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Ribs are a classic comfort food that many of us crave, but sometimes we don’t have the time or equipment to cook them the traditional way. The air fryer allows you to eat tender, juicy ribs in a fraction of the time. Our recipe for air fryer country style ribs is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.
What are country-style ribs?
Ribs cut from the shoulder end of the loin are called country style ribs. They are not actually ribs but are called that because they are cut from the rib section of the pork loin and have a similar shape. Country style ribs are meatier and thicker than other rib cuts, and they typically contain more fat and connective tissue, which makes them more flavorful and tender when cooked low and slow. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, braising, and, as in the case of this recipe, air frying.
why are country style ribs a good choice for air frying?
Country style ribs are a good choice for air frying because they cook relatively quickly and evenly, making them an ideal candidate for this cooking method. Air frying allows the heat to circulate around the food, which results in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Plus, air frying requires less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier alternative while still producing delicious results. Overall, air frying is a great way to cook country style ribs to perfection without having to spend hours cooking on the grill or in the oven.
Ingredients
- Country style ribs, 2 pounds
- Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoon
- Ground black pepper, 2 teaspoon
- Barbecue sauce, 5 ounce
Step By Step Instructions To Make Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
Step 1
Make sure the ribs are clean and dry before cooking. Prepare the seasoning by mixing the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper in a small bowl.
Step 2
A temperature of 380 degrees Fahrenheit should be set for the air fryer. For preparing the air fryer basket, use nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3
The seasoning mixture should be applied to the ribs in small amounts. In the basket of the air fryer, arrange the ribs in a single layer. The dish should be cooked at 380 degrees for 20 minutes. The top and sides of the ribs should be brushed with barbecue sauce after removing the basket. Continue to cook for 2 more minutes in the air fryer. The pork should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit on an internal meat thermometer.
Step 4
You can serve this Air Fryer Country Style Ribs dish with your favorite side dishes.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best Air Fryer Country Style Ribs:
Choose the right cut of meat: Look for country style ribs that are evenly sized and have a good amount of marbling. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have plenty of flavors.
Pat the ribs dry: Before seasoning your ribs, be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the dry rub adhere better to the meat, resulting in more flavorful ribs.
Let the ribs marinate: After applying the dry rub to the ribs, let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight) before air frying. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make for even tastier ribs.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Be sure to leave enough space between the ribs in the air fryer basket so that they cook evenly. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy ribs.
Baste the ribs with BBQ sauce: During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with your homemade BBQ sauce. This will add a delicious, tangy flavor to the ribs and help create a nice caramelized crust.
Let the ribs rest: After cooking, let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful ribs.
Variations
There are many variations you can try with Air Fryer Country Style Ribs to customize the recipe to your taste. Here are a few ideas:
Asian-style: Marinate the ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Serve with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Cajun-style: Season the ribs with a blend of Cajun spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Serve with a side of coleslaw.
Sweet and Spicy: Rub the ribs with a mixture of brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with a mixture of honey and hot sauce.
BBQ-style: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or try making your own by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Brush the sauce onto the ribs during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
Garlic and Herb: Rub the ribs with a mixture of minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and olive oil. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
These are just a few ideas for variations on Air Fryer Country Style Ribs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings to create a rib recipe that’s uniquely yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides can I serve with Air Fryer Country Style Ribs?
You can serve these ribs with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables, baked beans, mac, and cheese, or cornbread. Choose sides that complement the flavors of your ribs and create a well-rounded meal.
Can I use boneless ribs for this Air Fryer Country Style Ribs recipe?
Yes, boneless country style ribs will work just as well as bone-in ribs. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the thickness of the meat.
Can I use frozen country style ribs for this recipe?
It’s not recommended to use frozen country style ribs for this recipe, as they will not cook evenly in the air fryer. It’s best to thaw the ribs in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Can I make this Air Fryer Country Style Ribs recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this Air Fryer Country Style Ribs recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensuring that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoy trying out this delicious and easy recipe for Air Fryer Country Style Ribs. These ribs are flavorful, juicy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue with friends and family. So, fire up your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your taste buds with these mouthwatering Air Fryer Country Style Ribs. Enjoy!
More Delicious Recipe
Air Fryer Country Style Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Country style ribs
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 5 ounce Barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Make sure the ribs are clean and dry before cooking. Prepare the seasoning by mixing the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper in a small bowl.
- A temperature of 380 degrees Fahrenheit should be set for the air fryer. For preparing the air fryer basket, use nonstick cooking spray.
- The seasoning mixture should be applied to the ribs in small amounts. In the basket of the air fryer, arrange the ribs in a single layer. The dish should be cooked at 380 degrees for 20 minutes. The top and sides of the ribs should be brushed with barbecue sauce after removing the basket. Continue to cook for 2 more minutes in the air fryer. The pork should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit on an internal meat thermometer.
- You can serve this Air Fryer Country Style Ribs dish with your favorite side dishes.