Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs – Juicy, Tender & Ready in Minutes!
If you love fall-off-the-bone ribs but don’t want to wait hours for the oven or grill — this Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs recipe is your new best friend!
No boiling, no long pre-cooking, just perfectly cooked ribs that are charred on the outside and juicy on the inside — all in under 30 minutes.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Super fast – ready in minutes, not hours
✅ No need for boiling or slow-cooking
✅ Crispy caramelized BBQ glaze
✅ Tender, juicy meat every single time
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Ribs
Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs (this helps make them tender).
Cut the rack into smaller sections that fit into your air fryer basket.
Step 2 – Season
Brush the ribs lightly with olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Rub the seasoning all over the ribs.
Step 3 – Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place ribs in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4 – Add BBQ Sauce
Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the ribs.
Air fry again at 400°F (200°C) for 5–8 minutes, until caramelized and slightly crispy on top.
Step 5 – Serve & Enjoy
Let the ribs rest for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve.
They’ll be beautifully browned, sticky, and irresistible! 🤤
🌟 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Ribs
- For extra tenderness, marinate ribs in BBQ sauce overnight.
- Try using honey or maple syrup for a sweeter glaze.
- Line your air fryer with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
- Always check for doneness — the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) for the best results.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your air fryer ribs with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or potato salad 🥔
- Coleslaw or corn on the cob 🌽
- Air fryer fries or roasted veggies 🍟
And don’t forget plenty of napkins — these ribs are finger-licking good! 😋
These Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs are proof that you don’t need hours to make fall-off-the-bone ribs. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll have tender, juicy ribs that taste like they came straight off the grill — in a fraction of the time!
Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or when that BBQ craving hits fast. 🍖🔥
