil after seasoning them and adding the barbecue sauce.
I set my power air fryer at 300 and cook the ribs for a total of 2 to about 2 and a half hours. This usually depends on the thickness of the ribs and how crisp I want the outside to be. I cook for about 1 hour and then flip them, then cook for another hour.
I then take them out, add more barbecue sauce and remove the top layer of foil to give the outside layer a little bit of a crust. This usually only takes about 20- 30 minutes. You can turn up the heat to make this part quicker or raise the rack to place the ribs near the heating element. This will do a pretty quick job of crisping up the outside so be sure to watch it and make sure it doesn't burn.
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.
Just Juan
Wednesday 8th of December 2021
I just purchased an air fryer when I moved to Colombia this past summer. I'm finding it quite amazing the types of foods that can be prepared in them. Baby back ribs -- or any kind of ribs for that matter -- are certainly amongst those I wouldn't have guessed.
Melissa Cushing
Sunday 5th of December 2021
I am loving this recipe and am always on the hunt for air fryer recipes ;) Defintley making this recipe soon and I pinned as it looks so good!
Jupiter Hadley
Saturday 4th of December 2021
I did not know that you could make ribs in an air fryer! These sound so good.
Kat
Friday 3rd of December 2021
God bless air fryers! and thank you so much for this recipe! i will try this with your sauce I'm sure it will be perfect!
Natasha Mairs
Friday 3rd of December 2021
My husband would just love these. I really need to get myself an air fryer, seen so many good recipes using one.