Make these delicious air fryer country style ribs with this easy-to-follow recipe. These ribs are seasoned with a mouthwatering rub that tastes amazing.
The air fryer method ensures that the ribs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the addition of BBQ sauce at the end gives them an extra layer of flavor.
But that’s not all- this post also includes important tips for cooking air fryer boneless pork ribs, variations to switch up the flavors, ingredient substitutions, and ideas for side dishes to pair with these delicious air fryer country style ribs.
You’ll find everything you need to know to make these ribs perfectly, every time.
So, what are you waiting for? try my boneless pork ribs air fryer recipe and enjoy!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Juicy and Tender Meat: The air fryer method is the perfect way to cook these ribs as it results in juicy and tender meat that is packed with flavor.
The seasoning rub adds depth and complexity to the meat, and the air fryer locks in all the juices, resulting in perfectly cooked ribs every time.
Easy to Make: This boneless pork ribs in air fryer recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for those who are new to cooking.
With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious country style pork ribs in the air fryer in no time.
Plus, the air fryer does most of the work for you, so you can sit back and relax while your ribs cook.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Country Style Ribs Ingredients
To make these delicious country style ribs in air fryer you will need:
- 2 pounds (900g) Country Style Ribs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Ground)
- 3/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (I used smoked salt)
✨ Making Boneless Pork Ribs In Air Fryer
Follow this easy country style pork ribs air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380F (195C)
Step 2
Add these ingredients to a small bowl: chili powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix everything together.
Step 3
Coat the ribs in the rub (massage the seasoning into the meat) and place the ribs into the air fryer basket (in a single layer. Air fry in multiple batches if needed).
Step 4
Air fry them for 8-10 minutes, and then flip them. Air fry them for 10 additional minutes.
Step 5
Remove the ribs from the air fryer (be careful- they get really hot!). Brush the ribs with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, and place them back into the air fryer for 2-3 more minutes at 390F (200C).
Step 6
Remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with the remaining BBQ sauce. Serve and enjoy these delicious air fryer country style ribs!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked these tasty country ribs in air fryer, make sure to check out these easy air fryer recipes as well:
- Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken
- Air Fryer Sardines
- Air Fryer Brownies
- Air Fryer Ham And Cheese Sliders
💡 Important Tips
Here are my top tips for this country style ribs air fryer recipe:
1. Flip Your Ribs For Even Cooking
Flipping your ribs halfway through the cooking process ensures that both sides get crispy and cook evenly.
When you flip your ribs, make sure to use tongs to avoid piercing the meat -that can cause the juices to escape and make your ribs dry.
2. Don’t Overcrowd Your Air Fryer Basket
Make sure to cook your ribs in a single layer, and if you have more ribs than can fit in the basket, cook them in multiple batches.
This will ensure that your ribs cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
3. Let Your Ribs Rest Before Serving
Once your air fryer boneless pork ribs are cooked, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.
Cover your ribs with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will result in juicier, more flavorful ribs that are a delight to eat.
4. Use Smoked Salt For Extra Flavor
For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked salt instead of regular salt in this recipe.
Smoked salt is made by smoking coarse sea salt over wood chips, which gives it a distinct smoky flavor that complements the pork.
5. Use A Meat Thermometer To Check Doneness
The best way to ensure that your air fryer boneless ribs are cooked to perfection is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145F (63C) to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to check the temperature.
6. Let Your Ribs Marinate Overnight
For even more flavor, you can marinate your ribs overnight in the seasoning rub. Simply coat the ribs in the seasoning rub and place them in a sealed container or plastic bag.
Let them marinate in the refrigerator overnight, and then air fry them the next day. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply and result in even more delicious air fryer country style ribs .
✔️ Variations
1. Air Fryer Smoky BBQ Ribs– For a classic smoky flavor, add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to the seasoning rub and use a hickory or mesquite flavored BBQ sauce.
2. Air Fryer Sticky Honey Ribs– Mix 1/4 cup of honey into the BBQ sauce and add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the seasoning rub for a sweet and sticky flavor.
3. Air Fryer Jamaican Jerk Ribs– Swap out the seasoning rub for a Jamaican jerk seasoning mix and serve with a side of mango salsa for a spicy and fruity flavor.
4. Air Fryer Garlic and Herb Ribs– Use a garlic and herb seasoning mix in place of the rub and serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a fresh and savory flavor.
5. Air Fryer Spicy Korean Ribs- Mix 1 tablespoon of gochujang paste (Korean chili paste) into the BBQ sauce and add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the seasoning rub for a spicy and nutty flavor.
6. Air Fryer Bourbon Glazed Ribs– Mix 1/4 cup of bourbon into the BBQ sauce and add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the seasoning rub for a sweet and boozy flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving.
7. Air Fryer Cajun-style Ribs- Use a Cajun seasoning mix in place of the BBQ rub and serve with a side of dirty rice for a bold and flavorful taste.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
BBQ Sauce: If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can make a quick homemade version by mixing together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like chili powder and garlic powder.
Brown Sugar: You can substitute with an equal amount of granulated white sugar.
Smoked Paprika: If you cannot find smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the seasoning rub.
Onion Powder: If you don’t have onion powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of minced fresh onion.
Cumin: If you don’t have cumin, you can substitute it with ground coriander or chili powder.
Garlic Powder: You can substitute with an equal amount of minced fresh garlic.
Red Pepper Flakes: You can use cayenne pepper or a hot sauce like Tabasco or Sriracha.
🔁 How To Reheat
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Take your leftover country style ribs out of the refrigerator and place the ribs in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Air fry the ribs for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip them over and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Brush the ribs with a little BBQ sauce or a mixture of melted butter and spices, if desired.
Remove the ribs from the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
🌟 Side Dishes Ideas
Here are five side dishes that would pair well with this delicious country style ribs in air fryer recipe:
1. Air Fryer Green Bean Fries– The crispy texture of these green bean fries complements the tender and juicy ribs perfectly.
The green beans also add a nice crunch to the meal, and their mild flavor won’t overpower the pork. Plus, the air fryer method keeps the dish healthy and low-calorie.
2. Air Fryer Eggplant Fries– Eggplant fries are a great alternative to traditional potato fries, and they pair especially well with pork dishes like country style pork ribs in air fryer.
The earthy flavor of the eggplant and the crispy texture of the fries provide a nice contrast to the sweetness and juiciness of the pork.
3. Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Fries– Who doesn’t love a classic fry with their ribs? Crinkle fries are a perfect choice because their ridges catch all the delicious BBQ sauce, adding extra flavor and texture to every bite.
4. Creamy Coleslaw– Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ, and this creamy version is no exception.
The cool and refreshing flavors of the cabbage and carrots complement the smoky and savory flavors of the ribs, while the creamy dressing provides a nice contrast in texture.
5. Baked Beans– Baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish that complements the air fryer country style ribs ribs well.
The sweet and savory flavors of the beans pair perfectly with the sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, and the soft texture of the beans is a nice contrast to the crispy texture of the pork.
I hope you liked my pork country style ribs air fryer recipe. I make these ribs for my family every week and they are always a hit.
The air fryer is the perfect tool for making these ribs as it results in tender, juicy meat that is full of flavor.
If you have any questions about these air fried country style ribs- feel free to comment below. Make sure to check out other air fryer recipes on my website for more delicious and healthy meal options. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
- 2 pounds Country Style Ribs (900g)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Ground)
- 3/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (I used smoked salt)
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 380F (195C)
- Add these ingredients to a small bowl: chili powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix everything together.
- Coat the ribs in the rub (massage the seasoning into the meat) and place the ribs into the air fryer basket (in a single layer. Air fry in multiple batches if needed).
- Air fry them for 8-10 minutes, and then flip them. Air fry them for 10 additional minutes.
- Remove the ribs from the air fryer (be careful- they get really hot!). Brush the ribs with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, and place them back into the air fryer for 2-3 more minutes at 390F (200C).
- Remove the ribs from the air fryer and brush them with the remaining BBQ sauce. Serve and enjoy these delicious air fryer country style ribs!
