“Deliciously Tender Air Fryer Beef Ribs: Indulge in mouthwatering, succulent beef ribs cooked to perfection using the revolutionary air fryer technology. Discover a healthier way to enjoy this classic comfort food, with less oil and calories but with all the flavor and tenderness you love. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these irresistible air fryer beef ribs!”
Air Fryer Beef Back Ribs
Cooking beef back ribs in the air fryer may sound crazy, but it actually yields delicious results. The air fryer does a fantastic job at cooking the ribs to tender perfection, with just the right amount of bite. Plus, it’s a quick and convenient way to satisfy your BBQ cravings without using the oven or smoker.
Beef back ribs are often overlooked because they are attached to the prime rib roast on the cow. But don’t let that deter you from trying them. While they may not have as much meat as other cuts, the meat between the bones is incredibly flavorful and perfect for barbecue. You can often find these ribs at a great price, especially if you visit your local butcher who can help you select the meatiest ones.
To make these air fryer beef back ribs, all you need is a simple rub and some BBQ sauce. The rub helps create a crispy crust on the ribs, while the BBQ sauce adds a delicious caramelized layer of flavor. Simply remove any membrane from the ribs, coat them with the dry rub, and place them bone side down in your air fryer. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of about 190°F – 195°F, then brush on the BBQ sauce and cook for another few minutes until they reach an internal temperature of around 203°F. Slice them between each bone into individual pieces and enjoy!
What are beef back ribs?
Beef back ribs are the ribs that are left behind when the prime rib roast is removed from the cow. They are attached to the prime rib and can be found underneath it. These ribs often have less meat on them compared to other cuts of ribs, but the meat between the bones is considered to be very flavorful and delicious for barbecue. Beef back ribs can usually be found at local butchers and may not be as readily available at big chain grocery stores.
To ensure you get the meatiest beef back ribs, it is recommended to buy them from your local butcher. Ask for “heavy” beef back ribs and they will help you find the ones with the most meat. This is because large grocery stores may skimp on the amount of meat on back ribs in order to maximize profits on the prime rib. By going to a butcher, you can ensure that you get quality beef back ribs for your air fryer recipe.
To prepare beef back ribs in an air fryer, start by removing any membrane on the bone side of the ribs. This membrane can make the ribs chewy if not removed. Then, coat the ribs with a dry rub mixture of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the seasoned ribs in the air fryer bone side down and cook at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 190°F – 195°F.
Afterwards, brush BBQ sauce onto all sides of the cooked ribs and cook them again at 400°F for about 5 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches around 203°F. Finally, slice the cooked beef back ribs between each bone into single pieces and enjoy!
How to choose the best beef back ribs
When selecting beef back ribs, it is important to find ones with the most meat on them. To ensure you get the meatiest ribs, it is recommended to buy them from a local butcher rather than a big chain grocery store. Butchers are more likely to provide you with high-quality back ribs and can help you select the best ones available.
Look for “heavy” beef back ribs at your local butcher, as these will typically have more meat on them. Avoid purchasing ribs from large grocery stores, as they may skimp on the amount of meat and cut divots between each bone to maximize profits on prime rib sales.
To prepare the beef back ribs for cooking, remove any membrane that may be present. This tissue can make the ribs chewy if left intact. Simply use a paper towel to grip onto one corner of the membrane and slowly peel it away from the bones. Ensure that all of the membrane is removed before proceeding with seasoning and cooking.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Why Cook Beef Back Ribs in the Air Fryer?
3. Selecting and Preparing the Ribs
4. Seasoning and Cooking the Ribs in the Air Fryer
5. Tips and Tricks for Success
6. Other Recipes for the Air Fryer
7. Conclusion
Ingredients for these air fryer ribs
To make these delicious air fryer beef back ribs, you will need the following ingredients:
- Beef back ribs
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- BBQ sauce (Kansas City style)
These simple ingredients are all you need to create flavorful and tender beef back ribs in your air fryer.
To ensure the best results, it’s important to properly prepare the beef back ribs before cooking them in the air fryer. Here’s how:
- Remove the ribs from the packaging and place them bone side up on a cutting board.
- If the butcher did not remove the membrane, peel it away from the bones using a paper towel. This will prevent chewy ribs.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Thoroughly coat the ribs on all sides with this dry rub. This will help create a crispy bark when cooked.
Once you’ve prepared the ribs, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer.
The air fryer does an excellent job at cooking beef back ribs to perfection. Here’s how to cook them:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Place the seasoned ribs bone side down in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space for proper airflow.
- Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 190°F – 195°F.
- Brush the ribs with Kansas City style BBQ sauce, coating all sides.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F or until the internal temperature reaches around 203°F.
Once cooked, remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 10-20 minutes. Slice them between each bone into single pieces and enjoy!
These air fryer beef back ribs are a quick and delicious way to satisfy your BBQ cravings without having to use an oven or smoker. Give it a try and enjoy tender, flavorful ribs in no time!
How to air fry beef back ribs
To air fry beef back ribs, start by preparing the ribs. Remove them from the packaging and place them bone side up on your worktop. Use a paper towel to grip onto the membrane and slowly peel it away from the bones. Check if the entire slab of ribs can fit in your air fryer. If not, trim them down into smaller slabs that can comfortably fit.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Liberally coat and fully rub the seasoning mix into the ribs on all sides.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the ribs bone side down in the air fryer basket and cook for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
Remove the ribs from the air fryer and cover them with aluminum foil. Let them rest for about 10-20 minutes before slicing them into individual ribs and serving.
Step 1: mix the dry rub
To start, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful dry rub for the beef back ribs.
Remove the beef back ribs from their packaging and place them bone side up on your worktop. If the butcher did not remove the membrane, use a paper towel to grip onto it and slowly peel it away from the bones. It’s important to remove this tissue as it can make the ribs chewy.
Take the dry rub mixture you prepared in Step 1 and liberally coat and fully rub it into all sides of the beef back ribs. Make sure to thoroughly coat the ribs with the seasoning mix as this will help them develop a crispy bark when cooked.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Once preheated, place the seasoned beef back ribs bone side down in the air fryer basket. Cook them for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches around 195°F.
Remove the cooked ribs from the air fryer and cover them with aluminum foil. Allow them to rest for about 10-20 minutes before slicing them into individual ribs. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Step 2: prepare the ribs
Step 2: Prepare the Ribs
To begin, remove the ribs from their packaging and place them bone side up on your work surface. Take a paper towel and use it to grip onto the membrane that covers the bones. Slowly peel away the membrane, ensuring that you remove all of it. This is important because if the membrane is left on, the ribs will be chewy.
Next, check if the entire slab of ribs can fit in your air fryer. If not, you will need to trim the ribs down into smaller pieces that can comfortably fit. For smaller air fryers, you may need to cut them into pieces with just one or two bones.
In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Liberally coat and fully rub this seasoning mix into all sides of the ribs. This will help to enhance the flavor and create a crispy bark when cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned ribs bone side down in the air fryer basket and cook for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F. This cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model.
Once cooked, remove the ribs from the air fryer and cover them with aluminum foil. Allow them to rest for about 10-20 minutes before slicing them into individual ribs.
Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy your deliciously cooked beef back ribs! Remember, if your ribs are quite large, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces to fit in the air fryer properly. Also, be cautious when cooking with BBQ sauce as it can easily burn due to its sugar content if cooked for too long.
Step 3: rub the ribs
Step 3: Rub the Ribs
To prepare the ribs, start by removing them from the packaging and placing them bone side up on your worktop. The next step is to remove the tough membrane that covers the bones. Use a paper towel to grip onto the membrane and slowly peel it away from the bones. This may require some patience as it may come off in small pieces, but make sure you remove it completely.
Once the ribs are ready, it’s time to season them. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This dry rub will add flavor and help create a crispy bark on the ribs. Liberally coat and fully rub the seasoning mix into all sides of the ribs. Make sure every inch is covered with the delicious seasoning.
Now that your ribs are well-seasoned, they are ready for cooking in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and place the ribs bone side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 195°F. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
After cooking, remove the ribs from the air fryer and cover them with aluminum foil. Let them rest for about 10-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tender and flavorful ribs. Finally, slice them into individual pieces between each bone and get ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked beef back ribs!
Remember, if your ribs are too big to fit in your air fryer comfortably, you can always trim them down into smaller slabs or even individual rib portions. Just be mindful not to overcrowd your air fryer basket as this can affect cooking quality.
Step 4: air fryer time
Step 4: Air fryer time
Once you have prepared the ribs by removing the membrane and seasoning them, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and place the ribs bone side down in the basket. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 195°F.
After cooking, remove the ribs from the air fryer and cover them with aluminum foil. Let them rest for about 10-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and for the meat to become tender.
Once rested, slice the ribs into individual pieces and dig in! The air fryer does a great job of cooking the ribs, resulting in tender meat with just enough bite. The dry rub creates a flavorful crust, while a coating of BBQ sauce adds a caramelized layer of barbecue goodness. Enjoy your delicious air-fried beef back ribs!
Step 5: brush with BBQ sauce
Step 5: Brush with BBQ sauce
Once the ribs have cooked for 20 minutes and reached an internal temperature of 195°F, it’s time to add the BBQ sauce. Brush a generous amount of Kansas City style BBQ sauce onto all sides of the ribs. This will give them that classic sticky and caramelized coating.
Step 6: Cook at a higher temperature
Increase the temperature of your air fryer to 400°F and cook the ribs for an additional 5 minutes. This final step will help further caramelize the BBQ sauce and give the ribs a beautiful glaze.
Step 7: Rest and serve
After cooking, remove the ribs from the air fryer and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Allow them to rest for about 10-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful ribs.
Once they have rested, slice the ribs between each bone into single pieces. Serve them up with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw or cornbread, and enjoy!
Note: If your ribs are too big to fit in the air fryer, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces. However, try to keep them in larger chunks if possible to retain moisture.
Also, be mindful not to overcook the ribs after adding the BBQ sauce. The sugars in the sauce can easily burn if left in the air fryer for too long, especially if your ribs are large and close to the heating element.
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Step 6: slice and enjoy!
Step 6: slice and enjoy!
After removing the ribs from the air fryer and allowing them to rest for about 10-20 minutes, it’s time to slice them up and dig in! Using a sharp knife, carefully slice between each bone to separate the ribs into individual pieces. The meat should be tender and juicy, with just the right amount of bite.
Serve the sliced ribs on a platter and garnish with your favorite BBQ sauce or toppings. These air fryer beef back ribs make for a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the flavors of BBQ rib goodness without the hassle of using an oven or smoker.
Remember, if your ribs are particularly large, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces before cooking in the air fryer. This will ensure that they fit comfortably and cook evenly. Be mindful not to overcook the ribs after adding the BBQ sauce, as the sugars in the sauce can easily burn. Keep an eye on them during this last step to prevent any burning or charring.
So go ahead, grab a plate, and savor every mouthwatering bite of these flavorful air fryer beef back ribs!
Tight on space in the air fryer?
If you’re finding it difficult to fit a large slab of beef back ribs in your air fryer, there’s a solution. Consider trimming the ribs into smaller slabs or individual pieces that can comfortably fit in the air fryer basket. You can use a sharp knife to cut them into sections with 1 or 2 bones. By doing this, you can ensure that the ribs cook evenly and retain their moisture.
While brushing on BBQ sauce adds incredible flavor to the beef back ribs, it’s important to be mindful of cooking times. The sugars in BBQ sauce can easily burn, especially if the ribs are large and positioned close to the heating element in the air fryer. To avoid any burnt or charred spots, it’s recommended not to air fry for more than 5 minutes after applying the BBQ sauce. This will give it enough time to caramelize without risking burning.
How to use your air fryer
Using an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to cook a variety of foods. Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Preheat the air fryer: Most air fryers require preheating before cooking. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended preheating time and temperature.
2. Prepare the food: Whether you’re cooking beef back ribs or any other dish, make sure to season or marinate the food according to your taste preferences. For beef back ribs, you can use a dry rub or marinade to enhance the flavor.
3. Place the food in the air fryer: Arrange the beef back ribs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If necessary, cut the ribs into smaller pieces to fit comfortably in the basket without overcrowding.
4. Set the cooking time and temperature: Refer to your recipe or follow general guidelines for cooking beef back ribs in an air fryer. Typically, cooking at around 375°F for 20 minutes is a good starting point, but adjust as needed based on your desired level of doneness.
5. Flip or rotate halfway through: To ensure even cooking, flip or rotate the beef back ribs midway through the cooking process. This will help them cook evenly on all sides.
6. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the ribs has reached your desired level of doneness. For tender and juicy beef back ribs, aim for an internal temperature of around 190°F – 195°F.
7. Rest before serving: Once cooked, remove the beef back ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more flavorful eating experience.
8. Enjoy your air-fried beef back ribs: Serve the ribs hot with your favorite BBQ sauce or condiments. They make a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with side dishes like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.
Remember to always follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model and adjust cooking times and temperatures based on personal preference and desired results.
Convert from oven to air fryer
If you’re used to cooking beef back ribs in the oven, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well they turn out in the air fryer. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. To convert your oven recipe to an air fryer recipe, follow these steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the bone side. This will prevent them from becoming chewy.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a dry rub. Coat the ribs on all sides with the rub.
- Place the ribs bone side down in the air fryer basket. If they don’t fit, you can cut them into smaller chunks or use a stackable air fryer rack for more space.
- Cook the ribs for about 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 190°F – 195°F.
- Brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F or until they reach an internal temperature of 203°F.
- Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for 10-20 minutes before slicing between each bone into individual pieces.
By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious and flavorful beef back ribs cooked to perfection in your air fryer!
In conclusion, air frying beef ribs offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods without compromising on taste. Its ability to reduce oil usage while maintaining a crispy texture makes it an excellent cooking option. With the air fryer, you can enjoy delicious and tender beef ribs guilt-free.
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