Recipes AirfryerAir Fryer BBQ Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone air fryer BBQ ribs with a sticky, caramelized glaze — tender, smoky and ready in well under an hour, no grill or smoker needed. The air fryer renders the fat and crisps the edges while the sauce sets into a glossy crust.
A simple dry rub builds the base, then barbecue sauce goes on at the end so it caramelizes without burning. Serve with slaw, corn, or baked potatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
Season
Pat the ribs dry and remove the membrane from the back. Rub all over with the salt, garlic powder and pepper.
Air fry
Place the ribs in the basket (cut the rack to fit) and air fry at 380°F for about 22–25 minutes, turning once, until tender.
Glaze
Brush generously with barbecue sauce and air fry a final 3–5 minutes, until sticky and caramelized. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness.
- Sauce at the end so the sugars don't burn.
- For extra-tender ribs, wrap in foil for the first half of cooking.
Frequently asked
How long do ribs take in the air fryer?
About 25–28 minutes at 380°F for a cut rack, with the sauce added in the last 3–5 minutes.
Do I need to remove the membrane?
Yes — peeling off the thin membrane on the bone side makes the ribs much more tender.
When do I add the BBQ sauce?
At the very end, so it caramelizes into a sticky glaze instead of burning.
