How to Cook Tender, Juicy Pork Ribs in the Ninja Foodi

As someone who loves barbeque ribs, I was excited to try making them in my new Ninja Foodi. The Ninja Foodi is a multi-cooker that can pressure cook, air fry slow cook steam, sear, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and more all in one appliance. I was hopeful it could make ribs just as delicious as my outdoor grill or smoker.

After experimenting with different cuts of ribs and cook times, I’ve perfected juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs in the Ninja Foodi Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to make tender pork ribs in the Ninja Foodi

Step 1: Choose Your Ribs

The most common types of pork ribs are:

• Baby back ribs – From the upper ribcage near the spine Most tender and expensive cut

• Spare ribs – From the belly side of the pig. More fat and collagen. Need longer cook time.

• Country-style ribs – From the shoulder near the loin. Meatier with more bone.

• St. Louis ribs – Rectangular cut spare ribs. Leaner meat, less bone.

For the Ninja Foodi, I prefer baby back or St. Louis style ribs. They tend to cook quicker and more evenly. Spare ribs work too if you increase cook time.

Step 2: Remove Membrane

Ribs have a thin, tough membrane on the backside. For tender ribs, you need to remove it first.

Use a paper towel to grip it, then slide a knife under to loosen it. Peel it off slowly like a sticker. This allows seasonings and smoke to penetrate the meat better.

Step 3: Season the Ribs

Next, season your ribs all over with your favorite rub or marinade. Get the seasoning evenly on both sides.

Some simple seasoning options:

• Brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Memphis style – Brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, garlic, cumin
• Kansas City style – Brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, garlic, onion, cayenne

You can also marinate ribs overnight in a sauce or marinade to infuse maximum flavor.

Step 4: Position the Ribs

Place ribs meaty side up in the Ninja Foodi pot. Try to avoid stacking ribs directly on top of each other.

Lean ribs against each other meat side in to allow air flow and even cooking. You may need to cut racks in half.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Pour 1 cup of liquid in pot. This can be broth, beer, juice or water. Pour more sauce/marinade over ribs.

Close the pressure cooker lid. Set to high pressure for 18-25 minutes depending on amount and type of ribs. Let pressure release naturally 10 minutes.

Pressure cooking tenderizes the ribs and infuses the meat with flavors.

Step 6: Apply Sauce

Carefully remove ribs from pot. Brush your favorite bbq sauce generously on both sides of the racks.

Use tongs and gloves as the racks will be super hot! Let the sauce caramelize slightly.

Step 7: Air Crisp (Optional)

For crispy, caramelized ribs, air crisp for 5-8 minutes at 400F. Place ribs meaty side up on the air fryer rack. Brush again with sauce before serving.

The high heat makes the sauce sticky and chars the outside just like grilling. Be careful not to burn.

Step 8: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let ribs rest 5 minutes before cutting into individual ribs. Slice between each bone.

Serve ribs hot with extra sauce on the side. Dip and enjoy these finger-lickin’ ribs!

The Ninja Foodi makes juicy, fall-off-the-bone tender ribs without needing to parboil or grill them first. The pressure and air crisp settings give them incredible flavor.

Adjust cook times based on the amount and type of ribs. And take ribs out as soon as they are tender – they can overcook quickly.