Are you a fan of tender, flavorful pork ribs but struggle to get them just right?
Look no further than the Ninja Foodi!
This versatile kitchen appliance can pressure cook and air fry your ribs to perfection, leaving you with fall-off-the-bone meat and crispy, caramelized BBQ sauce.
Whether you’re a seasoned Foodi user or just getting started, this guide will walk you through the steps to make mouthwatering pork ribs in your Ninja Foodi.
So fire up your appliance and get ready to impress your taste buds (and your dinner guests) with these delicious ribs.
How To Cook Pork Ribs In Ninja Foodi?
Step 1: Prepare Your Ribs
Start by preparing your pork ribs. Cut them into serving-size portions that will fit into your Foodi air fryer basket.
If you want extra tender ribs, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before cooking.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F on the Bake/Roast setting for 5 minutes.
While the air fryer is preheating, rub down each slice of ribs with a third of your seasoning or dry rub, ensuring that the seasoning covers the whole surface.
Step 2: Pressure Cook Your Ribs
Place one slice of ribs in the pressure cooker pot, with the meat side facing the sides of the pot and wrapped around. Pour a bottle of barbecue sauce on top of the ribs and into the pot. Then add apple cider to the pot.
Make sure that the ribs are coated in BBQ sauce, and spoon more sauce over them if necessary. Close the pressure cooker lid and turn on the pot. Press the pressure button and set it to high for 30 minutes (timing is good for 3-4 lbs of ribs to completely fall off the bone).
Allow to naturally release steam for 5 minutes at end, then release remaining steam.
Step 3: Air Fry Your Ribs
Once your ribs are done pressure cooking, remove them from the pot and place them on a clean plate. Pour sauce from pot into a bowl and rinse out inner pot if desired.
Place your air fryer basket into the pot upside down so that it sits lower to the bottom and your ribs will fit with lid closed. If you want really crispy ribs, only place 2 pieces of ribs in at a time on to rack.
Pour a bit of sauce from pot or more BBQ sauce from another jar on top of each piece and close air fryer lid (lid that is attached). Set to air crisp, 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Check and if you want them crispier then add a few more minutes.
Remove and add other racks the same way to crisp outside.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy
Once your ribs are done air frying, remove them from the basket and let them rest for at least five minutes before slicing and serving.
You can serve remaining sauce on the side if desired.
Preparing Your Pork Ribs
Preparing your pork ribs is an essential step to ensure that they turn out tender and flavorful. Here are some tips to help you prepare your ribs for cooking in the Ninja Foodi:
1. Cut your ribs into serving-size portions that will fit into the air fryer basket.
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tender ribs. To do this, use a butter knife to loosen the membrane on one end of the ribs, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F on the Bake/Roast setting for 5 minutes.
4. Rub down each slice of ribs with a third of your seasoning or dry rub, ensuring that the seasoning covers the whole surface.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious pork ribs in your Ninja Foodi.
Seasoning Your Ribs For Maximum Flavor
Seasoning your ribs properly is key to achieving maximum flavor. A dry rub is a great way to add flavor to your ribs, and it’s easy to make in your own kitchen with a combination of herbs, spices, salts, and sugars.
The four components that make up a rub are salt, sugar, herbs, and spices. Kosher salt is recommended over table salt because it doesn’t have that chemical-like taste and the larger crystals are ideal for drawing out moisture in meat. Brown sugar adds a caramelized, molasses flavor to the meat and doesn’t burn as quickly as processed white sugar for longer cooking times.
Varying your combination of herbs and spices is something to play with, and while the seasonings may taste intense on their own, once they’ve melded into the meat, they add just the right amount of flavor. Sweet paprika, dark brown sugar, freshly ground black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, celery salt, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper are all great options to use in your dry rub.
To season your ribs properly, generously rub the seasoning on both sides of the rib racks and wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours but optimally 24 hours and up to 48 hours. This allows the meat to absorb all of the seasoning’s flavor before it’s cooked.
When cooking your ribs in the Ninja Foodi air fryer, place one slice of ribs in the pressure cooker pot with BBQ sauce and apple cider. Make sure that the ribs are coated in BBQ sauce and spoon more sauce over them if necessary. Then pressure cook them for 30 minutes on high. Once done, remove them from the pot and place them on a clean plate.
Next, place your air fryer basket into the pot upside down so that it sits lower to the bottom and your ribs will fit with lid closed. Pour a bit of sauce from pot or more BBQ sauce from another jar on top of each piece and close air fryer lid. Set to air crisp at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
By following these seasoning tips and using the Ninja Foodi air fryer to cook your ribs, you’ll be able to achieve maximum flavor that will have everyone talking about your delicious ribs!
Pressure Cooking Your Ribs In The Ninja Foodi
Pressure cooking your ribs in the Ninja Foodi is an easy and efficient way to cook tender and juicy pork ribs. To start, prepare your ribs by cutting them into serving-size portions that will fit into your Foodi air fryer basket.
Next, place one slice of ribs in the pressure cooker pot, with the meat side facing the sides of the pot and wrapped around. Pour a bottle of barbecue sauce on top of the ribs and into the pot. Then add apple cider to the pot.
Make sure that the ribs are coated in BBQ sauce, and spoon more sauce over them if necessary. Close the pressure cooker lid and turn on the pot. Press the pressure button and set it to high for 30 minutes (timing is good for 3-4 lbs of ribs to completely fall off the bone).
Allow to naturally release steam for 5 minutes at end, then release remaining steam.
Once your ribs are done pressure cooking, remove them from the pot and place them on a clean plate. Pour sauce from pot into a bowl and rinse out inner pot if desired.
Place your air fryer basket into the pot upside down so that it sits lower to the bottom and your ribs will fit with lid closed. If you want really crispy ribs, only place 2 pieces of ribs in at a time on to rack.
Pour a bit of sauce from pot or more BBQ sauce from another jar on top of each piece and close air fryer lid (lid that is attached). Set to air crisp, 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Check and if you want them crispier then add a few more minutes.
Remove and add other racks the same way to crisp outside.
Once your ribs are done air frying, remove them from the basket and let them rest for at least five minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve remaining sauce on the side if desired. With these simple steps, you can easily make delicious pork ribs in your Ninja Foodi pressure cooker.
Air Frying Your Ribs For A Perfect Finish
Air frying your pork ribs is a great way to achieve a crispy and delicious finish. Here are some tips to ensure your ribs come out perfectly cooked:
1. Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the ribs. This will ensure that the air fryer is at the right temperature and will help to cook the ribs evenly.
2. Use cooking spray: To prevent the ribs from sticking to the air fryer basket, spray it with cooking spray before adding the ribs.
3. Cook in batches: If you have a lot of ribs to cook, it’s best to cook them in batches. This will ensure that they cook evenly and that they don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
4. Flip the ribs: To ensure that both sides of the ribs are crispy, flip them halfway through the cooking process.
5. Brush with sauce: Brushing the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking will give them a delicious flavor and help to caramelize the sauce.
6. Check for doneness: To make sure your ribs are fully cooked, check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked and deliciously crispy pork ribs in your Ninja Foodi air fryer. Enjoy!
Applying BBQ Sauce For Extra Flavor
For those who want to add an extra layer of flavor to their Ninja Foodi pork ribs, applying BBQ sauce is a must. Here’s how to do it:
After pressure cooking your ribs, remove them from the pot and place them on a clean plate. Pour the remaining sauce from the pot into a separate bowl and set aside.
Next, brush your favorite BBQ sauce onto each slice of ribs with a basting brush or spoon. Make sure that the sauce is evenly distributed on both sides of the ribs.
If you want your ribs to have a caramelized finish, you can also place them on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes.
Once your ribs are sauced up, place them back into the air fryer basket and set it to air crisp at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Check them periodically and add more time if needed until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
When your ribs are done, remove them from the basket and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top of the ribs or serve it on the side for dipping.
By following these steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked, tender, juicy, and expertly seasoned pork ribs with an extra layer of delicious BBQ flavor in your Ninja Foodi.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Pork Ribs.
Now that your pork ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! Here are some tips to help you make the most of your delicious meal:
1. Serve with Your Favorite Side Dishes
Pork ribs are a versatile dish that goes well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include baked beans, green beans with bacon, zucchini pancakes, grilled sweet potatoes, carrot and parsnip puree, grilled romaine lettuce with lemon and parmesan, parmesan roasted broccoli, fried onion rings and mashed potatoes. Choose your favorite sides to complement your pork ribs and create a well-rounded meal.
2. Slice and Serve
Once your pork ribs have rested for at least five minutes, it’s time to slice and serve them. Use a sharp knife to cut the meat between the bones into individual portions. Arrange the slices on a platter and serve with your chosen side dishes.
3. Enjoy with Your Favorite Beverages
Pork ribs pair well with a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, and soda. Choose your favorite drink to enjoy alongside your meal.
4. Store Leftovers Properly
If you have any leftover pork ribs, be sure to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
By following these tips, you can serve and enjoy your delicious pork ribs like a pro!
