Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook delicious country style pork ribs? Look no further than your air fryer!
With just a few simple steps, you can have tender and flavorful ribs in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of cooking country style pork ribs in an air fryer, including tips and tricks to ensure they come out perfectly every time.
So fire up your air fryer and get ready to impress your taste buds with this mouth-watering dish!
How To Cook Country Style Pork Ribs In Air Fryer?
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your ribs cook evenly and at the right temperature.
Step 2: Rinse and pat dry your country style pork ribs. In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Rub the seasoning mix onto the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
Step 3: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Place the seasoned ribs in a single layer in the basket.
Step 4: Cook the ribs at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking time. Check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Brush your favorite barbecue sauce onto the ribs and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the sauce has caramelized and the ribs are fork-tender.
Step 6: Using tongs, transfer the ribs to a serving plate and serve hot with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Ingredients And Preparation
To make country style pork ribs in an air fryer, you will need two pounds of country-style pork ribs, your favorite barbecue sauce, and a seasoning mix of your choice. For the seasoning mix, you can use a combination of sweet or smoked paprika, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Alternatively, you can swap out the ground mustard for ground sage if you prefer.
To prepare the ribs, rinse them and pat them dry. Mix together the seasoning mix in a small bowl and rub it onto the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides. You can also add the barbecue sauce at this point if you prefer to marinate the ribs before cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the seasoned ribs in a single layer in the basket and cook for 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs and ensure they have reached at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brush your favorite barbecue sauce onto the ribs and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the sauce has caramelized and the ribs are fork-tender. Using tongs, transfer the ribs to a serving plate and serve hot with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Cooking Time And Temperature
When cooking country style pork ribs in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes before adding the seasoned ribs. This ensures that the ribs cook evenly and at the right temperature.
Once the air fryer has preheated, add the seasoned ribs to the basket in a single layer. Cook the ribs at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking time. This will help to ensure that both sides of the ribs are cooked evenly.
It is important to check the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the minimum safe temperature for consuming pork.
After the ribs have cooked for 20 minutes, brush your favorite barbecue sauce onto them and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the sauce has caramelized and the ribs are fork-tender.
Once done, transfer the ribs to a serving plate using tongs and serve hot with additional barbecue sauce on the side. It is always best to test a small batch before cooking the entire meal to decide if your air fryer requires more or less time, as all air fryers can cook differently.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Ribs
Cooking ribs can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked and delicious ribs every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind when cooking country style pork ribs in an air fryer:
1. Choose the right cut of meat: Country style pork ribs are a great choice for air frying because they are meaty and have enough fat to stay juicy and tender.
2. Season well: Use your favorite seasonings to add flavor to the ribs. Make sure to coat them evenly on all sides for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the ribs. This will ensure that they cook evenly and at the right temperature.
4. Spray the basket: To prevent sticking, spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray before adding the seasoned ribs.
5. Flip halfway through: To ensure even cooking, flip the ribs over halfway through cooking time.
6. Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. They should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
7. Add barbecue sauce at the end: Brush your favorite barbecue sauce onto the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking time. This will give them a nice caramelized glaze and enhance their flavor.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked and delicious country style pork ribs in your air fryer every time.
Serving Suggestions And Variations
Country style pork ribs are a versatile and delicious protein that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions and variations to make your air fryer pork ribs even more delicious:
1. Serve with coleslaw: The tangy and crunchy texture of coleslaw pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy pork ribs. You can either make your own coleslaw or buy it pre-made from the store.
2. Add some heat: If you like your pork ribs spicy, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix before rubbing it onto the ribs. You can also serve the ribs with a side of hot sauce for dipping.
3. Make it sweet: For a sweeter flavor, add brown sugar or honey to the seasoning mix or brush the ribs with a honey barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
4. Serve with corn on the cob: Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs well with barbecue. You can cook it in the air fryer alongside the pork ribs for a complete meal.
5. Try different sauces: While barbecue sauce is a classic choice for pork ribs, you can also try other sauces such as teriyaki, sweet and sour, or even buffalo sauce for a unique flavor.
6. Make it a sandwich: Shred the pork ribs and serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings such as pickles, onions, and cheese for a delicious pulled pork sandwich.
7. Pair with baked beans: Baked beans are another classic barbecue side dish that pairs well with pork ribs. You can either make your own from scratch or buy them pre-made from the store.
With these serving suggestions and variations, you can customize your air fryer country style pork ribs to your liking and make them even more delicious. Happy cooking!
Cleaning And Maintenance Of Your Air Fryer
Now that you’ve successfully cooked your delicious country style pork ribs in the air fryer, it’s important to properly clean and maintain your appliance to ensure it continues to work efficiently and effectively.
Step 1: Allow the air fryer to cool down completely before cleaning it. Unplug the appliance and remove the basket and any other removable parts.
Step 2: Wash the removable parts with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch or damage the non-stick coating.
Step 3: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the air fryer, being careful not to get any water in the heating element or controls.
Step 4: For tough, stuck-on food residue, you can use a non-abrasive cleaning agent or a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the cleaner to a soft sponge or cloth and gently scrub the affected area.
Step 5: Rinse all parts thoroughly with warm water and dry them with a clean cloth before reassembling the air fryer.
Step 6: It’s important to regularly check and clean the air intake and exhaust vents to prevent any buildup of grease or debris that can affect the performance of your appliance. Use a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush to gently remove any buildup from these areas.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your air fryer remains in top condition and ready for your next delicious meal.