How Long to Cook Country Style Ribs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Country Style Ribs are mouthwateringly delicious! With the magic of the air fryer, you can achieve tender, juicy, and crisp ribs – all without spending hours cooking over a grill or in the oven. Plus, they are super easy to make. All you need is some simple ingredients, including your favorite BBQ sauce. Even if the weather isn’t cooperating or your grill is buried under a mountain of snow, you can still enjoy delicious, smoky ribs thanks to the air fryer. And on top of all that, country style ribs are very affordable, which is a major bonus in these times of rising food prices. Take advantage of this tasty and budget-friendly family dinner – learn how to make it in the air fryer today!

Understanding Country Style Ribs

Country style ribs aren’t your typical ribs. Unlike baby back or spare ribs, which come from the rib cage, country style ribs are cut from the shoulder or blade end of the pork loin, near where the shoulder meets the loin. This makes them meatier and often fattier, with a rich, marbled texture that’s perfect for air frying. They can be bone-in or boneless, but boneless varieties are often preferred for air fryer recipes because they cook more evenly and quickly. The higher fat content ensures they stay juicy, and the air fryer’s high heat creates a crispy, caramelized exterior that mimics the grill without the hassle. For a deeper dive into pork cuts, check out Pork.org’s guide to pork cuts.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air fryers are a game-changer for cooking country style ribs. They circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Unlike traditional grilling or oven-baking, which can take hours, air fryers cut cooking time to under 30 minutes. They’re also ideal for year-round cooking—no need to brave the cold or heat to fire up a grill. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since there’s no greasy grill to scrub. The air fryer’s compact size means you might need to cook in batches, but the speed and ease make it worthwhile. Another bonus? Air frying uses less oil than traditional methods, making it a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make air fryer country style ribs, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Start with to 2 pounds of country style pork ribs, preferably boneless for even cooking. You’ll also need a dry rub and BBQ sauce. A simple homemade rub can include:

• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional, for a kick)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)

For the BBQ sauce, choose your favorite store-bought brand or make your own. The Kitchn’s homemade BBQ sauce recipe is a great option for a sweet and tangy glaze. You’ll also need cooking spray (olive or avocado oil works well) to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to cook country style ribs in the air fryer to perfection:

1. Prep the Ribs: Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crispy exterior. If there’s a membrane on the ribs, remove it for better flavor absorption. Trim any excess fat, but leave some for juiciness. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Season: Mix your dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning generously over all sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat to ensure it adheres. For extra flavor, you can marinate the ribs in the rub for 1-2 hours in the fridge, but this is optional.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360-380°F (182-193°C). Preheating for 3-5 minutes ensures consistent cooking. Spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Ribs: Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. If necessary, cook in batches to allow proper air circulation. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping the ribs halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—aim for 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, but for fall-off-the-bone tenderness, target 185-195°F (85-90°C).
5. Add BBQ Sauce: Once the ribs reach the desired temperature, brush them lightly with BBQ sauce. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Be careful not to apply the sauce too early, as it can burn due to the high heat.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side and your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or air fryer sweet potato fries.

Tips for Perfect Ribs

• Choose the Right Ribs: Opt for ribs that are roughly the same size for even cooking. Boneless ribs cook faster, but bone-in ribs can add extra flavor. If using bone-in, place them bone-side-up first to ensure the meaty side gets maximum crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Proper airflow is crucial in an air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if needed and keep finished ribs warm in a low oven (200°F).
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure doneness. The USDA recommends 145°F for pork, but country style ribs are more tender at higher temperatures (185-195°F). USDA’s safe cooking guidelines are a reliable resource.
• Customize the Flavor: Experiment with rubs and sauces. Add cumin or smoked paprika for a smokier profile, or mix honey and garlic into your BBQ sauce for a sweet-savory twist. For a spicy kick, include cayenne or crushed red pepper in the rub.
• Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common pitfall is applying BBQ sauce too early, which can cause it to burn and create a bitter taste. Another mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket, leading to unevenly cooked ribs. Some recipes suggest wrapping ribs in foil during cooking, but this can trap steam and reduce crispiness—save foil for keeping cooked ribs warm. Finally, skipping the meat thermometer can result in undercooked or overcooked ribs, so always check the internal temperature.

Side Dish Pairings

Country style ribs pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides. Try a creamy coleslaw to balance the richness, or go for crispy air fryer sweet potato fries for a crunchy contrast. Baked beans add a sweet and smoky complement, while a fresh corn salad or grilled asparagus brings brightness to the plate. For a comforting touch, serve with cornbread muffins or mac and cheese. These sides enhance the BBQ experience without overpowering the star of the show—the ribs.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Compared to other recipes online, this guide emphasizes precision with cooking times and temperatures, addressing the variability of air fryer models and rib sizes. Many recipes gloss over the importance of resting the meat or using a thermometer, which can make or break the dish. This recipe also offers flexibility with seasoning and sauce options, catering to different tastes while keeping the process straightforward. By focusing on practical tips and common mistakes, it ensures even beginners can achieve restaurant-quality results.

Make country style ribs in the air fryer! They are juicy inside with a smoky BBQ flavor. These ribs are perfect for a weeknight when you want a hearty meal.