Air fryer pork ribs
Enjoy the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and savoury flavours with our air fryer pork ribs. These ribs are marinated in apple juice and dark muscovado sugar, seasoned with spices like paprika and cumin, and cooked in the air fryer for a quick, crispy finish. Serve with golden potato wedges and creamy coleslaw if you really want to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Ribs
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800 g
Pork ribs
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50 ml
Apple juice
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2 tbsp
Butter
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40 g
Dark muscovado sugar
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1 tbsp
Paprika powder
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|
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1 tbsp
Ground cumin
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2
Garlic cloves
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1 tsp
Salt
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Potato wedges
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900 g
Potatoes
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1 tbsp
Butter
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|
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½ tsp
Salt
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½ tsp
Freshly ground black pepper
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Coleslaw
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300 g
White cabbages
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100 g
Carrots
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200 ml
Creme fraiche
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1 tbsp
Dijon mustard
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|
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½ tsp
Salt
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To serve
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250 g
Cherry tomatoes
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|---|
Instructions
Ribs
Potato wedges
Coleslaw
To serve
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Choose baby back ribs or spareribs, as their size and thickness work well in the air fryer. Look for ribs with an even layer of meat and a little marbling for tenderness. Trim away any excess fat and remove the thin membrane on the back; this helps the marinade soak in and keeps the ribs tender. Cut the rack into smaller sections so they fit in the basket without overlapping. Marinate the ribs well and let them come to room temperature before cooking.
Preheating the air fryer makes a big difference when cooking ribs. Set it to 180 °C and let it heat for 2–5 minutes before adding the meat. This helps the surface brown evenly while sealing in the juices. You get tender ribs with a beautifully glazed, slightly caramelised crust.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer pork ribs
This FAQ section answers all your questions to help you make tender, tasty air fryer ribs.
How long do pork ribs take to cook in an air fryer?
Cook the pork ribs in the air fryer for 25–30 minutes at 180 °C, turning once halfway through. But keep in mind that the exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of the ribs and the air fryer model used.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are done when their internal temperature reaches about 70 °C. The meat should be tender and pull away from the bones, with a browned, slightly sticky surface from the glaze but not burnt.
Is it safe to eat pork ribs with a slight pink colour?
Yes, you can eat pork ribs with a slight pink colour if they have reached a safe internal temperature of about 70 °C. The pink colour might be due to the cooking method or the natural pigments in the meat, and does not indicate whether the meat is cooked. Always use the internal temperature as your guide to ensure the pork is safe to eat.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
3480 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 35.9 gram fibers |
| Protein | 20 | 171.6 gram |
| Fat | 53.6 | 210.8 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 26.4 | 226.1 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Cook our perfectly marinated air fryer pork ribs
These air fryer pork ribs turn out tender and juicy with a beautifully caramelised glaze that tastes like it has come straight from the barbecue. Cooking them in the air fryer cuts down the time while still locking in flavour and creating crispy, slightly charred edges.
The great thing is that air-fried pork ribs are not just for weeknight cooking; they make an impressive centrepiece when you want to gather friends or family around the table. Their bold, smoky-sweet flavour and glossy finish invite everyone to dig in and get their hands dirty. And remember, sticky fingers are part of the experience of eating ribs, so do not be afraid to make a mess.
Sweet-smoky marinade for a caramelised crust
Sweet smoke, gentle heat, and a glossy glaze, that is the kind of goodness this marinade delivers. Dark muscovado sugar adds molasses richness and makes way for caramelisation, so the surface turns sticky and shiny, just as we like it.
Apple juice brings light fruitiness and a little acidity, helping the meat stay juicy while brightening the spices. Paprika, cumin, and garlic provide a warm, aromatic taste that balances the sweetness.
In the air fryer, the sugars bubble and set into a sticky-savoury crust with lightly charred edges, while the ribs remain succulent.
Serve with potato wedges, creamy coleslaw, and fresh tomatoes
An air fryer rib feast feels complete only with sumptuous sides, and this recipe includes everything you need for the whole table. Golden potato wedges come out crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, offering a classic comfort food pairing.
Creamy coleslaw provides a cool, tangy contrast, with shredded cabbage and carrot adding crunch and light sweetness against the richness of the ribs. Mixing Dijon mustard with crème fraiche gives it a creamy base with a bit of warmth. We also include some juicy cherry tomatoes to add some colour and freshness to the plate.
If you are looking to make other impressive meals, do not miss out on these easy air fryer options. Recipes like air fryer hamburgers, air fryer chicken wings, and air fryer chicken drumsticks are excellent if you want the barbecue vibes without the barbecue.
Transform the recipe into your very own
These pork ribs are delicious as they are, but the marinade leaves plenty of room for experimentation. Try swapping the apple juice for cola to deepen the sweetness, or stir in chilli flakes or cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
You can also use maple syrup and orange juice for the marinade. They form a tangy-sweet glaze that caramelises beautifully, coating the ribs in a light citrus shine. Even a pinch of chilli brings a gentle warmth, while smoked paprika and cumin lend a toasty, smoky note that keeps the sweetness in check.
Also, consider a soy-ginger sesame glaze. Soy sauce and honey cook down into a savoury coating that clings to every rib, while ginger and garlic infuse fresh heat and fragrance. A few drops of toasted sesame oil add nutty richness and round out the glaze, perfect for those who love a sweet-salty combo.
