How Long to Cook Beef Short Ribs in Air Fryer

How Long to Cook Beef Short Ribs in an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Beef short ribs are a flavorful, indulgent cut of meat that can transform any meal into something special. Traditionally, they’re braised or slow-cooked for hours to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. But what if you’re short on time? Enter the air fryer—a game-changer for cooking beef short ribs quickly while still delivering juicy, tender results with a crispy exterior. If you’re wondering how long it takes to cook beef short ribs in an air fryer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from prep to plate, with practical tips to ensure success.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Beef Short Ribs?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist. For beef short ribs, this means you can achieve a caramelized, slightly charred exterior without the long cooking times of traditional methods. Plus, it’s a healthier option since you use minimal oil compared to pan-frying or deep-frying. The air fryer is also a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking bone-in English-cut ribs or flanken-style short ribs, the air fryer delivers in a fraction of the time.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

The time it takes to cook beef short ribs in an air fryer depends on several factors:

• Cut of Short Ribs: English-cut short ribs are thicker (1-2 inches) with meat on top of the bone, while flanken-cut ribs are thinner (about ½ inch) and sliced across the bone. Thinner flanken ribs cook faster, while English-cut ribs need more time to reach tenderness.
• Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in ribs take slightly longer to cook due to the bone’s density, but they add extra flavor. Boneless ribs cook faster but can dry out if overcooked.
• Air Fryer Model: Different air fryers have varying wattage and basket sizes, which can affect cooking times. Higher-wattage models may cook faster, so always check your ribs for doneness.
• Desired Doneness: For tender, juicy short ribs, aim for an internal temperature of 195-205°F. This ensures the connective tissues break down, giving you that sought-after tenderness.

How Long to Cook Beef Short Ribs in an Air Fryer

Here’s a breakdown of approximate cooking times based on the type of short ribs and air fryer settings. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature, as this is the most reliable way to ensure your ribs are cooked perfectly.

• English-Cut Bone-In Short Ribs: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F. If you want extra tenderness, you can cook at a lower temperature (325°F) for 25-35 minutes, checking periodically.
• Flanken-Cut Bone-In Short Ribs: These thinner ribs cook faster. Preheat to 400°F and air fry for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature hits 190-200°F. For medium-rare, aim for 7-8 minutes; for medium, go for 9-10 minutes.
• Boneless Short Ribs: Preheat to 400°F and cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on thickness (¾-inch to thick). Flip halfway and check for an internal temperature of 165-195°F, depending on your preferred doneness.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the ribs in a single layer with space between them for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Air Fryer Beef Short Ribs

Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe for English-cut bone-in beef short ribs that serves 2-4 people. It’s inspired by classic techniques but adapted for the air fryer’s speed and convenience.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs English-cut beef short ribs (bone-in)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (optional, for glazing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs: Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior. If the ribs have a silver membrane on the back, peel it off using a knife and paper towel for better seasoning absorption.
2. Season: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the mixture generously over all sides of the ribs. For deeper flavor, let the ribs sit with the seasoning in the fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 4-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a good sear.
4. Cook the Ribs: Place the ribs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, bone-side down. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 195-205°F for tender ribs. If using barbecue sauce, brush it on during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a caramelized glaze.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or air fryer roasted vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Short Ribs

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a Korean-inspired twist, marinate the ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with bold flavors. Check out this Korean-style marinade recipe for inspiration.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Short ribs can be tough if undercooked. A reliable instant-read thermometer, like one from ThermoWorks, ensures you hit the perfect internal temperature.
• Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping the ribs halfway through cooking promotes even browning and prevents one side from drying out.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Try a dry rub with brown sugar for sweetness or gochugaru for a spicy Korean kick. You can also use a store-bought barbecue rub for convenience.
• Resting is Key: Letting the ribs rest after cooking keeps them juicy. Cutting into them too soon can cause the juices to escape, leaving you with drier meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Basket: Too many ribs packed together will steam rather than crisp. Cook in batches if needed.
• Skipping the Thermometer: Guessing doneness can lead to tough or overcooked ribs. Always check the internal temperature.
• Using Too Much Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil is enough to help seasonings stick and promote browning. Too much oil can make the ribs greasy.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer beef short ribs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a hearty meal, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or coleslaw. If you’re going for a low-carb option, try roasted cauliflower or a fresh green salad. For a Korean-style meal, pair with sticky rice and kimchi, as suggested by I Heart Umami. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless short ribs? Yes, boneless short ribs work well in the air fryer. They cook faster—typically 7-10 minutes at 400°F—depending on thickness. Check for an internal temperature of at least 165°F for medium doneness.

Will air fryer short ribs be as tender as slow-cooked ribs? While air fryer ribs won’t be quite as fall-off-the-bone as slow-cooked ribs, they can still be incredibly tender and juicy if cooked to the right internal temperature (195-205°F). Marinating and resting also help.

Can I use foil in the air fryer? Yes, you can wrap ribs in foil for part of the cooking time to keep them moist, then unwrap for the last few minutes to crisp the exterior. Just ensure the foil doesn’t block air circulation.

Final Thoughts

Cooking beef short ribs in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this rich, flavorful cut without the long wait of traditional methods. Whether you’re using English-cut or flanken-cut ribs, bone-in or boneless, the key is to season generously, cook to the right internal temperature, and let the ribs rest before serving. With cooking times ranging from 6-20 minutes depending on the cut, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. So, fire up your air fryer, grab some short ribs, and get ready to impress your taste buds!