Country style pork ribs are a popular cut of meat that comes from the blade end of the loin. They contain a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which results in tender, juicy ribs when cooked properly
While grilling and oven roasting are traditional cooking methods for ribs, using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make country style pork ribs with crispy edges and a tender interior. Air frying ribs takes only 20-25 minutes compared to oven roasting which can take over an hour.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know to make mouthwatering country style pork ribs in an air fryer, including:
- Benefits of cooking ribs in an air fryer
- Choosing the right cut of ribs
- Prepping and seasoning the ribs
- Step-by-step air fryer cooking directions
- Serving suggestions and side dishes
Benefits of Cooking Ribs in an Air Fryer
Here are some of the biggest benefits of using an air fryer to cook country style pork ribs:
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Fast cooking times – Ribs are done in 20-25 minutes in an air fryer versus over an hour in the oven. This makes air frying ideal for weeknight meals.
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Crispy exterior – The circulating hot air crisps up and browns the exterior of the ribs Air fryers produce that desirable slightly charred finish you’d get from grilling or broiling
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Juicy interior – While the outside gets crispy, the inside stays nice and juicy. The natural fat in country style ribs ensures they don’t dry out.
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Less mess – Air frying contain ribs and liquids unlike oven roasting which can cause a mess. It also reduces smoke compared to grilling them.
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Convenient – Simply throw the seasoned ribs in the basket and set the timer. The air fryer does the work for you.
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Versatile – Works for both boneless and bone-in country style pork ribs.
Choosing the Right Cut of Ribs for the Air Fryer
Selecting country style pork ribs is easy when you know what to look for:
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Boneless or bone-in – Both boneless and bone-in ribs work well in the air fryer. Go with whichever you prefer.
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Meaty – Choose ribs that have a good amount of meat on them and aren’t just all bone.
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Uniform sizing – Get ribs that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
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1 to 1 1/2 inches thick – Go for ribs that are on the thicker side so they stay juicy. Thinner ribs can dry out.
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Untrimmed – Avoid trimmed ribs since the fat helps keep them moist while cooking. Untrimmed is best.
Prepping Country Style Ribs for the Air Fryer
Properly preparing the ribs before air frying is important for maximum flavor and tenderness:
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Remove membrane – If using bone-in ribs, peel off the thin membrane on the underside for tenderness.
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Pat dry – Use paper towels to dry the ribs so seasoning adheres.
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Season generously – Coat both sides with a dry rub or spice blend. Press it into the meat.
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Refrigerate for 1 hour – Chilling firms up the ribs so they hold their shape better while cooking.
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Bring to room temp – Take ribs out of the fridge 20 minutes before air frying so they cook evenly.
Air Fryer Country Style Rib Dry Rub
A flavorful dry rub adds so much taste to ribs before air frying. Here’s my go-to homemade spice blend:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Mix together in a small bowl. Rub it evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat.
Step-by-Step Directions for Air Frying Country Style Pork Ribs
Follow these simple steps for finger-licking country style pork ribs made in the air fryer:
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Remove membrane (bone-in ribs) – Use a knife to peel off the thin membrane.
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Pat ribs dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Apply dry rub – Coat both sides generously with homemade or store-bought dry rub.
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Refrigerate for 1 hour – Chill ribs so the dry rub adheres and ribs hold their shape.
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Preheat air fryer to 370°F – Use 370°F for crispy edges without overcooking.
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Cook ribs for 12 minutes – Place ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 12 minutes initially.
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Flip and cook 12 more minutes – Turn ribs over using tongs. Cook an additional 12 minutes.
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Brush with BBQ sauce – Open the basket and lightly brush ribs with BBQ sauce.
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Cook 2 more minutes – Cook 2 minutes more to caramelize the BBQ sauce.
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Check internal temperature – Temperature should be 145°F for safe pork.
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Let rest 5 minutes – The ribs will continue cooking as they rest.
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Brush again with BBQ sauce – Coat ribs with more sauce before serving if desired.
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Enjoy immediately – Dig into these delicious air fried country style pork ribs!
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Country style pork ribs pair nicely with so many sides. Here are some of my favorites:
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Coleslaw – Crunchy, creamy coleslaw complements the ribs.
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Corn on the cob – Grilled or roasted corn is a classic.
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Baked beans – Sweet, tangy baked beans are a traditional rib pairing.
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Mac and cheese – Who doesn’t love mac and cheese with BBQ ribs?
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Potato salad – Cool, creamy potato salad balances the ribs.
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Collard greens – Earthy, seasoned collards are a southern tradition.
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Cornbread – Moist cornbread soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
FAQs About Making Country Style Pork Ribs in an Air Fryer
What’s the best temperature for air frying ribs?
- The ideal temperature range is 370°F to 400°F. This crisps the outside without overcooking the inside. Start at 370°F and increase to 400°F if needed.
How long should I cook country style pork ribs in an air fryer?
- Boneless ribs take 20-25 minutes at 370°F to 400°F. Bone-in ribs take 24-28 minutes. Check for 145°F internal temperature.
Do I need to flip the ribs during cooking?
- Yes, flipping the ribs halfway through is recommended for even browning and cooking. Use tongs to carefully flip them.
Can I air fry frozen country style ribs?
- It’s best to thaw ribs in the refrigerator before air frying. Starting with frozen ribs inhibits browning and cooking.
Should I brush with BBQ sauce at the end?
- Lightly brushing ribs with sauce 5 minutes before finished adds flavor and promotes caramelization.
Make Weeknight Country Style Pork Ribs in Your Air Fryer
Air frying allows you to enjoy tender, tasty country style pork ribs any night of the week. The air fryer speeds up cooking while still infusing barbecue flavor and juiciness.