If you're craving a meaty, full-flavored main dish that delivers the rich taste of slow-cooked BBQ in a fraction of the time, these air fryer country style ribs are just what you need. With only 20 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying on your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite is tender, juicy, and packed with the bold flavors you love in a good barbecue.
I love to cook but I also like to simplify methods where I can. The air fryer makes that possible and it's one of my favorite kitchen appliances. I love making these air fryer country style ribs because they’re incredibly quick and easy, perfect for those times when I want something hearty without much effort. There's no need to fire up the grill, yet I still get that smoky, summer BBQ flavor that I crave, no matter the season. It’s the perfect dish when I’m in the mood for something meaty and satisfying.
Even if I want to make these ribs again and again, it's easy to keep the recipe fresh and exciting. I can easily swap in my favorite spices or try different flavored BBQ sauces to keep things interesting. Whether I'm feeling something sweet, tangy, or spicy, this dish adapts beautifully, making it a go-to for a flavorful, customizable meal any time of the year.
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Ingredients
- Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs – Country style ribs provide a meaty and tender base for the dish. Choose ribs that are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Boneless ribs are recommended for easier eating and quicker cooking in the air fryer.
- Paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness and a deep red color to the ribs. You can use smoked paprika if you want to enhance the smoky flavors.
- Garlic Powder – Infuses the ribs with a savory, aromatic flavor. Make sure to distribute it evenly across the ribs for a balanced taste. Fresh garlic isn't recommended because it may burn during cooking.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper provides a mild heat and earthy depth. Black pepper is ideal for a more pronounced flavor.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Kosher salt or sea salt is preferred for a cleaner taste, but any salt will work.
- BBQ Sauce – The BBQ sauce coats the ribs, adding sweetness, tanginess, and a sticky, caramelized exterior. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce or experiment with different flavors like honey BBQ, spicy, or smoky varieties to customize the dish.
- Parsley – Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. You can chop fresh parsley or use dried parsley, though fresh is recommended for better flavor and presentation.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Air Fryer Boneless Pork Ribs
- Step 1: Rub the country-style pork ribs with the garlic, paprika, salt & pepper.
- Step 2: Brush on a generous coat of BBQ sauce. Air fry the ribs for 20 minutes or until pork is tender and an internal temperature of 145 degrees is reached. Add additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Hint: Preheating the air fryer helps with even cooking and adds texture to the outer crust of the juicy ribs.
Variations
- Seasoning - Substitute the individual seasonings for your favorite rib rub or use my BBQ seasoning recipe.
- Sauce - Use any flavor of your favorite storebought or homemade BBQ sauce.
- Spicy – Adding a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning is an easy way to add some spice. A dash of hot sauce to your favorite barbecue sauce can also give it a nice spicy kick.
- Sweet – Brush the ribs with a bit of honey or maple syrup.
Equipment
When selecting an air fryer, consider the size that suits your cooking needs—larger models are great for family meals, while a smaller air fryer works well for just a few servings. Look for features like adjustable temperature settings and a timer for precise cooking. A non-stick basket and easy-to-clean design will make cleanup a breeze.
Serving Suggestions
To serve these delicious air fryer country style ribs, pair them with a variety of favorite side dishes. Try them with crispy air fryer sweet potato fries for a satisfying, crunchy complement. A fresh shaved Brussels sprouts salad with maple vinaigrette adds a light and tangy contrast or you could serve with a simple potato salad.
For a hearty option, serve the ribs with simple orzo rice pilaf or crispy smashed potatoes with cheese. You might also enjoy them alongside a Jiffy corn casserole for a comforting touch, or grilled asparagus in foil for a deliciously charred vegetable side dish.
Storing Leftovers
Store the leftover air fryer country-style ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F and cook the ribs for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Air Frying Tips
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on the ribs.
- Rub the seasoning and BBQ sauce evenly over the boneless country ribs to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Arrange the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows for more even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
- Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender.
FAQ
For best results, this easy recipe specifically requires boneless ribs so they can cook quickly but are still tender.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with with a small amount of oil before adding the ribs. My air fryer has a stick free surface so that is not necessary.
You can season and cook these ribs right away but marinating for a few hours beforehand can enhance their flavor. Before cooking, pat the ribs dry with a paper towel, sprinkle with additional seasoning and brush with BBQ sauce.
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RECIPE
Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Bbq Sauce
- Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pre-Heat air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Rub the ribs with the garlic, paprika, salt & pepper.
- Brush on a generous coat of BBQ sauce. Air fry the ribs for 20 minutes or until pork is tender and an internal temp of 145 degrees is reached.
- Remove from air fryer & garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
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